Smart Home Sensors Don’t Have to be Ugly: Sensative Strips Review

I remember reading about these sensors a couple years ago before they were released, but forgot about them. Luckily, someone from Sensative recently came across thesmartcave.com and offered to send me some sensors to play with. As usual, I received the products with no obligation and all opinions are my own.

I dislike the way most smart home sensors look. Whether they’re placed on doors or windows, if you can see them, I think they look kind of cheesy.

That’s why I prefer to buy sensors that can be mounted flush with the surface so that they essentially “disappear”. The problem with those is that you have to be handy with a drill or chisel to install them.

Or…

What if someone made sensors so small, they’re hardly noticeable?

6 Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Smart Lock for Your Home

Smart locks are growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. After all, safety and security rank high among all of the ways new technology is improving our lives. With a smart lock, you’ll no longer need to rush home to make sure you locked the door. Instead, most allow you to check the app to see the lock history and lock the door remotely.

By the same token, if you misplace your keys, a smart lock means that you no longer have to call a locksmith, stash a key under the doormat, or climb in through a second-story window. And if someone like a housekeeper, friend or AirBnB guest needs access, there is no need to sneak out of work to let them in. You can easily grant guest access using your app.

With great features available like motion sensors and auto-unlock, it may be time to upgrade to a smart lock. But with all of the options on the market, how do you know which features are important and which smart lock to choose?

Levoit Smart Air Purifier Review: Perfect for a Bedroom

Levoit sent me their LV-PUR131S smart air purifier free of charge so I could review it. I’ve been using it for three weeks and here’s what I think:

I like it. It’s definitely the quietest air purifier I’ve ever owned, which makes it ideal for my bedroom. It comes in a great looking case and is super easy to use and maintain.

It doesn’t come with any advanced filtration gimmicks. Instead, it uses the same proven filtration methods that most other purifiers use.

However, it does include WiFi which effectively makes it a smart air purifier. The app is responsive and the WiFi connection is reliable. Integration with my Alexa was easy and surprisingly useful.

Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub Review

I recently picked up a Chamberlain MyQ smart garage hub during Amazon’s Prime Day. It was only $30 which seemed like a great deal. After all, some of the big time product review sites list the device as the “best smart garage door controller“.

After using it for about a month, I don’t think it’s the best one out there, but for the price it’s hard to beat. I think if you’re a casual smart home user looking for a widely compatible device that’s easy to install and use, you’ll be happy with the Chamberlain MyQ.

Here’s what you need to know about smart AC controllers

If you’ve ever wished you could control your air conditioner from the convenience of your phone, smart AC controllers are here to save the day. They give you the tools to manage the temperature of your home, whether or not you’re there. 

However, there are a wide variety of these smart switches on the market, and it’s tough to know which features are important and why. 

Here is everything you need to know about choosing the best smart air controller, plus five reviews of the best options available. In no time at all, you’ll be ready to make your air as smart as you are.