In this short podcast, we cover the value of a smart lighting system for your home, why I chose the Philips Hue system and we answer why every home should invest in some smart lights.

(photo is courtesy of Ecobee)

In this short podcast, we first examine what my objections were to putting in a smart thermostat in my home (and how they were overcome).  We then go over a review of the Ecobee3 Lite product and finally, we discuss the value that most homeowners will see in installing a smart thermostat in their home

(picture is courtesy of Ring / Amazon)

In this short podcast, we review the Ring Doorbell, Doorbell 2 and the home security systems.  We go over installation/setup, its use and offer a verdict on whether you should get it.

In this short podcast, we look at how IoT is shaking up two key industries (both good and bad).  We also talk about how it is changing the car and energy industry today and into the future.

In this short mini episode, we examine a controversial topic, automation.  We talk about some of the upside to automating tasks, what some of the downside is and we answer the question on why we think it is a good idea that automation replaces the “average” worker ... the answer may surprise you!

In this special bonus episode for our series on the Smart Home, we examine the three different levels of Smart Home Assistants (entry level, those with LCD screens and premium audio versions).  We cover products from Amazon (Alexa), Apple (Siri) and Google (Google Home) and we let you know which devices are best for different uses and areas of your home.  This is a must listen before you buy your first (or next) device.

In this fourth part to our series on the Smart Home, we examine issues surrounding the security of your devices and ensuring your data remains private.  We go over some things that you can do to protect yourself and we answer the question ... "Considering all of the potential issues, is it worth going down the path of making your home smart?"

In this third part to our series on the Smart Home, we look at how most people access Smart products ... the Smart Assistant.  Whether you use Alexa, Siri, Google or any other one, we go over the good, bad and ugly of using these devices.

After covering how Smart home devices are making it easier for those with special needs to stay in their home longer in Part one, we jump into a bit of a guide as to Smart home devices.  Rather than focusing on individual products (that can change quite quickly), we focused on major categories.  We discuss Smart lights, Smart Access Control systems, the growth in smart door bells / home video offerings and how you can control access to your home remotely.

In the first of a four part series on the Smart Home, we examine how IoT-based technologies are enabling people who have special needs to stay in their home longer.  This may be those who are aging, those with dementia and other cognitive issues or those with physical issues that may require them to need extra help.