Smarthome Archives

TrackR Atlas maps your home to help you find your stuff

May 22, 2020 | Smarthome

In 2014, a Santa Barbara-based startup called TrackR crowdfunded almost $1.7 million dollars to manufacture TrackR Bravo, a $29 Bluetooth beacon designed to help you track your stuff. The idea was simple — clip it to your keychain or slip it in your wallet, then pair it with your Android or iOS device to track […]

Bose Home Speaker 300 review: Solid smart speaker with Alexa and Google, but it’s not the One

May 18, 2020 | Smarthome

Google Assistant versus Amazon Alexa. Much like the format wars of yore — VHS versus Beta, HDR 10 versus Dolby Vision — it pits two tech ecosystems against one another. Amazon Alexa is more popular, but Google Assistant performs better. But what if you...

SimpliSafe Smart Lock review: Not the smart lock I’ve been waiting for, but close

May 14, 2020 | Smarthome

I’ll admit that I was excited to test out the SimpliSafe Smart Lock — and it isn’t just because I’ve long been impressed with the company’s install-it-yourself security systems. I’ve written about smart home gadgets for over six...

Ecobee’s home security system puts smart sensors front and center

May 14, 2020 | Smarthome

The Total Home Comfort and Security Bundle is a high-end home security and automation kit from Ecobee. At $499, it’s expensive — closest to the Nest Secure Alarm System in terms of style and price. But it’s a solid system that makes efficient use of...

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock review: Built-in Wi-Fi and 45% smaller

May 13, 2020 | Smarthome

August smart locks are popular, and for good reason. The retrofit design makes them easy to install without replacing your existing deadbolt. It’s smart enough to work with smart home setups for Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa. We gave multiple...

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock review: The best smart lock just got better

May 12, 2020 | Smarthome

August smart locks are popular, and for good reason. They’re easy to install without replacing your deadbolt and smart enough to work with smart home setups for Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa. We gave multiple generations of August locks...