Christopher NullFreelance Contributor, TechHive
Christopher Null is a veteran technology and business journalist. He contributes regularly to TechHive, PCWorld, and Wired, and operates the websites Drinkhacker and Film Racket. Disclosure: He also writes for Hewlett-Packad's marketing website TechBeacon.
Yale Assure Lever with Connected by August review: Yale lets you ditch its own app for August’s
Alas, Yale’s hardware and August’s wireless technology make for truly unhappy bedfellows.
This wire-free smart controller doesn’t just work well, it’s also priced to move (just be aware of the cost to control a second door opener).
Best smart lock for a keyless home
Keys are yesterday’s tech, your smart home needs a smart door lock.
Best smart plugs: These gadgets will turn any electrical outlet into a smart socket
With models from Lutron, Wemo, Leviton, iDevices, and others, it can be difficult to know which easy and inexpensive device is best for controlling the lamps and small appliances in your smart home. We’ll help you find the right one.
Philips Hue Smart Plug review: Just the basics, except for the price tag
Is the Philips brand name worth double the price for a commodity smart plug?
Netatmo Smart Alarm System with Camera review: This jumble of components won’t work for everyone
Adding the Netatmo Smart Siren and Netatmo Smart Door and Window Sensors to a Netatmo Indoor Camera yields a somewhat simple home security system.
It’s Bluetooth-only, however, so you can’t integrate it into the rest of your smart home.
Best smart sprinkler controller
Whether you’re motivated by water conservation, saving money, a drive to render every aspect of your home smart, or all the above, a smart irrigation controller will scratch that itch.
Philips Hue Smart Button review: Drop a switch for your Hue lights just about anywhere
This toggle button is surprisingly capable, but it can’t control other smart lighting systems.
While hampered by buggy setup and a high price tag, Eve enthusiasts may find this device worth a look.
Philips Smart Wi-Fi LED review: You don’t need a bridge to operate this line of smart bulbs
The bulbs are fine, but the Wiz Connected app isn’t nearly as polished as its Philips Hue stablemate.
These smart dimmers and smart plugs are HomeKit compatible, but you can control any of them with Alexa and Google Assistant, too.
SimpliSafe Smart Lock review: The ultra-simple alarm system gets its own companion smart lock
This inexpensive but barebones smart lock merits a look by the SimpliSafe set.
Wyze Bulb review: A tunable white light bulb with a rock-bottom price tag
This $8 smart bulb is tough to beat, unless you're looking for a smart home product with a broader ecosystem that includes full-spectrum color bulbs and other devices, akin to Philips Hue.
These two also-ran smart-home products form a mediocre bundle.
Articles by Christopher Null
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