Author: Kayla Matthews

Savvy landlords are embracing smart apartment tech. Here are the top four challenges they face. Image: Ferenc Keresi from Pixabay.

Connected Home / Smart Appliances / Smart Door Locks / Smart Lighting / Smart Speakers / Smart Thermostats / Security Systems / Real Estate / Featured Articles

Four Challenges Landlords Face With Smart Apartment Tech

Once upon a time, the phrase "smart apartment" defined a property in a great location at a highly appealing rental rate. Nowadays, "smart" carries a new meaning—it signifies that a property contains up-to-date technology to help make life easy and comfortable. Typically, to qualify as…

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4 November 2019

Ring Stick Up Cam (top), Amazon Cloud Cam (lower left), and Kasa Spot (lower right). Image: Digitized House.

Connected Home / Product Guide / Security Cameras / Security Systems / Privacy & Safety / Secure Home / Featured Articles

Best Security Cameras for 2019: 13 Makers Compared

Home security is more important than ever. But traditional security cameras can only let you know when a crime has happened after the fact. You can't keep an eye on your home 24/7—or, at least, you can't do it all by yourself. That’s where the…

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22 October 2019

The smallest Amazon smart display, the Echo Show 5 makes an ideal alarm clock. Image: Digitized House.

Connected Home / Amazon Alexa / Product Guide / Smart Speakers / Entertainment / Gadgets

5 Smart Alarm Clocks You Never Knew You Needed

Although there are some days where it sounds nice to spend the day in bed, that's obviously not feasible for people who have work, school, and family obligations. For most of us, alarm clocks are typically bedroom staples for getting going after a long night…

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30 September 2019

The forthcoming iOS 13 will include a new Sign in with Apple feature for websites and apps. Images: Apple.

Connected Home / News / Smartphones / Featured Articles

Forthcoming Features in Apple iOS 13 You Should Care About

Whenever Apple announces a new operating system, people immediately start assessing which features are the most important and which might be mere hype. iOS 13, slated for release in September, is no different. Here's a rundown of some of the offerings that seem to be…

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11 August 2019

The Samsung SmartThings hub and smartphone app. Image: Digitized House.

Connected Home / Smart Displays / Google Assistant / Smart Lighting / Product Guide / Smart Speakers / Smart Thermostats / Security Cameras / Featured Articles

7 Best Automation Systems to Turn Your House into a Smart Home

Are you ready to bring your home into the 21st century? With automation products like lights, outlets, security systems, lamps, humidity sensors, and more, you can control your entire home from the palm of your hand. But managing dozens of products can get tricky. That's…

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18 July 2019

The Amazon Echo Show 5 smart display has a privacy switch for its camera. Image: Digitized House.

Connected Home / Amazon Alexa / Smart Displays / Smart Speakers / Gadgets / News / Featured Articles

The Amazon Echo Show Line Just Grew Larger

If you’ve been hanging onto the edge of your seat for news of another smart hub device, you’ll be happy to hear Amazon’s release of the Echo Show 5. The 5-in. smart display—which resembles the 7-in. Google Nest Hub—is available from the Amazon website and…

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24 June 2019

Make your summer go more smoothly with a smart irrigation controller. The Rachio 3 is one of the best choices out there. Image: Rachio.

Connected Home / Water Conservation / Smart Irrigation / Smart Lighting / Product Guide / Smart Water / Window Coverings / Healthy Home / Featured Articles

6 Smart Gadgets to Automate Your Summer

Summer is closing in fast, which means warm weather, plenty of time spent outdoors, and lots of fun. But the hotter temperatures and more time at home, especially for kids, tend to boost household costs. Thanks to modern technology—particularly smart devices—you can offset some of…

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14 May 2019

The Hoover Vision smart oven has a built-in HD camera and an interactive touchscreen door. Image: Hoover.

Connected Home / Smart Appliances / Featured Articles

Opening the Door to Smart Ovens for Culinary Finesse

Smart devices are becoming more and more commonplace in modern homes. While you may be familiar with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, did you know you can trade in your traditional kitchen appliances for smart alternatives? Let's take a closer look at…

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1 May 2019

iRobot Roomba 690 robot vacuum. Image: iRobot.

Connected Home / Amazon Alexa / Google Assistant / Product Guide / Healthy Home / How-To

6 Technologies to Make Spring Cleaning a Breeze

Whether you do spring cleaning every year as a personal tradition or not, it's something everyone ends up doing. There's something about being cooped up inside all winter that makes any living space feel stuffy. Once warmer spring weather arrives, everyone wants to start fresh.…

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17 March 2019

Amazon Echo vs. Google Home Mini Speakers. Image: Digitized House Media.

Connected Home / Amazon Alexa / Google Assistant / Smart Speakers

Amazon Alexa vs. Google Assistant for Smart Home Control

The soaring popularity of virtual assistants has set the stage for competition. With contributions from Amazon and Google, consumers across the country have to choose between two of the tech industry's leading brands. Neck and neck, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and each deliver value…

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27 February 2019

Yale Assure Lock SL YRD256. Image: ASSA ABLOY/Yale.

Connected Home / Amazon Alexa / Apple HomeKit / Smart Door Locks / Google Assistant / Product Guide / Privacy & Safety / Secure Home

5 Smart Door Locks to Buy in 2019

Smart locks prevent you from fumbling with physical keys and can also allow you to grant temporary access to someone such as a house sitter or delivery person. But, the market is growing, and it can be difficult to determine which one to buy. This…

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13 February 2019

Image: Nest Labs.

Connected Home / Product Guide / Smart Speakers / Smoke + CO Detectors / Healthy Home / Privacy & Safety / Secure Home

4 Smart Smoke Detectors to Buy in 2019 for a Safe Home

Whether you already use smart devices in your home or not, a smart smoke detector is one of the best purchases to make. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, nearly 1,500 fire deaths occur each year due to missing, broken, or dead smoke alarms.…

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10 February 2019

CO.ALITION Colfax Pack. Image: CO.ALITION.

Connected Home / Product Guide

Connected Packs to Elevate Your Travel Game

If you're a frequent or even just now-and-then traveler, you know how important it is to keep your essential belongings by your side without getting overloaded by weight or bulk. No matter what they're up to on their adventure, who wants to lug around a…

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2 January 2019

Qi wireless charging in the Toyota Prius Prime. Image: Toyota.

Connected Garage

Forgot to Charge Your Phone? These Cars Have Integrated Qi Wireless Chargers

You may never have to worry about charging your phone before hitting the road again. With these cars, you can charge your phone as you drive, thanks to their integrated Qi wireless chargers. What is Qi Charging? Qi wireless charging is a technology that enables…

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12 December 2018

Apple iPhone XR with padlock. Image: Digitized House Media.

Connected Home / How-To / Secure Home

Tips for Managing Security Settings on Apple iOS 12

Apple has always prioritized its customers' privacy and security. They designed their iOS mobile platform around potential hazards, drawing on decades of experience to address threats and vulnerabilities. Through the synergy of software, hardware, and services, they've nearly perfected the operating system of the iPhone…

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28 November 2018

Put your mind at ease while on vacation by gearing up with the right smart home tech. Image: Vinicius Amano on Unsplash.

Connected Home / Product Guide / Gadgets

8 Connected Home Gadgets for a Stress-Free Vacation

Smart home devices aren't just for when you're actually at home. They can be just as useful when you're away, and are a sure-fire way to contribute to a stress-free vacation. Here are eight gadgets for your connected home that will help you check in…

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15 November 2018

Goggle Assistant is taking on the world with its multilingual AI capabilities, enabling users to navigate seamlessly between two languages. Image: Digitized House Media.

Connected Home / Google Assistant / Smart Speakers / Entertainment / Gadgets

A Closer Look at Google Assistant and Multilingual AI

While Google Translate may have a bad and sometimes hilarious reputation for mistranslated text, that doesn't mean Google Assistant won't understand you when speaking another language. The new Google Multilingual AI upgrade for the Google virtual assistant is adding three new Spanish dialects, and earlier…

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25 October 2018

Ready to find your inner barista? The Saeco GranBaristo Avanti is a thoroughbred among coffee makers. Image: Saeco.

Connected Home / Amazon Alexa / Google Assistant / Product Guide / Gadgets

Smart Coffee Makers to Energize You and Your Home

You walk into the kitchen and stare at your countertop. It looks so empty and lonely there. Your trusty old coffee pot brews some bitter muck that helps you get through the morning, but you wouldn't call it smart. Sometimes, when you go shopping, you…

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9 October 2018

Getting ready to entertain? The Nativ Vita High-Resolution Music System is a versatile option for easy-to-use music. Image: Nativ.

Connected Home / Amazon Alexa / Google Assistant / Product Guide / Audio Gear / Entertainment / Gadgets

4 Smart Home Upgrades for Smooth Entertaining

A smart home can be uniquely positioned to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Smart home capabilities provide homeowners with the ability to select from a variety of products, all of which can contribute to a fantastic source of entertainment for guests. These products range…

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25 September 2018

Looking to smarten your workouts? The Tacx Flow Smart Indoor Bike Trainer connects with smartphone apps while it simulates a cycling experience. Image: Tacx.

Connected Home / Product Guide / Gadgets / Healthy Home

8 Workout Gadgets for Your Smart Home Gym

You can buy smart, connected home products to complement the rooms where you entertain guests or engage in much-needed relaxation, so why not invest in them for your workout space, too? These eight products will get you off to a good start in the quest…

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19 September 2018