Tag Archives for " Home Automation "

SENS8 Security Camera with Siren and Floodlight Review

Published on Nov 17, 2018
/ By Michael Kummer

The SENS8 Light Cam is the first wired home security camera I have reviewed that required drilling a hole into an outside wall of our house. to find out how the installation went and if the SENS8 security camera was worth breaking out my tool belt. The SENS8 Light Cam offers a ton […]

Eve Home Automation Platform Review

Published on Sep 24, 2018
/ By Michael Kummer

Eve Home, formerly known as Elgato Eve, is a smart home automation platform that seamlessly connects devices and appliances and makes managing them a breeze. I had a chance to review some of Eve’s gadgets to see how much closer they would get me to achieve my goal of a fully automated home. For this […]

Arlo Pro 2 Review – Top Wireless Home Security Camera

Last updated on Jan 10, 2019
/ By Michael Kummer
/ 2 COMMENTS

The Arlo Pro 2 is one of the best wireless home security cameras I have reviewed, featuring advanced motion detection, geo-fencing, and 1080p video.

Review of Best Home Security Cameras

Last updated on Jan 10, 2019
/ By Michael Kummer

Here is a review of the best home security cameras, including such popular brands as Amazon, Arlo, Canary, D-Link, Logitech, Nest, Ring, & SENS8.

ecobee Switch+ Review – Smart Light Switch with Alexa & HomeKit

Last updated on Dec 25, 2018
/ By Michael Kummer
/ 2 COMMENTS

The ecobee Switch+ is one of the smartest light switches on the market, featuring advanced sensors and seamless integration with ecobee smart thermostats and home automation platforms, such as Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings and others. I have had a good relationship with ecobee ever since I reviewed the original ecobee thermostat and […]

HomeKit Light Switches & Dimmers – Review

Last updated on Dec 23, 2018
/ By Michael Kummer
/ 2 COMMENTS

For this article, I have reviewed the best Apple HomeKit-compatible light & dimmer switches. Since I didn’t want to compare apples with oranges, I have separated the review into two sections, starting with HomeKit Light Switches, and followed by HomeKit Dimmers. Reviewed HomeKit Light Switches Product ecobee Switch+ $99.99 Eve Light Switch $49.95 Leviton Decora […]

Home security camera review – D-Link Omna 180 Cam – HomeKit

Last updated on Nov 21, 2018
/ By Michael Kummer
/ 3 COMMENTS

Omna 180 Cam HD is a home security camera that is compatible with Apple HomeKit, offers a 180-degree view and a built-in microSD card slot to store video clips. I have tested the Omna 180 Cam HD for the past few weeks and wanted to share my review with you. Additionally, I will share how […]

LIFX Smart LED lights now work with Apple HomeKit

Last updated on Sep 27, 2018
/ By Michael Kummer

On September 19th, 2017, LIFX finally announced support for HomeKit, Apple’s home automation platform. Support is limited to the third generation LIFX and LIFX + lights and available via a firmware upgrade. Shop mentioned products LIFX Wi-Fi-enabled Smart LEDs (Amazon) About LIFX LIFX makes Wi-Fi-enabled smart LEDs that you can control from your mobile phone. […]

LIFX Review and Comparison to Hue

Published on Jul 11, 2017
/ By Michael Kummer
/ 7 COMMENTS

In this LIFX review, I share my experience with these smart LED lights and compare them to the most popular player in the smart bulb market: Philips Hue. I just recently got my feet wet with home automation technology from First Alert and Ecobee. The expansion to Wi-Fi enabled lights was the natural next step. […]

Review: Onelink Environment monitor for the nursery or kids room

Last updated on Sep 27, 2018
/ By Michael Kummer

The Onelink Environment Monitor by First Alert monitors a room’s temperature and humidity and doubles as a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. It is ideal for nurseries or kids rooms, but you can use it in any other room. In this review, I will explain the benefits the Onelink Environment Monitor provides in our home. Infant […]

ecobee4 smart thermostat with HomeKit – Review

Last updated on Nov 21, 2018
/ By Michael Kummer
/ 7 COMMENTS

ecobee just announced the newest version of its smart thermostat – the ecobee4 with built-in Alexa voice service. I own two of the original ecobee3 thermostats, and in this article, I will tell you if the ecobee4 is worth the upgrade and how it stacks up against the ecobee3. Reviewed ecobee Thermostats Product ecobee4 Smart WiFi […]

Review: HomeKit enabled smoke alarm from First Alert

Last updated on Sep 27, 2018
/ By Michael Kummer
/ 7 COMMENTS

First Alert recently released Onelink; an Apple HomeKit enabled smoke alarm. I took that as an opportunity to get my feet wet with HomeKit and to start equipping our house with home automation gadgets. I reached out to First Alert, and they were so kind to send me a review unit of their HomeKit enabled […]

Ecobee vs. Nest Smart WiFi Thermostats Review

Published on Dec 4, 2014
/ By Michael Kummer
/ 10 COMMENTS

Shortly after we had bought our 3300 sqft home north of Atlanta, I took out the existing “dumb” thermostats and replaced them with Nest Learning Thermostats. We used them for a couple of months until Ecobee released their line of Smart WiFi Thermostats. I ordered two Ecobee units and sold the two Nest thermostats on […]

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About Michael Kummer

I was born and raised in Austria. I speak German, English, and Spanish. Since moving to the U.S., I have lived and worked in Alpharetta, GA. In my twenties, I was a professional 100m sprinter. These days I do mostly CrossFit. I'm a technologist and Apple fan. I love science and don't believe anything unless there is proof. I follow the Paleo diet and intermittently fast every day. I'm married and have two trilingual kids. My goal with this blog is to share what I learn so that you can spend time on something else.