The key to a truly connected smart home lies in a seamless and reliable network.
Our Hubs & Network category covers everything you need to know about the leading smart home ecosystems such as Alexa, Google Home & Assistant, and Apple Homekit & Siri.
Learn about the benefits of wireless protocols like Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Matter, and Thread, and how they work together to create a stable and flexible smart home network.
Find the perfect hub and network solutions that fit your unique needs.
Choosing between zigbee vs thread is one of the most important decisions you will make for your smart home in 2026. If you are feeling stuck in the smart home world and not sure which tech to choose, you are in luck. In this guide, I discuss the key features and differences between zigbee vs thread and how they both fit into…
Find the MAC address of your Alexa device with ease!
Has your Alexa been acting snail-paced? Why not try out one of the many fixes mentioned within our article to help your Echo device work the way it should.
There’s nothing worse than a smart home that won’t communicate. If your Google Home app not finding Chromecast, you’re likely stuck in a troubleshooting loop that feels like a puzzle with no solution. Whether this is happening during your initial setup, after a phone upgrade, or because you recently changed your Wi-Fi name, the fix is usually closer than you think. I’ve…
Searching for ways to use your Echo Dot without Alexa? Learn more about setting up and using your Echo Dot without relying on the voice assistant.
When researching smart products, you will have noticed that device compatibility is a major issue to contend with. If you’ve decided to develop your smart home around the the Zigbee protocol they you’re in the right place.
Looking to up your smart home game? Implementing a Zigbee smart home automation hub enables you to control all Zigbee devices from one place, be it an app, by voice, or through scenes and routines.
Want to know how to keep your Alexa up to date? Follow the simple steps mentioned in this article!
The Alexa orange ring is one of the rarest colors you will see spinning on your Echo or Echo Dot. We dive into what it means and how to fix it.
In the chaotic realm of budget electronics and mysterious tech products, new gadgets pop up by the dozen—often tempting us with irresistible price tags. The QY-45Y3-Q8W32 is one such device that’s caught the eyes of bargain hunters, but beneath its shiny surface, there’s a tangle of issues you need to know about. What Is the QY-45Y3-Q8W32 Model, Really? Despite its frequent appearances…
Not sure about how to change Alexa’s wake word or voice? No problem! Walk through our step-by-step guide to learn how!
Learn about Passive PoE vs Active PoE, how power is negotiated and transferred, what the risks and best practices are when choosing a PoE power supply.
Put Alexa in pairing mode with ease using these simple tips.
Check out these handy workarounds to get the Google Home app up and running on your Windows PC or laptop. No need to depend only on your smartphone anymore!
If you have noticed a blinking Alexa Yellow Ring, it means you have new notifications! We explain how to dismiss or disable from showing on your Echo.
The Amazon Echo Purple Ring is one of the rarest lights your Alexa smart speaker will flash. We show what it means and how to disable it.
Voice-controlled assistants show their best when managing smart home tasks. Give them the right orders, and they handle stuff like playing your favorite songs, changing the lights, setting reminders, adjusting the temperature, lifting the blinds, and a whole lot more whenever you want. Meet the Contenders! There are five major voice assistants in the market worthy of consideration. Alexa Alexa is a…
The brain of your smart home network, we guide you through your home automation options and dive into the best Z-Wave controllers for the job.
Personalize your Siri voice assistant with a new accent, gender or language!
A common question we get asked is can you hook up your Chamberlain myQ garage door opener with your Google Home setup and control with Google Assistant?
