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This is Issue #58 of the Smart Homes School weekly newsletter — free smart home news for professionals and enthusiasts, every Wednesday. Subscribe here to get it in your inbox first. Good morning, smart home enthusiasts. A lot is happening this week, and most of it has direct implications for how you spec and price […]
This is Issue #57 of the Smart Homes School weekly newsletter — free smart home news for professionals and enthusiasts, every Monday. Subscribe here to get it in your inbox first. A busy first week of April in the smart home world. Home Assistant released its April update, and it is genuinely one of the […]
What Does a Smart Home Installer Earn? It’s one of the first questions people ask when they’re thinking about getting into this industry seriously — and the honest answer is that it depends almost entirely on how you position yourself. A smart home installer working as a hired hand, billing by the hour for someone […]
If you’re searching for smart home installer training, you’ll quickly find that the options don’t make it easy to compare. Some routes require you to travel and take time off work. Some are tied to specific product brands. Some are genuinely useful for building a business, and some are more about the certificate than the […]
How to Become a Smart Home Installer The smart home installation market is growing fast. Homeowners want connected lighting, smart security, automated thermostats and voice control — and most of them have no idea how to set it up properly. That gap between what people want and what they can do themselves is exactly where […]
The year 2026 has officially ushered in a new era for the rental market. Between the latest energy efficiency mandates and the tightening of landlord banding regulations in Ireland and the UK, the “old way” of managing property—folders of paper and manual check-ins—is no longer just inefficient; it’s a compliance risk. For the modern “Smart […]
For years, we’ve discussed the “Smart Home” as a sanctuary of convenience. We’ve reviewed the best thermostats, the crispest security cameras, and the most reliable smart locks. But there is a glaring friction point that the industry rarely discusses: The Handover. When a homeowner installs a Nest or a Ring, they hold the keys to […]
The future of the smart home is no longer about novelty—it’s about profitability, security, and recurring revenue. For years, the industry was bogged down by simple DIY gadgets and endless compatibility issues. In 2026, the technological shifts we are seeing will finally create an unassailable wall between the amateur installer and the high-fee consultant. We’ve […]
You’re The Go-To Tech Pro. Why Are You Still Working for Wages? If you’re an electrician, alarm technician, or IT professional, you already have the skills to build a smart home. You know how to pull cable, troubleshoot a network, and install a device faster and cleaner than any DIY homeowner. But let’s be honest: […]
If there is one thing every Smart Home Installer knows, it’s that a smart home is only as smart as the network it runs on. We’ve all been there—trying to explain to a client why their new video doorbell is lagging or why their VR headset needs a wired backhaul. That is why we are […]
Introducing the Smart Home Planner: Your New Tool for Designing a Reliable, Compatible, Future-Proof Smart Home System Smart home technology has exploded over the past few years — but with growth comes complexity. Between Matter, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Thread, hubs, bridges, and proprietary ecosystems, even enthusiasts struggle to answer a simple question: “Which devices actually […]
The Reality of Being the “Smart Home CTO” If you’ve ever heard, “The Wi-Fi’s down again!” echo through your house, you’re not alone.As the unofficial Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of our home, I’ve learned that keeping a smart home running smoothly starts with one thing a rock-solid Wi-Fi network. Over the years, my wife and […]
The Rise of the Smart Home CTO Every household has one, the person everyone turns to when “the Wi-Fi is slow,” “Netflix won’t load,” or “the new smart bulb won’t connect.”They might not have the official title, but they play a crucial role: the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the modern smart home. Whether it’s […]
As we embrace the era of smart homes and connected devices, it’s crucial to prioritize the protection of our privacy. With every new device we add to our homes, the potential for our personal information to be compromised increases. From smart speakers to security cameras, the convenience they provide comes with the risk of unauthorized […]
In today’s connected world, smart homes have become increasingly popular, offering convenience and automation at our fingertips. However, with all the benefits come potential security risks. It’s more important than ever to ensure the safety of your smart home devices and protect your personal information from cyber threats. With these five essential tips, you can […]
Looking to master the art of smart home installation? Look no further! Our online course titled Certified Next-Generation Smart Home Installer (NGSHI) Professional Training Program is here to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to become an expert in this rapidly growing field. In this comprehensive course, you’ll learn everything from the […]
How to Start a Smart Home Installer Side Hustle The smart home industry is growing fast. Homeowners want smart lighting, automated security, voice control, multi-room audio — and most of them have no idea how to set it up properly. That’s where you come in. If you already work in IT, electrical, AV, security, or […]
Are you looking for a rewarding career in a booming industry? Look no further than the smart home automation industry. With the rapid advancement of technology, smart homes have become increasingly popular, creating a high demand for skilled professionals who can install and integrate smart devices seamlessly. Smart home installation jobs offer a lucrative career […]
Are you looking for the ultimate home security system? With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you. That’s why we have created the ultimate home security systems comparison guide to help you make an informed choice. In this article, we will compare various […]
Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to install the Ring Doorbell Pro! Whether you’re looking to enhance your home security or streamline package deliveries, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve a seamless setup. The Ring Doorbell Pro is a cutting-edge smart device that allows you to monitor and interact with visitors at your […]
Welcome to the Ultimate Guide on how to set up your Ring Doorbell! If you’ve just purchased this popular smart home device, you’re in for a treat. In this step-by-step instruction manual, we will walk you through the entire process of setting up your Ring Doorbell, so you can enjoy enhanced home security and convenience. […]
Enhancing home security has become a top priority for homeowners, and the Ring Doorbell 3 offers a convenient and effective solution. With its advanced features and easy installation process, this smart doorbell allows you to keep an eye on your property from anywhere in the world. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through […]
In the fast-paced world of modern technology, the concept of smart homes has become a widespread phenomenon. With homeowners seeking increased convenience, security, and energy efficiency, the demand for skilled smart home installers has skyrocketed. If you’re intrigued by the idea of turning your tech skills into a fulfilling career, becoming a certified smart home […]
In the bustling digital age of 2023, the smart home revolution has ushered in a new era of convenience and efficiency. Beyond their role in transforming how we live, smart home devices have unlocked a golden opportunity for tech-savvy individuals to tap into a lucrative side hustle. In this guide, we’ll explore how installing smart […]
In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, the role of an electronic technician has become more vital than ever before. As our lives become increasingly dependent on digital devices, the need for skilled professionals who can repair, maintain, and troubleshoot these intricate systems is on the rise. From smartphones to laptops, from home appliances to advanced […]
Get ready, because the countdown to CEDIA 2023 has begun! As the premier event for the home technology industry, CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) never fails to impress. With each passing year, this highly anticipated gathering brings together the brightest minds, innovative products, and cutting-edge trends that shape the future of the smart […]
Are you ready to transform your home into a smart and connected haven? Look no further! Introducing the ultimate smart home installation course – a comprehensive guide that will take you from a novice to an expert in no time. With technology evolving at lightning speed, keeping up with the latest smart home trends can […]
Are you embarking on a new project that involves electronic installations? Whether it’s setting up a home theater system or installing security cameras, hiring professional electronic installers can make a world of difference. In this fast-paced digital age, where technology is constantly evolving, it’s essential to have experts who understand the intricacies of electronic systems. […]
The rapid advancement of technology has seeped into every aspect of our lives, transforming the way we communicate, work, and even how we manage our homes. From controlling your thermostat with a smartphone app to remotely unlocking your front door for a delivery, the concept of a “smart home” has become a ubiquitous part of […]
Are you ready to take your home to the next level? Imagine walking into a house that anticipates your every need and effortlessly enhances your daily routine. With the rapid advancement of technology, turning your home into a smart, connected space is now more accessible than ever. This is where a smart home installation app […]
Welcome to the future of home automation, where smart home installers are revolutionizing the way we live. Gone are the days of manually controlling lights, appliances, and security systems. Thanks to advancements in technology, our homes can now be transformed into intelligent spaces that anticipate our needs and enhance our daily lives. From voice-controlled assistants […]
Are you ready to transform your home into a futuristic haven of convenience and automation? Installing a smart home system may seem daunting for beginners, but fear not! With our step-by-step guide, you’ll be well on your way to a more connected and efficient living space in no time. From smart thermostats that learn your […]
If you’re an electrician looking to expand your skill set and offer your clients more advanced smart home installations, becoming certified as a smart home installer is a smart move. Not only will it give you a competitive edge in the market, but it will also allow you to provide more comprehensive services and increase […]
[Ireland] – Smart homes are the future of modern living, and with the growing demand for smart home technologies, there is a need for qualified professionals who can install and maintain these systems. In response to this need, Smart Homes School is excited to announce the launch of our new Smart Home Certification Exam. The […]
Official Matter Site What is Matter and why is it important for your smart home? Wikipedia Matter Smart Home Page FAQ – frequently asked questions about matter All You Need To Know About The Smart Home Matter Protocol Connectivity Standards Alliance Twitter Page Interesting Reddit Thread About the Matter Smart Home Protocol Smart Home Matter: […]
Hello, fellow smart homers! How’s it going; we have a mini heatwave here in Ireland this week, Yipee! Went to the beach, over in County Clare on Friday; and had a pretty cool day over there; so on the smart home side of the house, here are some snippets of news that might catch your […]
The smart home market is growing at a very rapid rate. The market is projected to amass a value of around $313 billion by 2026. However, this figure could soar higher based on the popularity the home automation technology is getting. Nowadays, many home homeowners want to have at least one smart home gadget in […]
Among all the automation platforms out there, Samsung SmartThings is among the most popular ones. Ever since it was launched back in 2013, SmartThings has been turning heads in the smart home industry. One of its biggest inventions to date is the SmartThings hub. Not only is this smart hub one of the most affordable […]
If you’re looking to automate your home, Google Home is one of the best ways to go. This is because Google Home compatible devices are some of the best you’ll find in the smart home market. Having Google-compatible devices in your home means that you’ll be using Google Assistant to control them. The best thing […]
Before the smart home industry buzz began, Google was mainly known for being a search engine giant. Other than that, the other aspects that users would ever associate Google with were pay-per-click ads and, of course, Google+. However, all this is not the case now. Ever since, through Google Ventures, the search engine giant now […]
Google is undoubtedly one of the biggest automation players in the smart home industry. The company is responsible for a significant share of some of the smart devices you see in the market today. The reason most homeowners prefer automating their homes using Google is that it is all-rounded. Google has a variety of all […]
Google Home has changed a lot since it first launched. The original cylindrical speakers are long gone, folded into the Nest lineup, and in 2025 Google rebuilt the whole platform around Gemini, its AI assistant. If you are weighing up Google Home for your own place or for a client, here is where it actually […]
Ever since Apple launched Siri for the iPhone, more voice assistants have been unveiled. Amazon has given us Alexa for its smart hubs while Google has followed suit with Google Assistant. Microsoft and Samsung also have their own versions with Cortana and Bixby, respectively.. There is no denying that people with disabilities have been […]
It’s no secret that the smart home industry is growing at the fastest rate yet. According to various reports, the industry will be worth around a whopping $160 billion by 2023. These reports also suggest that over 300 million homes across the globe will have at least one smart gadget installed by the same year. […]
Apple is one of the major companies that provide home automation solutions to homeowners. While you might think that all automation companies provide the same solutions to users, Apple Homekit is a bit different. Nowadays, most people view Apple as the future of home automation because it provides a unique vision to homeowners. This is […]
Automating your home has never been easier. Nowadays, you can control the functionalities of your smart devices anyhow you want. It can be via a mobile app, a smart speaker or a digital voice assistant. Voice assistants have become increasingly popular among homeowners because of their ease of use and their interpersonal relationship. Three digital […]
In recent years, the home automation industry has been going through extensive developments. Back in December of 2019, the biggest one yet happened. The ambitious project CHIP was born, and ever since, smart home enthusiasts have been talking about what it could mean to the new age of smart devices. While the smart home industry […]
Hi, First and foremost apologies for the slight delay this week. The smart home continues to expand, and here are the top stories for last week: HomeKit Fans Fans! a topic I rarely if ever touch on the subject because I live here in Windy Ireland. But…for those of you who live in Sunnier climates […]
Hi, Morning everybody from this part of the world, hope all is good. No major news here, we do have a ‘bank’ holiday weekend, so tomorrow is a holiday, which is great! Hoping for some good weather. Here are this week’s smart home stories: And More Thread Smart Devices 🧵 Yep, I am going to […]
Hi, Morning everyone; hope all is well, a great weekend so far, Sun melting the heavens yesterday, and got some lawns cut. And, have lots of burgers and steak ready for a big barbeque later today! On the smart home front, here’s what caught my eye this last week: A six-foot smart lamp 🪔 Yep, […]
Honeywell and Nest are without a doubt the most popular manufacturers of smart thermostats. The two companies have been known to manufacture smart thermostats that are both energy efficient and convenient to use. Among the best-selling smart thermostats from each brand is the Honeywell RTH9580WF Wi-Fi smart thermostat and Nest Learning thermostat. These thermostats have […]
In recent years, home automation has become very popular among many homeowners. Everyone nowadays is looking to ensure that all their home functionalities happen conveniently. A smart hub acts as centralized control where you can connect all compatible devices. Equipped with digital voice assistants and a mobile app, you can control all your smart devices […]
For home automation needs, Google offers users a wide range of Google and Nest products. These smart devices ensure that a Google-powered smart home is both high-performance and runs smoothly. The list of home automation products offered by Google includes smart hubs and speakers. They include Nest Mini, Google Max, Nest Hub Max, Nest Hub, […]
Smart home automation is one of the greatest investments any homeowner can make. Home automation ensures that all your home functionalities run with ease while you’re enjoying all the comfort. One of the most important smart devices you might need or not is the smart hub. A smart is ensures that your smart products from […]
Apple Homekit is one of the most well-known home automation platforms in the smart home industry. This platform is made purposely for the Apple product owners who want to switch to smart homes. With Apple Homekit, you can control any Homekit-compatible smart devices from the lights, door locks, doorbells, thermostats, smart cameras to motion sensors […]
Among the most important smart devices, you can get for your smart home is a thermostat. Regardless of the season, a smart thermostat will intelligently heat or cool your home based on your preferences. There are many companies that manufacture smart thermostats for the smart home industry. Google Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell, Sensibo, among other companies, […]
If you are building an Apple smart home in 2026, one question comes up before almost any other: do you need an Apple Home hub, and which device should it be? This guide answers both, and clears up the confusion left over from the old “HomeKit hub” days — because Apple has changed the rules […]
It’s understandable that you might have a limited budget when you decide to purchase smart devices. Otherwise, you want to get the very best smart home device that the category has to offer. Whatever device you get, you want it to fit your lifestyle and have the best functionality. It could be a smart bulb, […]
If you’re looking to automate your home, you must have heard about Apple Homekit or Samsung SmartThings. This is because they are by far the most popular smart home automation platforms in the market. These two brands have managed to stay at the top of the smart home industry for this long is because they […]
Making the switch to a smart home is one of the best decisions you can make!Here are the different ways to make a smart home: How to Make a Smart Home – Eve Homekit Technologies How to Make a Smart Home – Honeywell Smart Devices How to Make a Smart Home – Meross Smart Devices […]
The smart home industry is growing rapidly, and new companies are joining every day. All these companies are trying to get a piece of this ever-growing market while also working to provide more automation solutions to their customers. As a homeowner, it has become a bit confusing to know which brand is suitable for your […]
When you’re setting up your smart home, besides comfort and convenience, you’re thinking about the affordability of the home automation platform to use. As much as there are many home automation companies nowadays, some offer relatively expensive smart products compared to others. This is a factor that most homeowners might be skeptical about since they […]
Making the switch to a smart home is one of the best decisions you can make right now. You want to automate your home so that it can fit your daily routines and schedules. One of the best ways to get started on your home automation is to get a good central hub. A hub […]
When you decide to switch to a smart home, comfort and convenience aren’t the only things you’re thinking about. You want to ensure that all your central hub and smart devices incorporate total privacy in their functions. The Hubitat Elevation Smart Hub was created for that exact purpose. Not only is this hub among the […]
With the smart home industry getting overcrowded by the day, it’s understandable to get confused about what brand to go for. Although none of these brands are offering something that stands out, there is one that is guaranteed to offer you reliability and convenience for your home. That brand is Yale, and it’s also the […]
With the smart home industry growing rapidly, many brands are entering the market to create a name for themselves while also providing automation solutions for users. SwichBot is among the fastest-growing companies in the smart home industry. The company has won many homeowners’ hearts since it launched its Kickstarter campaign back in 2016. If you’re […]
When you’re building your ideal smart home, you want to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth and high-performance from your smart devices. With the numerous brands in the smart home market today, it might be quite challenging to pick the best brands for your automation needs. Some brands only specialize in the basics, while […]
If you follow the smart home industry closely, you must have come across the name Eufy. It is a division of the electronic company known as Anker, and it specializes in manufacturing smart home products to ensure security, comfort, and efficiency in smart homes. From its smart lighting, smart security cameras, smart locks to smart […]
If you’ve ever wanted to turn your house into a futuristic home, there is no better time than now. Nowadays, their smart technology for almost everything out there, whether it’s smart lights, smart thermostats, smart plugs, smart security cameras, smart speakers, or smart doorbells, there are various devices to choose from. While most of the […]
While setting up your dream smart home, one of the most important things to consider is security. You want to ensure that your home will be safe whether you’re around or not. Many smart home brands and platforms have made security their main thing and have unveiled several products towards the same, but none of […]
Eve Homekit is a line of smart home devices that integrates and works well with Apple Homekit. Since its introduction, the smart home platform has been manufacturing high-end products to ensure that homeowners ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and comfort in their smart homes. With recent updates, Eve systems incorporate the Thread wireless connection standard into their […]
In recent times, smart homes have become increasingly popular among many people. This might be down to the fact that they provide an elevated sense of comfort, convenience, and safety for homeowners. Many tech heavyweights have joined the race to control the smart home industry. Among those companies include Google, Apple, Amazon, and Xiaomi. Xiaomi […]
When home automation is mentioned, Ecobee is one of the names you’re likely to hear. Ecobee is a Canadian smart home company specializing in manufacturing smart thermostats, smart sensors, and smart cameras. As far as the best smart thermostats in the smart home industry are concerned, Ecobee makes some of the best you can find. […]
Philips Hue is an established line of smart LED lights and fixtures. It is without a doubt the most renowned smart lighting brand among many smart homes. From its fancy lights, popular multicolor lights, and the ever–affordable white lights, Philips Hue has smart lights suitable for every home’s needs. Whenever you’re planning on switching to […]
Sonos is one of the biggest players in the smart home industry. What makes Sonos preferable for homeowners trying to switch to smart homes is that its smart devices are easily integrated into other smart home systems. The days requiring lots of wiring to set up a multi-room music system are long gone. Nowadays, with […]
Control4 is without a doubt one of the most prominent and easily recognizable forms of smart home automation in the marketplace. Long before Google, Amazon, or Samsung made a mark in the smart home industry, Control4 was already an established brand. Control4 has been providing smart home solutions to their customers for years. The company […]
Lutron is a company that has been built and developed around manufacturing, designing, and selling products ranging from dimmers to smart light systems. Lutron smart lighting is commonly used in many smart homes around the world, and that trend doesn’t seem to slow down anytime soon. Lutron’s products have helped create comfortable and even safer […]
With the increase in demand for smart home products, every day, there is a new company trying to enter the market. If you’re looking for one of the more reliable companies to help you realize your smart home transformation, Ring is what you need. Ring LLC is a home security and manufacturer of smart home […]
Smart homes are becoming increasingly popular by the day, and it’s just a matter of time before most of the world’s population gets in on it. If you’re trying to convert your home into a smart home, you must have learned that there are too many brands to choose from, and it might become confusing […]
The home automation idea would have sounded ridiculous some years back, but nowadays, it is a part of many people’s lives. One way to set up a convenient and effective smart home is to implement Apple Homekit. Apple Homekit is a system that lets users of its iOS products control their smart home devices for […]
There is no denying that Alexa is one of the best and most popular digital voice assistants out there. Generally, Alexa has changed how smart homes function by adding a touch of elegance and versatility. Nowadays, there are even more devices compatible with Alexa, which means you can now purchase smart devices based on the […]
Samsung SmartThings is a comprehensive home connectivity platform that uses Zigbee and Z-Wave technology to enhance automation. It is regarded by many as one of the most efficient ways to automate your home. Through Samsung SmartThings, you can connect all your smart devices and have them work together to create a smart home. Whether it’s […]
IFTTT is a conditional programming statement that means ‘if this, then that.’ When a company uses the IFTTT, it offers a software platform that can connect with apps, services, and devices from other developers or brands. This helps trigger more automation involving different devices, services, and apps. IFTTT works by use of Applets which connect […]
Due to the increased demand for reliable and efficient smart home automation products, the market has seen the emergence of many companies. However, apart from the big smart home industry players we already know about, there has emerged smaller companies that are manufacturing some of the best smart devices on the market, all at an […]
Some years back, home automation wasn’t as common like the way it is today. Everyone looking to build or renovate their home is also looking to include home automation to it. This recent interest in home automation is because people are seeking new and better ways to make their life easier, affordable, and safer, which […]
For years the company has been known as one of the world’s best in matters regarding home furniture. However, in 2012, the company started its smart home initiative to incorporate digital elements and technology into its products to offer solutions to homeowners. The company has introduced several smart products under its Tradfri Homekit, which have […]
Nowadays, building or purchasing a smart home is what everyone is talking about. In a smart home, you can have your blinds going up and letting that morning sunlight in, home speakers playing your favorite music and the coffee maker brewing your cup of coffee all from the comfort of your bed or couch. With […]
Nowadays, almost every homeowner is either working on their smart home upgrades or planning on them. Not only do smart home installations make a home comfortable and convenient but also, they increase the value of the home if the owner is planning to sell. Smart home installations also ensure that you save electricity used to […]
Connected Home over IP (CHIP) is a royalty-free home automation connectivity project whose main goal is to ensure compatibility among different smart home and Internet of Things (IoT) products. It is believed that these products that will be coming later on this year will be plug-and-play kind of devices. The connected home over IP project […]
Homeowners have in recent years opted to use technology to control systems at home. The process involves using Internet-connected smart devices, smartphones, and Wi-Fi to control lighting, heating, and other features in their homes. Owners of Smart homes have embraced the recent technology because it is efficient, time-saving, and convenient to use. Smart home automation […]
With the emergence of many do-it-yourself smart home systems, you might think that you no longer need to hire a trained professional for your smart device installation, and you would be wrong. Just because an installation project can give you a DIY experience doesn’t mean you should try it. Professional smart home device installers are […]
Smart devices must be able to exchange information with one another in a connected world continually. To achieve this, they need to communicate through a common language, i.e., communication protocols. Protocols entail how signals are sent between devices to trigger specific actions like turning on the lights. Protocols are ‘spoken’ through wired or wireless layers, […]
Smart Homes School announces the availability of Smart Homes Coaching calls that provide people with a unique opportunity to avail of Gerard’s new 1-on-1 Smart Homes Coaching services. Sometimes, you just need a professional to offer perspective at a fork in the road or when the cloud of confusion is too thick to see beyond. […]
On investigating the cool features of smart doorbells, we’ll discover just how self-aware visitor announcement devices are becoming. This is a nascent market, but one that’s destined to catch up with more mature home security gadgets, such as smart locks and the ever-watchful entrance IP camera. Accepting Past Doorbell Limitations This is the age of […]
Here is the shortest post I’ve written in a while! The last few years have seen rapid developments in the smart thermostat space. A smart thermostat, typically wall-mounted, connects to your Wi-Fi network and measures ambient temperature in the room using onboard or satellite sensors. Once you define a comfortable level, the thermostat will try […]
Hiya, Gerard here, just spent this Saturday evening posting the Internet’s most detailed set of articles about smart speakers and associated virtual assistants, that’s a pretty big achievement on this windy evening here in Ireland 🙂 This guide (ten blog posts in total) is intended to be read by the following people: Homeowners interested in […]
The Echo Show: A Window into Alexa’s Soul? Is there any gadget that doesn’t look just that bit cooler when a screen is added to it? The Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator incorporates a 21″ screen in one of its doors. Likewise, smart thermostats and now smart virtual assistants are taking that same approach. To that […]
The piecemeal adoption of different smart standards comes back to bite manufacturer (And us!) on the behind. You should be able to buy a branded smart accessory and know it’ll be recognized instantly so that the hardware plays nice with every other part of the system. That generally is the case, but there may be […]
It’s time to play devil’s advocate for a little while. You’ve seen the reviews for all of the available virtual assistants. Maybe your favorite smart persona doesn’t have a product housing just yet, but you know it’s coming. Besides, there are smartphone apps that give you a taste of the future, but it is just […]
It’s a big question. Fortunately, it’s hard to go wrong, particularly if you’ve read the earlier pages of his electronic document. Two mainstream options are out there right now. Amazon Echo has been around the longest. It was released into the consumer wilds in the middle of 2015, although this release was limited to the […]
Your smart speaker is equipped with a powerful Artificial intelligence. It’s built with a solid and expandable foundation. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi circuits are churning all day long while contacting natural language servers in the cloud. Simultaneously, the same communication modules are streaming music, fetching weather forecasts, reading football scores, and pulling up the next episode […]
Your car is opening the garage door by calling up your voice assistant. An audiobook is using Amazon’s Whispersync or Google tech to pick up reading your New York Times bestseller in your car. It’s picked up the narrative at the same place you stopped at in bed the night before. The technology behind your […]
The Virtual Assistants you’re hearing about on the news and in tech articles are a direct result of artificial intelligence. The earliest examples of these pseudo personalities didn’t even have a cozy electronic processor to inhabit. These were the chatbots that represented the first generations of consumer-friendly smart interfaces. Regarded as simple computer programs, a […]
Pull away from the circuits and codes. Knowledge of that abstract coding is handy, especially if you enjoy following developments in artificial intelligence, but too much conceptual thinking can cause headaches. So pull your focus away from all of this talk about software architecture. Instead, let’s strip things back by assuming a clutter-free stance. At […]
Four big names dominate the AI consumer Smart Speaker market. This isn’t a scenario where IBM and its Watson Cognitive Technology engine has a place, nor is it one where Google’s DeepMind can make inroads. No, in the grand scheme of things your device will mimic the capabilities of these globally adept machine services, but […]
First of all, what is artificial intelligence? You know what it’s not. It’s not the HAL 9000 computer from 2001: A Space Odyssey, nor is it the calming tones of Jarvis, Iron Man’s own inbuilt virtual assistant. Movies tend to have an interesting take on how you’ll eventually interact with an Artificial Intelligence, but such […]
Nowadays, a modem router device is supplied by your broadband supplier, this piece of hardware not only interconnects your household with the Internet, but it also radiates a Wi-Fi signal. Not always but in some instances, your router can affect the performance levels of your smart home. On occasions, this piece of hardware may not […]
Smart home installation is one of the few trades where demand is growing faster than the supply of people who know what they are doing. Homeowners want connected lighting, smart security, automated thermostats and voice control. Most of them cannot set it up reliably. That gap is where you come in. If you are an […]
CEDIA Expo’s BEST Product Awards, Home Assistant’s new Matter network map, Josh.ai’s AI-generated automations, and Ring’s move to customer-held encryption.
This is Issue #60 of the Smart Homes School weekly newsletter, free smart home news for professionals, consultants, installers and enthusiasts, every week. Subscribe here to get it in your inbox first. A solid week for smart home news. Home Assistant 2026.5 landed with one of the most practically useful updates in recent memory, native […]
This is Issue #55 of the Smart Homes School weekly newsletter — free smart home news for professionals, consultants, installers and enthusiasts, every Wednesday. Subscribe here to get it in your inbox first. A quieter week for big launches, but the stories that broke are the kind that matter to anyone actually running smart home […]
This is Issue #56 of the Smart Homes School weekly newsletter — free smart home news for professionals, consultants, installers and enthusiasts, every Wednesday. Subscribe here to get it in your inbox first. The end of March delivered a busy week for the smart home channel. Google pushed a significant Gemini for Home update that […]
Good morning Smart Home professionals, and a Happy New Year, from here in Ireland. As 2025 comes to a close, it’s worth stepping back for a moment. This was supposed to be the year AI fixed the smart home. Instead, it became the year we learned what actually matters, and what still doesn’t work at […]
