It feels like our homes get a little smarter every year, but there are still some real concerns about inviting tech companies into our most intimate spaces. Here are your top-read smart home articles of 2024.
Node-RED is a visual programming tool that allows you to create complex automations in Home Assistant without needing to be an expert. Node-RED gives you an elegant drag-and-drop interface to create custom interfaces with no scripting or programming code knowledge.
Home Assistant is an open-source smart home platform that runs locally on a server that’s connected to your network. It’s by far the most powerful platform of them all, thanks in large part to its vast library of add-ons and integrations. Here Derrick Diener showcases a few of the most useful, from visual programming tools to security utilities for managing SSL certificates.
By Derrik Diener – Published Aug 2, 2024
Previous Tapo smart plugs were plug-in models that you insert into an existing outlet. The P210M, on the other hand, is designed to be installed directly into a wall outlet, replacing that existing outlet. It’s a more permanent solution, but it also works way more seamlessly, and since it doesn’t go into an existing outlet, you can’t block adjacent outlets–the smart plug
is
the outlet.
Smart plugs are super effective smart home upgrades since they allow you to add connectivity to existing “dumb” devices like lamps and appliances. Despite this, most smart plugs are a little cumbersome since they usually sit between the regular wall socket and your device. That might explain why Arol Wright’s news blast about TP-Link’s new Tapo smart socket was so popular.
By Arol Wright – Published Dec 4, 2024
The data captured about you can be combined with data from other sources, using cross-device linking. For example, if you have a smartphone on the same wireless network, it’s easy for marketers to link your watching habits with an existing profile that reveals things like your age, location, who you’re likely to vote for, whether you have children, and so on.
Privacy continues to be an issue that plagues the smart home world, and smart TVs are no exception. Most smart TVs collect a huge amount of data, from the habits of owners like you and me to software that analyzes what is being displayed on the screen. I turned all of these settings off on my TV, and now you can too.
By Tim Brookes – Published May 2, 2024
Without a subscription, features are limited. The major drawback is that you won’t be able to view any recorded video from a Ring camera. You will still be able to receive live event notifications, like when someone comes close to your front door. Using the Ring app, you can see a real-time video.
Amazon would love you to purchase a Ring Protect subscription with your shiny new smart doorbell, but it’s not strictly necessary. Brent Dirks walks us through what each plan includes, which is best for you, and (most importantly) what you can do without signing up for another monthly fee.
By Brent Dirks – Published Jan 29,2024
All smart devices pose potential safety risks, even if the only data they’re gathering is how often you water your plants. That said, some risks can be worth the convenience or peace of mind.
Trading privacy for convenience is something we’ve all had to accept, but there are clear lines that many of us won’t cross. When it comes to adding potentially risky gadgets to your home, it’s worth being extra picky. Aran Folsom outlines their concerns with modern smart devices and appliances and reveals which ones get a pass and why.
By Aran Folsom – Published Sep 2, 2024
In the battle for bedtime, the application of white noise can be mana from heaven for getting the kids off to sleep. Luckily, Google Home can fill their bedrooms with soothing white noise to help them drift off to sleep if they need a little extra encouragement.
Google Home is one of the three big smart home platforms, with one of the better voice assistants, convenient integration with services like Google Calendar, and powerful automation features you can manage from the app on Android and iPhone. Rob Webb discusses some of their favorite Google Home features, from simple voice commands to soothing sleep aids.
By Rob Webb – Published Sep 30, 2024.
The Dymera looks similar to previous Philips Hue wall lights. It has a metallic black exterior, it points light in two directions, and it requires wired power. The upward and downward-firing lights can be individually controlled, so you’re free to go crazy with colors or dimming.
Philips’ Hue connected lighting is expensive but easy to set up and control. Andrew Heinzmann wrote a news story about the release of the company’s surprisingly sophisticated-looking indoor or outdoor wall light back in January and it gained a lot of traction (being one of the most recognizable brands on the market probably helped).
By Andrew Heinzmann – Published Jan 23, 2024.
Google bought the company behind both cameras in 2014 to help boost its Nest smart home ecosystem, which at the time only offered smart thermostats and smoke detectors. Google later released its own Nest-branded cameras, but the early Dropcam models have remained functional until now.
2024 saw Google finally pull the plug on three smart home products (a move that was planned since 2023): the Dropcam, Dropcam Pro, and Nest Secure. Eligible customers were given a discount to use with home security giant ADT or a $200 Google Store credit. Corbin Davenport reported on these cameras effectively becoming e-waste overnight.
By Corbin Davenport – Published Apr 2, 2024
When it comes to hidden cams, sometimes being a fly on the ceiling is even better than being a fly on the wall. Next to light fixtures and emergency sprinklers, smoke detectors are some of the only tech that gets mounted directly to our ceiling. This just so happens to be an ideal place for security cameras, too, which is why we now have “dummy” smoke detectors with built-in hidden cams.
Extracting unrealized potential from your existing devices is what we live for here at How-To Geek, and Michael Bizzaco’s guide to boosting your home security is a great example. Not only can you repurpose potentially unused devices, but you can also make smarter purchases with home security in mind.
By Michael Bizzaco – Published Jan 20, 2024
Some particularly troublesome incidents in the past include strangers accessing camera feeds and even speaking to their children, sharing personal information with third parties without a way to opt out, a questionable relationship with law enforcement, and a lack of end-to-end encryption until 2021. On top of all that, Ring has raised the price of its “Basic” subscription plan twice in two years.
It’s no secret that Amazon’s Ring doorbells have a spotty history when it comes to security and privacy. It may be the most recognizable brand in the smart doorbell market, but it’s also one of the most expensive when you factor in a Ring Protect plan. Joe Fedewa explains why now is a good time to ditch Ring for something just as compelling, like the Ecobee Smart Video Doorbell.
By Joe Fedewa – Published Jul 16, 2024
There’s no getting away from the fact that privacy and security are real concerns when it comes to smart homes, and that trend is likely to continue into 2025. Looking for more highlights? Check out How-To Geek’s overall top posts of 2024.
