Automations & Shortcuts
Using the Home App: Part 1
In this tutorial I will show you how to use rooms, zones, and favorites in Apple’s Home app to organize your HomeKit smart home.
Uncategorized
HomeKit 101
What exactly is HomeKit? Apple HomeKit is a system that lets you control your smart home devices all in one place. Smart home technology can be confusing at first, so I wanted to make this video for anyone who is just getting started. In this video we will discuss what Read more…
Aqara
Aqara Water Leak Sensor Setup & Review
I am adding the HomeKit enabled water leak sensor by Aqara to my HomeKit setup. This sensor is very affordable and works great with HomeKit through the Aqara gateway. This sensor does require the Aqara hub. To see my setup and review of the Aqara Hub, check out this video: Read more…
Smart Locks
VOCOlinc T-Guard Smart Lock: 6 Month Review
Today I’m going to give a 6 month review of the VOCOlinc T-Guard HomeKit smart lock. VOCOlinc T-Guard Smart Lock on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WMvLhk My original video of the VOCOlinc T-Guard smart lock (setup & review): https://youtu.be/akjO-7cOU0E Best Smart Plug in 2019? VOCOlink Smart Plug, iDevices Smart Plug, & iHome Smart Read more…
Aqara
Aqara Hub Setup & Review
In this video I will set up the Aqara hub, along with an Aqara Door Sensor, to create a security alarm system that works in HomeKit. I used the Aqara App, but you can also use the Mi Home app to view and control your aqara and Mijai sensors and Read more…
Other Products
Mesh WiFi for my Smart Home: The Netgear Orbi Whole Home WiFi System
A strong wifi network is extremely important when it comes to your smart home. I recommend starting early with a good wifi system because the longer you wait and the more smart home products you add to your setup, the harder it is to change your wifi network. I upgraded Read more…
Smart Lighting
How to Add SMART String Lights to Your Deck! SUPER EASY!
In this video I’ll show you how to add string lights to your deck and control them with your phone. The setup was super easy. This method will work with HomeKit, Alexa, or Google Assistant! I did not have a roof or cover directly above my deck to hang these Read more…
Other Products
First Alert Onelink Smart Smoke and CO Detector Review
So the smoke detectors in my home were getting close to the 10 year mark, which meant it was about time to replace them. I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to get a “smart” smoke alarm that, of course, would work with HomeKit. I purchased the First Alert Read more…
Other Products
VOCOlink FlowerBud Smart Diffuser Setup & Review
The VOCOlink FlowerBud Smart Diffuser is an essential oil diffuser, air humidifier, and mood light that works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. This product is one of those rare ones that I ended up liking much more than I ever thought I would. I’ve never been into Read more…
Smart Lighting
Smart Light Switches: How to Mix and Match to get Started w/ Lutron Caseta
I decided that I wanted to add smart light switches to begin converting my lights over to smart lights. I chose Lutron Caseta because they have been around for a while and have excellent reviews and a proven track record. This was one of those cases where reliability was probably Read more…