The Ultimate Universal Remote Control? Logitech is the undisputed king of programmable universal remotes. They have sold millions of their popular Harmony line. These handy gadgets let you control your television plus a slew of related audio/video equipment from a...
Don't Ignore Power Cables Previously I gave some tips on how to label wires and connections to clean up and better manage all your smart home device connections. I want to add one more thing - Don’t ignore power cables. Ethernet cables, video cables, and USB cables...
Everything that can be Invented has been Invented Attributed to Charles H. Duell, the Commissioner of US patent office in 1899, this apocryphal quote seems apropos to the ubiquitous smart plug. Every introductory blog, video, or online article about starting a smart...
Proxy-Powered Home Automation The dictionary defines the word proxy as “the authority to represent someone else” which is close to what it means in software programming too. In a nutshell, a proxy is when one thing stands in for another. You manipulate one thing, and...
Gifting Your SmartHome SkillsHopefully if you’ve been reading this Home Automation Secrets Newsletter, you’ve developed some Ninja Powers implementing or upgrading your smart home. But have no fear, even home automation newbies might appreciate the quick tip I have...
“The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated” Mark Twain It’s a bad time to be a smart home hub, because if you believe the trade press and media, you’re dead! I wrote about this previously ( Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Hub? ) but I guess the editors didn’t...