- Home
- Smart Home
- Guides
Smart Home Guides
About
Learn how to turn your home into a smart home with our knowledgeable guides to getting started. Learn how to control your homes lights, shades, and even your garage door, all from the touch of a finger.
What’s new on the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)?
With a larger display and tons of new tech, the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is a big improvement over the existing model. But what exactly is new?
Echo Spot vs. Echo Dot (5th Gen): which is the better smart home companion?
The Echo Spot offers many of same features as the Echo Dot (5th Gen), but it also gets you a small touchscreen display. So, which is better for your home?
Do you need a Skylight Plus membership to use the Skylight Cal Max?
Skylight Plus isn't required to use the Skylight Cal Max or Skylight Frame, but it unlocks their best features. Here's what to know before signing up.
How to add a family member to your Skylight Cal Max
Here's how to add a family member to your Skylight Cal Max, allowing them to upload their schedule to the digital calendar and edit existing events.
Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In (3rd Gen): Which is better?
There are some key differences between the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam and Stick Up Cam Plug-In (3rd Gen). Here's what to know before making a purchase.
How to send photos to the Skylight Cal Max
Here's how to send photos to your Skylight Cal Max using either the companion mobile app or directly through email.
How to control the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam
Here's how to control the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, including tips on rotating the camera with the mobile app and setting up a Home position.
Eureka J20 vs. Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra: Which robot is the better floor cleaner?
The Eureka J20 and Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra employ two very different methods to clean floors, but which is better for your home?
Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam vs. Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen): Which is the better security camera?
Should you add the more expensive Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam to your home, or is the more affordable Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) the better option?
Echo Show 10 vs. Nest Hub (2nd Gen): which smart display is better for your home?
The Echo Show 10 is larger and more expensive than the Nest Hub (2nd Gen), but is it the better smart display? Here's what to know before making a purchase.
How to control the Nanoleaf Matter Outdoor String Lights
Here's a look at all the ways you can control the Nanoleaf Matter Outdoor String Lights, including with its built-in controller, voice commands, and more.
Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) vs. Google Nest Hub Max: Which is the better smart display?
The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) shares many of the same features as the Google Nest Hub Max, but which is the better smart display?
How to use Vacation Mode on an Ecobee smart thermostat
Vacation Mode on an Ecobee smart thermostat allows you to conserve energy while ensuring your home is comfortable when you return. Here's how it works.
How to reset the Arlo Pro 4 security camera
Performing a factory reset on the Arlo Pro 4 is simple. Here's how the process works, including steps to reset a camera that's offline.
How to fix a Yale Assure Lock 2 that won’t connect to Apple Home
Trying to fix a Yale Assure Lock 2 that won't connect to Apple Home can be frustrating. Here's how to quickly resolve the issue.
How to clean the Dreame X40 Ultra
The Dreame X40 Ultra is easy to clean, but there are a lot of steps to tackle. From untangling brushes to clearing out the docking station, here's what to know.
Do you need a regular vacuum if you have a robot vacuum?
Robot vacuums automate most of your floor-cleaning needs, but it's important to hang on to your old cordless or upright vacuum. Here's why.
Are robotic lawn mowers safe for pets and kids?
Most robotic lawn mowers are safe for pets and kids, but there are some important factors to consider before adding one to your backyard.
Blink Mini 2 vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In: Which budget security camera is best for you?
The Blink Mini 2 is cheaper than the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In, but does that make it a better choice for your smart home?
Are robotic pool cleaners worth it?
Are robotic pool cleaners a wise investment, or are they more hassle than they're worth? Here's what to consider before adding one to your pool.
How to create a schedule with the Rachio Smart Hose Timer
Rachio now lets users activate mutliple Smart Hose Timers on a single schedule. Here's how to create a schedule with one or more valves.
Stay cool this summer with these smart home tips and tricks
From installing smart shades to upgrading your thermostat, here are all the ways a smart home can help you stay cool and cut down your energy bills this summer.
How to disable learning on the Nest Learning Thermostat
You'll want to disable learning on the Nest Learning Thermostat if you want to run your own heating and cooling schedule. Here's how it works.
