With all of the intense heat many of us now experience during summer, it’s too easy to let the lawn or the plants die off. But for serious gardeners and those who take a lot of pride in their yards, that’s not an option. How can you keep your lawn healthy and green without over-watering or risking a die off while you’re on vacation? The premise of the Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller and Wireless Soil Sensors is that it’s the ultimate modern solution to simplify and optimize your outdoor watering routines. This intelligent watering automation system takes convenience to a whole new level, letting you you to manage everything right from your smartphone.

Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller and Wireless Soil Sensors hands-on review

In this hands-on review I will install the system myself so I’ll talk about what that’s like. I’ll also get things configured with the Moen app and then talk about what the entire water management experiences like using these smart controllers. I’ll wrap things up with the pros and the cons overall and let you know if I think I can recommend this kit for you. A quick note that while Moen provided this sample kit to me at no charge, it did not make any requests about the content of my review so these thoughts are 100% my own.

If you’re looking for  Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller review and Wireless Soil Sensors or wondering is a smart sprinkler controller worth it, let’s get to it.

Who can use Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller?

A very important note before we get too far; the Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller is for built-in or inground sprinkler systems, and is not compatible with any type of set up involving your hose. You should already have an existing sprinkler controller, or your landscaper or contractor will have roughed in the wiring for your system. The Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller is available in eight or 16 zone configurations, which basically means you will have either eight or 16 sets of wires that match up to the number of sprinklers zones across your property. If you are working with any other type of system you’ll likely need a different product.

What is Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller?

Sprinkler Controller with over in place.

There are a variety of different smart watering devices and controllers on the market. You can find ones like the Eve Aqua sprinkler controller I reviewed, that will attach to a simple hose bib and allow you to automate a simple sprinkler or drip hose.

Others, like Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller and smart wireless soil sensor connect to existing built-in or underground sprinkler systems to allow you remote conteol and automated access to your lawn care.

Some older sprinkler control systems such as Rainbird allow you to set simple timers to automate your lawn watering. But they often lack any ability to take care of things remotely, meaning you always need to be standing in your yard to make changes or adjustments.

That’s where the Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller promises to make major improvements, meaning this could be a really great system for those who travel a lot, folks who have a second home, or if you’re keeping an eye on things for a family member.

Installation & Set up

Installing the Moen smart sprinkler controller may seem very intimidating, but you can trust me when I say anyone can do this.

You’ll just want to make sure you’ve killed power to your system before you start fiddling with the wires. The best thing to do is take a photo of your existing sprinkler wiring and how it fits in to your current sprinkler controller. I was using a much older Rainbird system. I just transferered the wires to their new locations inside the Moen smart sprinkler controller. Once the wires have been changed over you can plug the controller in and it will power on automatically. From there head over to the Moen app where you will configure your device.

You’ll need to sign up for or sign into your Moen account and then choose Add Device. The app will walk you through getting connected to your home’s Wi-Fi net work which will allow you remote control for anywhere.

Initially I couldn’t get my device to properly connect and wasn’t quite sure why. It turns out I had the white power wire in the wrong slot. Connecting it correctly fixed the problem and I was able to continue with the configuration process.

Once you’re connected to Wi-Fi you can run what’s called Zone Configuration. The app will essentially check all the connections you’ve made and assign each one to a zone.

As you’re adding zones you can run a test so that you can see which sprinklers will be triggered by each zone, which is particularly helpful for people like me who is original system was not labelled correctly.

The system here is quite old and initially one of my zones was not detected. Moen allows you to add zones manually as well, which I did. But I’m not entirely convinced the missing zone is actually connected to anything.

Scheduling watering with Moen Smart Sprinkler controller

The most convenient feature of this controller is that you can set up automatic watering schedules. You can set them for a specific time of day or do things like run them at dawn or dusk. You can also choose which zones get water during each watering session, and adjust exactly how long each watering session will run for.
I’m happy to say managing the scheduling is extremely easy inside the app and very user-friendly. I had a short twice daily watering schedule enabled in just a couple of minutes.

Moen Smart Soil Sensors

Soil sensor.

The other great addition to this kit is grabbing a few of Moen’s smart wireless soil sensors.

You’ll need to pair these to your smart controller before you install them. The pairing process is simple but a bit quirky; you’ll take one of the sensors out and hold it over the front of the controller near where the magnets are placed that hold the cover on. Those magnets will activate the soil sensor and connect it inside your app.

The first soil sensor I tried to pair was quite finicky and didn’t seem to want to connect by tapping it the way the app instructed. In the end I was able to get it connected by touching the top edge of the soil sensor to the magnets. With another sensor I needed to take the panel off the Controller and get closer to the magnets before it would pair.

These wide arrow-shaped stakes will get sunk into the ground either in your lawn or in a garden or a pot and can detect overall moisture levels in the ground. If you’re putting them in your lawn make sure you sink them flush with the ground so they don’t get nicked by a passing lawnmower.

The soil sensors will measure moisture levels at different depths in your soil from 1 inch to 3 inches and 5 inches. They will also give you the temperature and you can get battery information in them as well. There’s no information about how these are actually powered; but Moen says each one has a six year battery life so you shouldn’t have to replace them very often.

The soil sensors can help automatically figure out whether or not your lawn needs watering. You’ll first need to use the app to tell the sprinkler controller which zone the soil centre is located in. Then, for example, if the soil sensor detects a temperature level that is too cold, the system can skip watering. Similarly if moisture levels are already extremely high, the system can be configured not to run a watering program on that particular zone. All the settings for moisture threshold can be configured to your particular location or soil types.

It’s actually quite a clever system and very user-friendly.

Turn sprinklers off when rain is detected

If you haven’t installed wireless soil sensors you can still get some measure of smarts from the controller by allowing it to use your location. When rain is in the forecast or detected through Moen’s weather stations, the app will simply skip that watering instance.

Moen claims the Smart Sprinkler Controller and smart wireless soil sensor can reduce irrigation water use by up to 30 percent for an average home – that’s could be potentially thousands of litres of water saved annually compared to traditional controllers.

Overall review: Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller and Wireless Soil Sensors

Overall I have to say I’m extremely impressed with this system. It is a massive upgrade over the old sprinkler system here and provides completely remote monitoring and control over the entire system.

The installation was absolutely easy enough for a novice to do, and it took just minutes. While I was initially pretty intimidated about doing it, it turned out flawlessly.

The scheduling feature is really easy, and you can also manually water your lawn or plants at any time also. The addition of the wireless soil sensors is another huge plus since once they are configured with your zones, they can eliminate overwatering all on their own.

The smart weather skipping feature is also handy too. In short I think this system is a must have for anyone who has a sprinkler system installed and it also costs a lot less than I thought it would. The Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller sells for about $178USD /$250CAD while the Soil Sensors sell for about $70 each.

You can pick these up from Moen’s website or Amazon .

**A quick note that while Moen provided this sample to me at no charge, it did not make any requests about the content of my review so these thoughts are 100% my own.

A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller & Wireless Soil Sensors appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde Hands-on Review

In this review, I’ll take a look at the fan’s heating, cooling and purifying properties, how well it works, plus its special features.

What is Formaldehyde? And why do I need to remove it from my home?

Formaldehyde is a chemical that is used in building materials and household products. It can also be found in materials made of pressed wood, such as particleboard and plywood, as well as glues and adhesives. Formaldehyde is also used as a disinfectant and germicide and can be found in wallpapers, some fabrics, fireplaces and vehicle exhaust. Laboratories and mortuaries often use formaldehyde for its preservative qualities. Formaldehyde gets into our homes mainly through what’s called off-gassing, where construction or renovation materials, furniture, cabinets and household products slowly release formaldehyde over time.

Dyson’s special formaldehyde filter.

So what’s the problem? The Government of Canada calls formaldehyde an irritant, saying exposure to high concentrations can cause burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat. Formaldehyde is also classified as “carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Long-term exposure to moderate concentrations may worsen asthma symptoms and may also be linked to other respiratory symptoms and allergic sensitivity.
Formaldehyde is classified as “carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

So… we’d probably rather not have formaldehyde accumulating in our homes. That’s where this special Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde comes in.

Formaldehyde Filter and Air Quality

The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde uses a catalytic filter to detect then break down formaldehyde into water and carbon dioxide and Dyson claims it will never need to be replaced. The solid-state sensor is said to detect formaldehyde molecules 500 times smaller than 0.1 microns. You can actually see in detail the formaldehyde levels in your house; it’s listed as “HCHO” so you can keep tabs on it.

You can set the fan to kick into action automatically when particulate matter increases in the air and drop back down when the air is clearer.

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde also has a HEPA H13 standard filter, which can be removed and replaced. Dyson says the entire fan also is sealed to HEPA H13.

Aesthetics

The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde has a beautiful, sleek look that Dyson has become known for. The gold-coloured plating on the filter cover provides a nice contrast to the silver body, and the white fan housing is white with a black accent. The remote is also gold-coloured, and curved to match the contours of the fan; a small magnet inside the remote lets it stick to the top of the fan so you can store it somewhere you can always find it.

The unit is big; there’s no getting around that; it’s a bit big in my opinion to be placed on a table or surface; it’s kind of overpowering. The device stands about 30 inches in height, and is roughly 8 inches in diameter.

Info screen

The Hot+Cold Formaldehyde has a tiny digital screen to show you different information; you can set it to display the individual particulate levels in the room, the temperature, or humidity. The current speed is always displayed at the top of the screen.

Air Control: What you can do with Dyson

The fan provides ten levels of output in both heating and cooling mode.

Auto mode will speed up and slow down the fan as needed to clean the air, or to maintain a specific heat level if you’re using it for heating.

Depending whether you like air blasting directly at you, or you’re just trying to get some flow through, you can adjust the airflow of the Dyson purifier hot plus cool formaldehyde. With the diffuse mode, it circles the air around the blade less top to keep things moving, or you can adjust it for a more directional and powerful flow that will wash over you.

The airflow is naturally adjustable from 1-10 and I found level 5 got good flow going without being too loud. Speaking of loudness.. how loud is the fan? On it’s highest levels I’d say it’s about average-to-quieter.

How cool/hot does it feel?

I always get asked if a Dyson fan is like air conditioning… I think folks think if it’s this expensive it must also be able to cool the air, right? Not so. This fan straight up blows air around, it does not have any cooling properties, aside from those that come from airflow itself.

How hot does it get?

When it comes to heat, the Dyson Hot+ Cool really shines. You can choose a heat setting almost like using a thermostat, and the Dyson will maintain it for you by cycling the heater on and off. I like using this setting at night so it doesn’t get too hot in the room. The temperature on the Dyson will heat up to ??? degrees

Controls and Settings: Remote Control or use the app

The remote allows you to change the fan speed at ten different increments, turn the heat function on or off, and turn the fan itself on. It also allows you to set the night mode and turn on the timer function.

Identical controls exist in the Dyson Link app, so you can always have a remote handy. The app is super easy to use and navigate. In the app is where you can really get a detailed look at your pollutant levels too; you can see historical data, as well as current levels, and you can view overall air quality, or drill down and see which specific pollutants are being detected.

Other modes & settings

Night Mode
The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde also features a night mode, which lowers the screen’s brightness, and puts the fan into a quieter operating mode.

Timer

You can also set a timer that will automatically turn the fan/heater off after 15 minutes up to 9 hours.

Oscillation

Want the fan to swing side to side? Not only can you set that inside the app, but you can control the size of the arc, from 45 degrees all the way up to a nearly full circle 350 degrees.

Smart Voice Control

You can use Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa or Apple’s Siri to gain voice control and hands-free automation. You’ll be able to access specific functions of the fan and use those as steps in more advanced routines. Siri and Alexa are accessed through the Dyson app while setting up your Dyson device for Google requires you to go into the Google Home app and set up a new products by searching for Dyson.

Overall review: Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde

Overall, this is a pretty great and versatile device. I’ve had great experiences with Dyson products; they work very well, require almost no maintenance and they look good in my space.

The price tag on this device may seem steep, but consider that you’re getting a powerful fan for summer, a heater for winter, and a powerful air purifier that also cleans formaldehyde from your air for year-round comfort and clean air. Downsides? Aside from the price some folks will point out… I suppose it is rather large and you will really need a dedicated spot for it.

In short, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde delivers solid heating, cooling, and air purifying in an attractive package. I can recommend it for your home too.

It sells for about $899CAD from many major electronics retailers and from Amazon.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde Hands-on Review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. However, a lot of people grapple with various sleep-related issues that hinder their ability to obtain restorative sleep. In response to this widespread concern, a plethora of advanced sleep gadgets have emerged, providing innovative solutions to improve sleep quality and induce relaxation.

In this article, we will explore some of the best sleep gadgets on the market and their various features. We will also discuss the importance of quality sleep and how gadgets can help improve it.

Benefits of Quality Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. It allows our bodies to rest and repair, which can help prevent diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Sleep also helps improve our mood, concentration, and memory.

How Gadgets can Help Improve Sleep:

There are many different sleep gadgets available on the market, each with its own unique features. Some of the most popular sleep gadgets include:

• Sleep trackers: These devices track a person’s sleep patterns and provide them with insights into their sleep quality.
• Light therapy devices: These devices emit light that can help regulate a person’s sleep-wake cycle.
• Sound machines: These machines play calming sounds that can help users relax and fall asleep.
• Weighted blankets: These blankets provide deep pressure stimulation, which can help reduce anxiety and promote sleep.

Let’s look at some of the best gadgets for sleep available on the market.

1. Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light

Philips SmartSleep connected sleep and wake-up light functions as both a light therapy device and a personalized sleep and wake-up experience. Its customizable design which you can learn more about in the full review allows users to choose their preferred light color, timing, and duration to fit their sleep schedule.

Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light syncs with users’ smartphones, enabling them to schedule and control personalized light therapy. With 25 brightness levels, it can simulate a gentle sunrise to invigorate mornings and create a serene, dimming sunset to help users unwind and prepare for a restful sleep.

Pros

1. Provides a customized wake-up experience 
2. Personalized light therapy to improve sleep quality 
3. Convenient use with the smartphone app 

Cons

1. Expensive compared to other sleep gadgets
2. Comparatively bulky design
3. Limited functional range compared to other smart lights

Shop Philips SmartSleep here.

2. BioLite AlpenGlow

Biolight AlpenGlow is a versatile USB lantern available in 250 and 500-lumen models. These durable and rainproof lanterns offer various light modes, including sidelight, candle flicker, cycling colors, and a vibrant multi-color party mode. With a 3,200mAh/6400 lithium-ion battery, Biolight AlpenGlow 500 lantern charges in 2.5/3 hours and provide up to 5 hours of high mode brightness. The 500-lumen model offers increased brightness, a “fireworks” mode, and an all-around multicolor party experience. Read up on BioLite AlpenGlow here.

The BioLite AlpenGlow features an adjustable dimming switch, allowing users to customize the brightness levels and create the perfect sleep environment.

Pros

1. Durable design 
2. Wide selection of lighting modes 
3. Works as an emergency power bank 

Cons

1. No USB-C port
2. Expensive
3. Difficulty accessing specific colors

Shop BioLite AlpenGlow Here

 3. Casper Glow Sleep Light

The Casper Glow is a compact and wireless lamp which we covered in detail here. Designed to enhance sleep and facilitate gentle awakening. It utilizes warm white light and can be conveniently controlled through the Casper Glow app. Adjusting the brightness directly affects the dimming time, although this can be resolved within the app settings. The wake-up feature lacks the ability to customize days and has a preset auto-off time. With the “Pause” feature, the casper sleep glow light can serve as bedside lights. They are portable and feature an ambient light sensor. The battery life lasts a few days and the lamps pulse when charging. Despite the high price, it may be prudent to await future versions with improved features.

Pros

1. Soft, soothing warm white light helps promote relaxation 
2. Compact and portable design
3. Long battery life of up to a week 

Cons

1. No voice control or support for Alexa/Google Home
2. Pricey compared to similar products 
3. Limited customization options 

Shop Casper Glow here.

 4. Saje Wellness Essential Oil Diffusers

Saje Wellness Essential Oil Diffusers are part of a diverse lineup of ultrasonic diffusers, including models like Aroma Om and Aroma Mosaic. These diffusers combine the benefits of aromatherapy to help create a relaxing bedtime environment. It offers a range of purposeful oil blends, making it a versatile companion for those seeking relaxation or revitalization.

It utilizes ultrasonic technology, that generates a fine particle mist for enhanced scent diffusion, creating an immersive aromatherapy experience. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider, such as a limited runtime of approximately 4-5 hours and a higher price tag. Nonetheless, Saje Wellness Essential Oil Diffusers are effective and easy to use.

Pros

1. Elegant design 
2. Easy setup with plug-in functionality 
3. Utilizes ultrasonic technology for fine particle mist and enhanced scent diffusion 

Cons

1. Limited runtime of around 4-5 hours, shorter than advertised 
2. Expensive 
3. May not be suitable for large rooms

Shop Saje Diffusers here. Or check out this inexpensive dupe from Amazon.

5. Google Nest Hub with Sleep Sensing

Google Nest Hub with Sleep Sensing offers an improved smart home hub experience. It combines the features of a smart speaker with a display screen and adds sleep monitoring capabilities. It uses motion, sound, and temperature sensors to track users’ sleep patterns and offer personalized insights to improve sleep quality.

Google Nest Hub can even detect and alleviate snoring. It also integrates with other smart home devices, play music, answer questions, and display visual information using voice commands or touch interactions. I spent several days with the Hub and it was an interesting experience. Read the full unbiased review here.

Pros

1. Sleep tracking without wearables 
2. Integrates with other smart home devices 
3. Can detect and alleviate snoring 

Cons

1. Privacy concerns with always-listening microphone 
2. Limited sleep tracking accuracy 
3. Some performance hiccups

Shop Nest Hub with Sleep Sensing here.

6. Fitbit Charge 6 for Sleep Tracking

The Fitbit Charge 6 is an affordable fitness tracker with advanced sleep tracking capabilities. Its sleek design and basic fitness functions make it a straightforward choice for health-conscious individuals. The improved software and color touch-enabled screen provide a faster and visually appealing experience. 

With sleep stage and blood oxygen level tracking, users gain valuable insights into their recovery and well-being. The device’s long battery life and water resistance make it suitable for everyday use, including swimming. However, it lacks built-in GPS and advanced features. Overall, the Fitbit Charge 6 is a reliable and compact choice for comprehensive sleep tracking. See our full review of Charge 6 to learn more.

Pros

1. Advanced sleep tracking capabilities
2. Affordable 
3. Long battery life 

Cons

1. Small screen
2. No on-the-spot SpO2 measurement 

Shop Charge 6 and more from Fitbit here.

7. Polysleep Mattress

The Polysleep mattress is made of specialized foam layers and features a liquid-repellent cover, breathable top layer, proprietary support frame, comfortable transitional layer, and supportive foam base. I had a chance to review the Polysleep mattress and I was actually blown away by how comfortable it is—and the magic way it pops up from compact to full size after unboxing!

The Polysleep mattress  is undoubtedly one of the best gadget for sleep. It  provides optimal comfort and support for all sleepers. The mattress features a proprietary integrated foam support frame that keeps the mattress from flattening out over time. The mattress also comes with a 100-night trial period, free shipping, and a 10-year warranty.

 Pros

1. High-quality foam technology for optimal comfort and support 
2. Provides relief for back and joint pain 
3. 100-night trial period for customers

Cons

1. Expensive compared to traditional mattresses 
2. May be too firm for some sleepers 
3. Limited shipping locations

Shop & price out Polysleep’s lineup here. I personally love it.

 8. SleepPhones Headphones

SleepPhones wireless sleep headphones designed specifically for a comfortable and convenient use during sleep. They have a headband design that allows users to listen to music or white noise while sleeping, effectively blocking out ambient noise and helping with falling asleep. 

SleepPhones (which I reviewed here) are also perfect for individuals who want to relax with calming sounds like nature or white noise. The headphones provide a snug and adjustable fit around the head, with a variety of styles and colors available. They offer an impressive wireless range and deliver clear and sharp audio quality. SleepPhones are washable and can be used as a sleep mask as well. Overall, they provide comfort, convenience, and great audio quality, making them ideal for sleep, travel, and blocking out noise.

Pros

1. Comfortable headband design ideal for sleeping 
2. Battery life of up to 12 hours 
3. Washable headband 

Cons

1. Average sound quality 
2. No battery level indicator 
3. Can be bulky for some sleepers 

Shop SleepPhones here.

9. Philips Hue Smart Lights to Simulate Dawn & Dusk

A Philips Hue Smart Light can help users create a relaxing bedtime environment by allowing them to customize color and light intensity. It’s perfect for those looking to simulate a natural sunrise or sunset. The Philips Hue Go Lamp which I reviewed here can be used both plugged in or wireless making it a great choice for many sleep situations.

The Philips Hue App has a built-in feature that allows you to create a sunrise or sunset simulation. To do this, open the app and select the “Automations” tab. Tap the plus icon in the top right corner and select “Custom”. In the “Start at” field, select “Sunrise” or “Sunset”. You can then specify the duration of the simulation, the brightness of the lights, and the color temperature. You may also use third-party apps to simulate dawn and dusk with Philips Hue lights. Some popular options include iConnectHue, Hue Essentials and hueDynamic. I’m a huge Philips Hue fan and you can check out my reviews of the many different Philips Hue devices here.

Pros

1. Provides a relaxing bedtime environment 
2. Customizable color and brightness options 
3. Works with other smart home devices 

Cons

1. Quite expensive
2. Smartphone dependency 
3. Some features require Hue Bridge

 Shop the entire Philips Hue lighting lineup here or go right to see the Hue Go Lamp.

FAQs about sleep gadgets

Sleep gadgets are powerful tools that can help improve sleep quality and create a relaxing sleep environment. From sleep tracking wearables to light therapy devices, there are a variety of gadgets to fit each user’s unique needs. When choosing the right gadget, it’s important to prioritize quality, features, and compatibility. Finally, always remember that the best sleep gadget is one that promotes good sleep hygiene and consistent use.

1. Do sleep gadgets negatively affect sleep quality?

Not necessarily! Sleep gadgets are designed to assist and improve your sleep experience. Choose the right one and use it appropriately for the best results.

2. Can sleep gadgets cure sleep disorders?

Sleep gadgets can support sleep management, but they are not a guaranteed cure for sleep disorders. Seek professional medical advice for comprehensive treatment.

3. Are sleep gadgets worth the investment?

The value of sleep gadgets varies. They can be beneficial for tracking sleep, providing relaxation, or creating a soothing environment. Research, read reviews, and consider your needs and budget to decide.

Remember, sleep is a unique and personal experience, so finding the right approach may involve a bit of trial and error. It’s always a good idea to listen to your body, prioritize healthy sleep habits, and consult with healthcare professionals if you have any concerns or persistent sleep issues. Sleep well!

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Enhance Your Sleep: Discover the Best Sleep Gadgets for Optimal Rest appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Comparing Amazon’s Echo Show to Hub, there was a time when home automation was a niche hobby reserved for the tech-savvy. However, it’s become more of a commonplace reality these days thanks to a well-implemented integration by industry players like Google. The Google Home, for example, has expanded from its early days as a fairly straightforward smart speaker system to an entire ecosystem that works with a ton of other devices, from smart lights to smart thermostats.

So, while it might sound like a lot of work setting this up, it’s actually much easier than you’d expect. If you’re ready to go all-in with your home automation system, start by heading over to your phone’s Google Home app and following these steps:

Choose your Google Home device.

Whether you’re going for the O.G. smart speaker or you’re going for a more specialist device like smart lights or thermostat, you’re going to need some hardware to start your home automation journey.

Plug in your Google Home Device.

Once you have your device on hand, plug it in and switch it on. Once it’s powered up, you can carry on with the rest of these steps on your smartphone’s Google Home app or via the device’s touch screen if it has one.

Download, install, and open your Google Home app.

Once you’re on the app, log in to your Google account while connected to your home Wi-Fi connection. If it’s your first time setting up a Google Home device, you’ll have to tap on Create Home and give it a nickname to help you stay organized as you add more devices later. Tap on your Home, then Next.

Look for your device.

Tap on Devices, Add, then New Device. Look for the Google Home device you’d like to add. (Google Nest Speakers, Google TV, Chromecast, Nest Camera, Nest Thermostats, and many thousands of third-party Google Home-enabled devices)

Now you’re all set up.

The setup between most Google Home devices is largely the same, with some devices deviating because of the nature of the device itself. For example, Google Nest Hub devices have their own screens from which you can log in, while other devices, such as the Nest speakers, require you to use your smartphone for the setup process.

The Google Nest Hub is available from Amazon and Walmart, and the Google Nest Hub Max is available from Walmart.

The Google Nest WiFi Pro is available from Amazon.

The Google Pixel Tablet is available from Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly is Google Home?

A: Google Home used to refer to Google’s smart speaker lineup. However, over time, evolved to include other smart devices such as smart thermostats, Google TVs, Chromecasts, and other third-party devices.

Q: Do I need a Google account to set up a Google Home device?

A: To get all that Google Home goodness flowing, you’ll need a Google account. If you’re an Android user, you likely already have one (score!). If not, setting up a Google account is easy as pie. And it won’t just give you access to Google Home but a whole host of Google services.

Q: Will Google Home listen to my personal conversations?

A: Nope. Google Home only starts recording when it hears the ‘magic words’, which are “Okay Google” or “Hey Google.” Your private chats are safe, but remember, it may hear all your shower singing sessions!

Q: Does Google Home need a constant internet connection?

A: Google Home devices use Wi-Fi signals to communicate with each other. So, certain tasks and commands, such as asking Google Assistant for the weather, may not work properly if the internet connection is disrupted.

Q: Can I use Google Home if I have an iPhone?

A: Google Home works just fine with iOS devices. Just download the Google Home app from the Apple App Store, and you’re good to go. So, keep that iPhone in your pocket, and give a round of applause for cross-tech harmony!

Also Read:

1. Google Home Max Review: high quality, smart home audio
2. How to talk to Philips Hue & Google Home
3. How to control Chromecast TV with Google Home
4. How to get Google Home to control August smart locks

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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If you’re in the latter camp, know there are easier ways to make your home festive thanks to technology.

Holiday Hack #1: Smart Plugs for Automation

Want to control your Christmas lights from another room, or even another city? Smart plugs like the WeMo Switch or Amazon Smart Plug allow you to plug in virtually anything, from Christmas lights, to mobiles or animated figurines and turn it off an on with your smartphone or tablet. This works really well for tree lights in particular, since crawling under or behind the tree to pull out the plug is often a pain.

Smart plugs can also be used on automatic timers, coming on at dusk and turning off when you want.

The WeMo Switch is available on Amazon and at the Belkin store. You can find the Amazon Smart Plug on Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.

Holiday Hack #2: App-connected string lights

Govee, makers of a vast array of smart lights has many light solutions which are ideal for the holidays. These smart LED light strings give you smart functionality via a Bluetooth connection; you can turn them on or off with your smartphone, adjust colour to dozens of different subtler hues, you can set timers, or use a handful of special effects, all automatically. Best of all, these are for indoors or out.

With a kit like this you don’t even need a smart plug. Read my full review of Govee smart lights here.

You can find the Govee Outdoor String Lights on Amazon and the GOVEE store.

Holiday Hack #3: Stick-up LED Lights go anywhere

The amazing thing about smart lighting is how versatile and flexible it is. Case in point; a couple new LED string lights that are thin, pliable and flexible so you can stick them up anywhere.

Philips Hue Light Strips, LIFX Z and Govee Neon Rope Lights are just three great examples of lights you can stick anywhere for holiday decor.  If you use removable 3M Command adhesive tabs, it makes moving them and removing the tape even easier.

You can find the Phillips Hue Light Strips on Amazon and Walmart.

You can find the LIFX Z lights on Amazon and  Best Buy.

Govee Neon Rope Lights are available on Amazon and Best Buy.

Use these light strips on the inside of a window frame to show your neighbourhood your red, green or icy blue colours. Coil them into frosted glass vases for temporary colourful lamps, wrap them around large mirrors, or stick them under furniture for holiday ambiance.

Want to go to another level? Nanoleaf lighting is a unique set of flat plastic panels that can be stuck pretty much anywhere; you can use them to create a holiday-themed wall decoration, and adjust the lights to flicker red and green or frosty blue and white.

Find the Nanoleaf Shapes kit on Amazon and Best Buy

Holiday Hack #4: Make a light-up Christmas Tree

Feeling creative? Why not use the Nanoleaf or Govee Hexa lights to create a flat panel Christmas tree in a small space where a real tree is just not realistic? Simply arrange the triangular shaped panels in a tree shape, configure the panels to turn green (go for a gold on on top, reminiscent of a star!) and you’re holiday ready!

Holiday Hack #5: Use a wireless lamp in your table setting

Table setting is an art, if you ask me. Matching dishes to napkins and selecting florals requires some level of flair which I struggle to achieve. That’s where I pull in smart lamps; I can turn the Mipow Sphere glass globe green to match my good china, or I can set the Philips Hue Go lamp or Philips Hue Bloom to a cool snowy hue for a winter feast. The Go lamp also works well under the Christmas tree to give it some extra colour pop or by the fireplace.

Find the Philips Hue Go on Amazon and Walmart, or the Philips Hue Bloom on Amazon and Walmart. The Balmost Sphere can also be found on Amazon.

Holiday Hack #6: Use coloured bulbs for decor

As I’ve written before, smart lights are an easy way to decorate your home for any occasion. Painting your room with light can warm up a room, cool it off, or give it a holiday theme with the touch of an app. Lights like Philips Hue smart bulbs can be set to holiday red or green easily, you can use LIFX’s ‘scenes’ to create a holiday glow, or employ a Govee smart light bulb or Amazon Basics smart bulb to provide both a light show AND music from its built-in speaker!

Holiday Hack #7: Use the Internet of Things to automate … ANYTHING

If you haven’t experimented with IFTTT (If This Then That), you’re missing out.  IFTTT uses apps and smart devices to create actions that happen automatically. I wrote about how you can use it to turn coloured smart lights blue when snow is in the forecast.   But you can also use it for holiday fun. Need a quick lesson on how it all works? Click here.

If you own a smart doorbell and some smart lights you can use an IFTTT ‘recipe’ to play Christmas music on a Sonos speaker when the doorbell is pressed, and to set lights flashing green and red. Read more about how to do that, or to achieve the same effect with a motion sensor, via the Yonomi app here. You can also surf the IFTTT website for holiday light and sound recipes that have already been created and borrow one that suits you.

5 Extra Smart Light Hacks for Holiday Décor

Decorating your house with smart lighting to celebrate the holidays is a good long-term step towards bringing some extra cheer all year long because of how versatile these lights have become. The only obstacle, however, is getting all the gear set up and figuring out what to buy. Fortunately, you don’t have to buy very much or perhaps nothing at all depending on what you have right now. A little bit of smart light hacking could be just what you need to create a truly dazzling environment without spending so much.

Holiday Hack #8: Create Animated Light Scenes

In order to perform this holiday hack, you will need at least one set of Govee Curtain Lights. Don’t be fooled by the product’s simple name because the best feature of this smart curtain lights set is the ability to create animated scenes. Since you arrange the curtain lights in a rectangle formation, the individual lights essentially serve as pixels on your curtain canvas.

Once you added the curtain lights to the Govee app, go straight to the DIY section because that’s where you’ll perform your animated wizardry! Give your DIY effect a name, assign it an icon, and change the “Effect” option to “GIF”. From there, you can upload any animated GIF stored in your device and watch it play right on your curtain lights! Just stick with those basic cartoon animations and you’ll be fine. The Govee app also lets you explore other animations uploaded by the community if you don’t feel like uploading your own.

The Govee Curtain lights are available on Amazon and Walmart.

Holiday Hack #9: Add a Glow to Your Christmas Tree

If the Govee Curtain Lights are too much of an investment, you could create a nice subtle lighting effect with a Govee Floor Lamp or just about any RGBIC floor lamp. Floor lamps are all about positioning as you can create some neat glow effects if you conceal them behind objects. Try hiding one behind your Christmas tree, try a few glow presets, and just enjoy the mood uplift!

The Govee Floor Lamp is available on Amazon and the GOVEE store.

Holiday Hack #10: Use Smart String Lights as Outlines

Never underestimate the usefulness of simple smart string lights like the Govee Outdoor String Lights as they can add nice accents to any room. Using them as lights for your Christmas tree is a common approach but how about using the string lights to draw a Christmas tree right on the wall? In fact, smart string lights can serve as excellent outline accents if you are targeting a minimalistic setup. Once you are finished with your creation, you can play with whatever presets the smart lights app has to offer or try setting a music mode if the lights support it so your lights can sync with whatever holiday music you are playing. Don’t be afraid to conduct online image or video searches of fancy smart string light setups as you can find plenty of inspiration there.

Holiday Hack #11: Invite Some Flashy Speakers

Don’t want to go through all the effort in smart light decorating? Consider a smart speaker instead! Some speakers like the JBL Pulse 4 and 5 come with their own built-in lighting features. These lights won’t sync with your other smart light setups, but they will still add a splash of color to any dimly lit room. If you require a bit of customizing, consider trying a Divoom Bluetooth speaker or a Tidbyt.

Don’t have a light speaker lying around? Perhaps you might have a smart home assistant like an Echo Show. Browse the Alexa Skills section and search for Christmas themes or screensavers such as fireplace screensavers. If you have a different smart assistant with a screen, gather some holiday wallpapers and upload them to any cloud service your smart home assistant relies on. Then activate the assistant’s photo album feature and have it display those wallpapers and you’ll end up with a neat digital holiday decoration.

You can find the JBL Pulse 4 at Walmart, and the JBL Pulse 5 on Amazon and Walmart. The Divoom Bluetooth speaker is available on Amazon and Walmart. The Echo Show can also be found on Amazon and Walmart.

Holiday Hack #12: Make Your Doorbell Play Festive Sounds

This one isn’t light related, but it is super fun for the holidays! Today’s doorbells can’t sing just yet, but some doorbell products like the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus have a customizable chime feature if you partner it with a Ring Chime Pro, and you can use it to play holiday sounds, carols and even jingling bells any time someone rings the bell. Check out our recent article on how to change doorbell sounds to find out more! If you don’t have the Ring Chime Pro, you may still assign holiday chimes to your Ring doorbell, but you will only hear them on your mobile device after someone rings the doorbell.

You can find the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus on Amazon and Best Buy, and the Ring Chime Pro can also be found on Amazon and Best Buy.

Do you have a Holiday hack or IFTTT recipe we should try? Post your ideas in comments below!

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post 12 amazing and easy smart light hacks for Christmas holiday decor appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Best Robot Vacuums

The key to finding the best robot vacuum for your household is to analyze its features carefully to see if they match your needs and learn how well the vacuum performs as advertised. After we reviewed numerous vacuums, we narrowed down the list to our three top picks below. We highly recommend checking out our reviews for each pick to make sure any of the vacuums’ weaknesses aren’t deal breakers for you.

Budget Pick: Yeedi Cube

The Yeedi Cube has convinced us that the absolute minimum you should pay for a brand-new robot vacuum is $500 USD. The Yeedi brand isn’t exactly a household name, but it doesn’t carry a heavy brand tax like other products. More importantly, the Yeedi Cube is an all-in-one vacuum that does all the essentials very well from vacuuming dust and pet hair to mopping hardwood floor. The Yeedi Cube has good mapping capabilities and reliable self-cleaning and emptying features.

Check out our Yeedi Cube review to learn more about our budget champ, or find it at Walmart.

Midrange Pick: Roborock S7 max V Ultra

Roborock is a more popular robot vacuum brand with a wee bit too many models to pick from. We reviewed quite a bit of them and decided on crowning the Roborock S7 max V Ultra as our midrange pick. Retailing at about $899 USD, this robot vac-mop boasts a maximum suction power of 5,100Pa and is more adept in avoiding obstacles thanks to its ReactiveAI 2.0 tech.

Learn more about this vacuum’s strengths in our full Roborock S7 max V Ultra review, or find it on Amazon.

Premium Pick: ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI

This oddly shaped robo vacuum makes more than just a fashion statement; it offers a full suite of premium vacuum features ranging from LIDAR to hot air drying and all the mopping and scrubbing smarts in between.

The $1,499 USD price is quite eye-watering but our in-depth ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI review could possibly wipe those tears! Find it on Amazon.

Best Over-ear Headphones

For many products, you get what you pay for. However, when it comes to cheap over-ear headphones, you might not realize that fact if you never listened to a pair of headphones costing more than $70 USD. So, if you know someone still jamming with a pair of wired earbuds that came with the device they’re using, treat them to a better audio quality experience that may involve enhanced bass, subtle instruments popping out more, getting rid of ambient noise, and other niceties. It all depends on how much you’re willing to pay.

Budget Pick: Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT

Audio-Technica didn’t introduce any budget over-ear headphones models this year leaving the ATH-M20xBT as the priciest pair of wireless headphones under $100. It may look cheap and can feel a bit uncomfortable after medium-term wearing, but it hits some high notes in both audio quality and passive noise isolation. And oh, it has USB-C charging too unlike some past greats!

Come read our Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT review to learn more, or find it on Amazon.

Midrange Pick: Sennheiser 450 BT

If active noise canceling is a must-have on the menu, the Sennheiser 450 BT is one of the cheapest options to get there as you can find it discounted for around $129 USD. Sennheiser released the 450 BT three years ago, but its specs still hold up with USB-C connectivity along with Bluetooth 5.0 and SBC, AAC, and aptX codec support.

Our detailed Sennheiser 450 BT review explains other things we liked about these cans. You can find them on Amazon.

Premium Pick: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Review

Sennheiser scores another win in our TechGadgets book with the Sennheiser Momentum 4 capturing the $299 price bracket. That price is quite a bit for a lackluster design, but our complaints end here; the rest of the features is a step above many of its competitors. The battery life lasts several days, sound quality is astounding, and its Transparency Mode is a real gift for focusing.

Learn more about its features in our hands-on Sennheiser Momentum 4 Reviews. Find it on Amazon.

Luxury Pick: Bowers & Wilkins P.X. 7 S2e

If you have that special audiophile someone, consider the Bowers & Wilkins PX 7 S2e. Not only does it offer a premium unboxing experience, but it delivers serene audio quality and feels very comfortable.

We reviewed its predecessor, the Bowers & Wilkins PX 7 and it looks like the S2e model improved its active noise canceling which was our main complaint with the original model. The headphones sit at the $399 USD tier, but it had $150 discount not too long ago so wait for Black Friday if this is on your wish list! You can find it on Amazon.

Best Wireless Earbuds

Wireless earbuds always make for nice little stocking stuffers, and we have a few picks here that can easily multiply the value of an innocent red sock.

Fitness Pick: Skullcandy Push Active Earbuds

Fitness at Skullcandy might look odd in the same sentence but throw in a sub-$80 USD price tag and it certainly got our attention! You won’t get any noise cancellation here but the IP55 sweat-resistant rating combined with good battery life makes the Skullcandy Push Active a great gift for fitness fans.

Just give our Skullcandy Push Active review a read to discover some of its minor weaknesses. But that two-toned charger is quite the looker! You can find it on Amazon.

ANC Pick: Jabra Elite 4

If you want to go the active noise canceling route instead of the fitness route for gifting, the Jabra Elite 4 is a good candidate. Yes, the newer Jabra Elite 5 exists but the Elite 4 continues to sell often dipping below its original $99 price.

Have a look at our Jabra Elite 4 review to learn other neat features this pair of wireless earbuds offers. You can find it on Amazon.

Premium Pick: Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2

If the gift calls for top tier audio quality for around $400, consider the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 in your shortlist. It ticks nearly every box in terms of features except for its IP54 water resistance which translates to “not sweat resistant”. However, it ticks the rest of the boxes with very bold strokes. Lows, mids, and highs all sound vibrant with great noise cancellation and passthrough performance.

Like its over-ear cousin, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 model is a refreshed version of the original Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 which we reviewed. The S2 improvements are minor but the company claims they improved the battery life and Bluetooth range. It’s almost like B&W read our Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 review because that was our only main issue with it! You can find it on Amazon.

Best Appliances

There’s no shortage of great appliances you can gift to your friends and family. So for this year’s holiday tech shopping guide, we’ll focus on some appliances in a few categories that each have a neat little trick that will surely wow him or her.

Kettle Pick: Hamilton Beach Alexa Smart Kettle

What can get really hot, has Alexa integration, and costs under $80? Why a Hamilton Alexa Smart Kettle, of course! But rest assured because asking your trusty Amazon Echo device to boil water for you isn’t as silly as you sound once you try it. Plus, it boils water rather quickly!

Read our hands-on Hamilton Beach Alexa Smart Kettle review or check out our video review to see it in action! You can find it on Amazon.

Blender Pick: Ninja Blast Portable

The Ninja Blast Portable is a small, innocent-looking blender that can crush ice (with a bit of liquid) and make a nice little smoothie good enough for a single person on the go. Not so innovative, right? But here’s the trick up its sleeve; you can charge the blender via USB-C! How cool is that?!

Find out what else we loved about this blender by reading our Ninja Blast Portable review. You can find it on Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart.

Air Fryer Pick: COSORI 6-quart TurboBlaze

You know anybody who’s not yet onboard the air fryer hype train? This is the year to be that special Santa because COSORI’s trick with its new COSORI 6-quart TurboBlaze Air Fryer is right on its name! The “TurboBlaze” technology is more than just a fancy trademark as the air fryer sports a DC motor which helps make the air fryer work more quietly while speeding up cooking times.

Get the full rundown of this air fryer and why it got a perfect five-star rating in our COSORI 6-quart TurboBlaze review. You can find it on Amazon.

Coffee Pick: Ninja 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

The Ninja 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker might be the most boring looking product in our appliance list but don’t let that fool you. For under $70 USD, you get a coffee brewer that not only has a 12-cup water reservoir but is removable as well! This means refills are less of a hassle which is a huge plus for the daily multi-coffee cup lover.

This coffee machine has a few other neat features we liked which you can find in our full Ninja 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker review. You can find it on Amazon or Walmart.

Best Wearables

Ordinary wristwatches will never go out of style, but the smartwatches released this 2023 would like to have a word. We heard what they have to say, and it involves some walled gardens. This makes buying a smartwatch easy to buy as a gift because all you need to do is figure out what phone the person uses!

Android Pick: Google Pixel Watch 2

The Google Pixel Watch 2 might only be a second-generation product but it’s the indisputable option for Google Pixel and Android users (unless you use a Samsung phone). It has the health and tracking soul of a Fitbit with an improved chip and larger battery over its predecessor.

Discover what else this Google smartwatch brings to the table in our Google Pixel Watch 2 review. You can find it on Amazon.

Samsung Pick: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

The Google Pixel Watch 2 should work with any Samsung phone running Android 9.0 or newer but the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers deeper integration with Samsung’s services like Samsung Health.

We dedicated a special section in our Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 review highlighting the special features its One UI interface brings. Just be aware of the stricter requirements before considering as the Galaxy Watch 6 only supports Samsung devices with Android 10.0 or newer. You can find it on Amazon.

Apple Pick: Apple Watch Series 9

We have not reviewed the latest Apple Watch but because of Apple’s strict ecosystem, it’s impossible for us to recommend anything else for Apple users! Yes, Apple does sell older models as well as a budget-friendly SE option, but if you are going to gift an Apple product, you might as well gift something that will last multiple years because older and lower-end models will be first on the chopping block for end-of-life support. Always buy the latest model as it comes with the latest internal hardware to support newer WatchOS versions later down the road. You can find it on Amazon.

Best Portable Speakers

Portable speakers are great budget options for gifting to just about anyone! When it comes to the current crop of products, looks can be deceiving and here’s a few that caught our eyes and later our ears!

Budget Pick: JBL Go 3

The JBL Go 3 is an excellent gift not just for your average folk but also for kids as it is small, rugged, and comes in various colors. It sounds great for its size and costs only $49 USD / $59 CAD which is just enough to forgive its middling 5-hour battery life.

Find out what else this weatherproof Bluetooth speaker offers in our full JBL Go 3 review. You can find it on Amazon, Canadian Tire, or Walmart.

Spatial Audio Pick: Anker SoundCore Motion X600

The average music streaming lover might be missing out on a third dimension of their favorite songs. This is your chance to be that cool friend or relative by gifting a speaker with spatial audio and the Anker SoundCore Motion X600 offers just that for just $199 USD / $269 CAD. Just prepare the wrapping paper because this speaker is a bit larger yet still portable thanks to its non-foldable handle.

You can read more about its full feature set in our Anker SoundCore Motion X600 review. You can find it on Amazon or Best Buy.

Premium Portable Pick: Marshall Willen

If the JBL Go 3 is too pedestrian for your tastes and you’re willing to spend a bit more than double its price, the Marshall Willen speaker is the one to get. $120 USD / $179 CAD gets you a tiny, but loud speaker that has that classic guitar amp look. It also boasts an IP67 weather-resistant rating and can last about 15 hours from a full charge.

Take a look at our full Marshall Willen review for a deeper dive. You can find it on Amazon or Best Buy.

Best Smart Lighting

When it comes to smart lighting, you might feel tempted to go cheap and settle for the first sponsored listing you see in a typical Amazon search. However, you might end up with a product that works well for a few days and later has issues. Avoid those pitfalls by sticking with some of our tried-and-tested picks here!

Bulb Pick: Amazon Basics Smart Light Bulbs

Have a friend or relative you are frequently in touch with via Amazon Echo? An easy and inexpensive gift idea is to get an Amazon Basics Smart Light bulb as it is easy to set up via the Alexa app. If you feel hesitant with the small packaging or the $13 USD price tag, you can always consider the 4-pack for a bigger gift impact!

To find out what else you can do with this smart light, check out our Amazon Basics Smart Light Bulb review. You can find it on Amazon.

Toilet Pick: IllumiBowl Motion-Activated Toilet Night Light

If you want to hide some hearty laughing gas in your Christmas gift for not much money, the IllumniBowl Motion-Activated Toilet Night Light is a good candidate! A light for your toilet sounds like something you would encounter in TEMU but this $15 USD / $17.50 CAD motion light really works. Just add a trio of AAA batteries, attach the arm with no tools required, and you’re good to go!

If you’re still not convinced, you can check out our photos of the light in action in our full IllumniBowl Motion-Activated Toilet Night Light review. You can find it on Amazon or Walmart.

Table Pick: Ilios Lighting Rechargeable Table Mirror

If you have some money to spare and want to gift a light that will get a lot of use, we recommend the $139 USD Ilios Lighting Rechargeable Table Mirror. With its internal rechargeable battery, you can light up the mirror’s outer bezel away from the outlet. This level of freedom is only something you must experience to appreciate it and Ilios even bundles it with a cool suction cup attachment making it travel-friendly as well.

Want to know more about the lighting specs? Check out our Ilios Lighting Rechargeable Table Mirror review! You can find it on Amazon or Best Buy.

Curtain Pick: Govee Curtain Lights

Another clever way to spend $140-ish USD on smart lighting is to get a bunch of tiny lights that can do all sorts of neat tricks. With the Govee Curtain Lights, you get 520 teardrop-shaped lights specifically! The best part? These lights do not require a smart hub and work with Alexa and Google Assistant.

To find out what you can do with these lights after setting them up, see our full Govee Curtain Lights review. You can find it on Amazon or Walmart.

Best Health Gadgets

A health-focused gadget might not be an exciting holiday tech shopping category for some folks, but you never know, a single smart gift could change some habits for the better! Here’s some health gadgets we positively reviewed.

Toothbrush Pick: usmile Y10 PRO Smart Toothbrush

The usmile Y10 PRO Smart Toothbrush is like the modern embodiment of an electric toothbrush. It has a cool digital screen, has 4 brushing modes, and charges via USB-C. Brush head replacements are a bit on the pricey side but at least it comes with two brush heads which is reasonable for the $100 USD asking price.

Our usmile Y10 PRO Smart Toothbrush review breaks down all the features and includes an Amazon US coupon code for getting a cool $15 discount!

You can find it on Amazon or Walmart.

Blood Pressure Monitor Pick: QardioArm Blood Pressure Monitor

Finding a good medical product like a blood pressure monitor requires a bit of extra care because you want something from a reputable brand and has proven to work throughout the years. The QardioArm has over 4,000 positive reviews on Amazon US and offers apps for sharing blood pressure data that continues to get updates and also received positive reviews.

We also have our own QardioArm Blood Pressure Monitor review where you can learn more about our findings after using the product. You can find it on Amazon or Walmart.

Sleep Pick: Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake Up Light

Did you know Amazon Echo Show devices have a “Wake-up Lighting” feature that tries to synchronize the display’s brightness and other smart lights with the sunrise? If configured correctly, the feature should help you sleep or wake up, but your results will vary from setup to setup. If you want a product offering real results, you must look back to the past and give the Philips SmartSleep Connect Sleep and Wake Up Light a try. Philips wake-up lights have been around for decades, and this particular model comes with a ton of features.

You’ll have to head to our Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake Up Light review to learn more about them. You can find it on Amazon or Best Buy.

Best Beauty Gadgets

When it comes to beauty gadgets, you won’t find any budget picks in our small list here. You do have to pay a bit of a premium for the best experience and that usually means, minimal to no fuss!

Epilator Pick: Philips Epilator 8000

Pulling hairs by the roots equates to pain but the Philips Epilator 8000 says no to that! The $110 USD package includes several swappable attachments which you can use depending on the area.

The TL;DR version is that it isn’t a pain to use but check out our Philips Epilator 8000 review for our full thoughts or our video review to see it in action. Just take note that this isn’t a product for the face; we have a recommendation for that just below!

You can find it on Amazon or Walmart.

Facial Pick: FOREO LUNA 4

The FOREO LUNA 4 is another product we gave a perfect score to despite its high price because it cleans the face so well. This all-in-one cleansing brush has been around for a bit more than a year and you can currently find it on Amazon for about $180 at the time of writing which is a historical low!

This gadget is packed with too many features to fit here so check out our FOREO LUNA 4 review for the full rundown. You can find it on Amazon or Best Buy.

Hair Styler Pick: Shark FlexStyle

The Dyson Airwrap is a wonderful product but the high price really makes this a gift you want to give to yourself. For other folks, you don’t have to feel guilty in gifting a Shark FlexStyle as it offers tremendous value for the money.

You’ll have to resort to our Shark FlexStyle Multi-styler review to learn more about the attachments and its performance. For a little summary, it’s a powerful blow dryer, feels a bit heavy but compact, and it does hot curling well after a bit of practice. You can find it on Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart.

Creative Tech Gifts for the Person Who Has Everything

Gifting a tech-savvy person who has many of our top picks or worthy competitors to these picks will be a bit more challenging. That’s where this special list comes in as we dug up some hidden gems that might not be for everyone but could serve as fun, clever gifts!

Ember Mug 2

A $150 “smart mug” might give you that visual of spitting out your recent morning sip in shock. But gift this to any coffee or tea connoisseur and you can expect a resounding gesture of gratitude. Preparing the best cup of tea or coffee involves a lot of tinkering with the liquid temperature and one of the Ember Mug 2’s key features is maintaining that temperature to the exact value you can set in the app. Yes, you can control this mug with your phone, and it comes with a few cool smart features like an LED indicator once it reaches your preferred temperature and an auto-sleep function to conserve battery life.

Still curious how this all works? Come and have some tea with our Ember Mug 2 review! You can find it on Amazon or Walmart.

Tineco Smart Toaster

Air fryers? Those are for rookies! Smart toasters are the current buzz… at least in Tineco’s world! Bagging an iF Design Award this year, the Tineco Toasty One is more than just a fancy spaceship-like appliance and certainly got us curious.

After fiddling with the appliance’s touchscreen and dabbling with various toast settings, we gave it top marks. Find out why in our Tineco Toasty One smart toaster review. You can find it on Amazon.

Thermomix TM6

Thought the Tineco Smart Toaster was outworldly? Meet the Thermomix TM6 according to the manufacturer is an “all-in-one kitchen assistant”! Automation is the name of the game with the Thermomix TM6 from food processing to cooking to cleaning itself.

Boasting 20 kitchen functions, you do have to pay $1,500 for that luxury, but our full Thermomix TM6 review explains just how such a high amount is actually great value for the money. And if by rare chance the person you want to gift has one, you can always consider gifting a Thermomix Cutter! YOu can find one on the Theromix website.

BLUETTI Power Station

A good chunk of our picks in this list are useless without a power source. The same can be said with gadgets that run out of battery and have no place to charge if you suddenly experience a power outage. Having a BLUETTI Power Station serves as a second wind for these devices making them perfect gifts for the tech lover. BLUETTI offers a wide range of power stations in different sizes and energy specs to suit various use cases.

Check out our recent BLUETTI post on products to learn more about the different power stations and its uses or read our BLUETTI AC180 review to discover what you can do with 1,800 watts of portable power. You can find it on Amazon or Walmart.

Himiway D5 Zebra

When it comes to shopping for an e-bike, a lot of the usual tech knowledge simply doesn’t apply. Many of the brands in this space are out of the common tech bubble and various models target specific bikers. However, the Himiway D5 Zebra e-bike is a good bike to start with or gift to someone because of its easy assembly, stable ride, and adjustable settings.

Getting used to the bike’s massive 79-pound frame is necessary to appreciate the experience and you can get a glimpse of that from our Himiway D5 Zebra review. You can find it on Amazon.

Have any holiday tech ideas worth sharing? Do comment below! Happy holiday tech shopping!

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post The Best Holiday Tech Shopping Guide 2024 appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

SwitchBot Curtain 3 Review

In this post I’ll take a look at what you get with this device and how it works with existing curtains. I’ll explore if you can use it with different types of drapes, how you install it, and whether it actually works as advertised. I’d like to say thank you to SwitchBot for sponsoring this post. Their support helps us keep the blog running so we’re grateful. Through they have paid for my time they have not told me what I have to say or cannot say in this article so you can consider these thoughts my own.

Click here to see the Curtain 3 in action in my YouTube Short.

What is SwitchBot Curtain 3?

SwitchBot Curtain 3 consists of a small motor that rolls across your curtain rod and pulls your existing curtains along for the ride. With just a couple of parts and components, and a rechargeable motor, setting it up is actually quite easy.

What types of curtains does Switchbot work on?

Switchbot is made to manage several different types and styles of curtains. You first choose whether your curtain is held up by a traditional cylindrical rod, or a U-shaped rail. It will even work on extendable or uneven rods too. (An i-rail version is in the works also.)

SwitchBot Curtain 3 can manage all the big styles of drapes including tab-top drapes, back-tab curtains, and curtains held in place by grommets, or rings. To check if your curtains will be compatible, click here to access SwitchBot’s’ Compatibility Checker.

What’s in the box?

When you unpack the box the parts will no doubt look quite unfamiliar. But they are actually very cleverly designed and go together easily.

In the box you get:

• Main motor unit
• A pair of hooks with rollers and metal arms
• Plastic Clips
• USB-C charging cable
• Magnetic pad
• Reset tool and wet wipe
• A Bead Fixer (used for grommeted curtains)

How to install SwitchBot Curtain 3

First things first; download the SwitchBot app. This is how you’ll control your curtains. Either sign up for an account or sign into an existing account.

I have tab top curtains in my office, and my curtain rod has a centre support, so for this installation I needed two Curtain 3 motors; one for each curtain panel.
For this installation I also need to use the clips provided to help install the SwitchBot Curtain 3. The clips have essentially three parts; a lever which opens the mouth of the clip up, and an upper and lower jaw to grip the curtain fabric/tabs. You’ll lift the top portion of the clip up; and it does require quite a bit of force to open. I was afraid of breaking it, but the clips are actually quite solid.

One of the clips atop a drapery tab.

Once open, you’ll have the clip bite down on the very top section of one of the tabs, creating a smooth surface for the curtain to slide on while sitting on the rod. The clips also help prevent the tops of the drapes from getting caught up in the motor arms.

For the first clip (on the first tab that will go towards the centre of the curtain rod), you’ll face the jaws of the clip towards the centre of the rod. Then attach two more clips on the next two tabs in line, but this time have them bite away from the centre of the rod. The end of the clips essentially have small bracket-spacers that help the Curtain 3 push them along the top of the rod.

Learn more about SwitchBot Curtain 2 vs Curtain 3

Hidden placement

With the clips attached it’s time to add the hooks and the motor. You’ll be positioning it between the first and second tab on your drapes and the motor will be placed behind the curtain panel so it’s a bit hidden. Hook one arm over the curtain rod, then clip it to the motor. Clip the other arm on the other side of the motor and then lock it into place. Make sure the SwitchBot logo is facing into the room (but behind your curtain panel).
Finally you’ll place a thin magnet pad on the middle of the rod so SwitchBot knows where to stop.

Do the other panel.

With clips and motors placed, you’ll run a test. The app will open up the curtains so you can check that everything is working properly. Once you confirm, you’re ready to use your curtains.

SwitchBot app: easy to navigate

The app is quite simple and easy to navigate. You can simply tap a virtual button to open the curtains fully, close them fully, or leave them somewhere in between.

Does SwitchBot Curtain 3 really work?

I’m glad to report that in my review, SwitchBot Curtain 3 works surprisingly well! I was impressed with how easy it is to set up and how easy it is to use with all types of curtains. I was initially sceptical that the unit would work with my flimsier tab-top drapes, but it’s been flawless and I’ve now got much easier access to opening and closing the drapes.

Anytime operation & automation

It’s possible to set your drapes on a daily schedule, or to purchase a SwitchBot remote control. You can also control just one side or your dual curtain panels too by accessing the Sync Control page (which is found in the bottom of the Switchbot app after you tap on your curtains).

Voice control: supports almost everything!

Curtain 3 supports integration with all the major smart home services including Apple Home Kit/Siri, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and IFTTT. I opted for linking Google and was able to simply ask Google to ‘open the curtains’.

Does SwitchBot Curtain work with Alexa?

With other smart home commands you may need to revise the phrasing. For example, ‘Alexa, ask SwitchBot to open curtains’ .

Battery: How long does SwitchBot Curtain last?

The battery on a fully charged Curtain 3 will last about 8 months, depending how many times each day you’re using it.

Optional Accessories for Curtain 3

In addition to the SwitchBot remote control, there is an array of helpful accessories you can use with your Curtain 3.

SwitchBot Remote
To open or close your curtains without needing your phone. This is handy to keep on a table near your curtains so that they can be controlled by others in the family or by visitors.

SwitchBot Solar Panel

This handy compact solar panel plugs into the bottom of your Curtain 3 motor (for now, it only works with Curtain 3) and absorbs sunlight to keep your motor charged 24/7. It’s designed for sunnier spaces, but can handle some measure of shade too. Because it hangs from the motor and will be on the backside of your drapes, you won’t see it from inside the home. Clever! The long cable supporting the solar panel is also helpful for those who’ve placed the drapes higher up on the wall, like me.

SwitchBot Hub 2

SwtichBot makes plenty of other smart home gadgets too.  SwitchBot Hub 2 allows you to get instant information about your home. With a built in temperature sensor and humidity meter you’ll always know what’s happening in your space.

SwitchBot Indoor/Outdoor Thermo-Hygrometer

If you want to keep tabs on the air temperature or humidity around your home, whether indoors or out, this extremely compact meter (about the size of a USB thumb drive) can be placed almost anywhere and provide up to the minute data. I placed mine outside my house so I could keep tabs on the weather more easily and more precisely.

Overall review

Overall I think this is a great product and very well executed. It solves a problem many homeowners have, and is ideal for drapes that are not easy to reach, are placed up very high, or that are blocked by furniture.
SwitchBot Curtain 3 is extremely easy to install, and works amazingly well at automating part of my home I never thought could be. I really can’t find any downsides to the device, unless you might be concerned with the device potentially being partially visible on the curtain rod.

I can highly recommend Switchbot Curtain 3 if you have blinds or drapes you would like to automate… and at a fraction of the cost of buying dedicated smart blinds!

Pricing for the different components varies depending on if you buy them individually or as part of a bundle. The Switchbot curtain three sells for about $118CAD/$89USD Canadian for a single unit, or $225CAD/$169USD for a 2-pack. Adding a solar panel is about $34CAD/$24USD. You can get them from SwitchBot’s website or from Amazon. or Walmart.

You can get a 10% off Coupon Code with Promo Code XMCURTAIN3 (valid till Nov 30^th and available for Amazon and Shopfiy on Curtain 3, Hub2, Remote, Solar Panels) or use my special Coupon Code 10UPFON7ZDU6AZ.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post SwitchBot Curtain 3 Review: how to automate older curtains appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

The Best Spooky Tech for Your Halloween Smart Home

Setting the Stage

Getting your rooms ready for a techie Halloween might sound stressful at first if you aren’t into the technical stuff, but don’t panic. A good way to start off in the right mood is to not think about the back-end stuff and focus on simple home decorating and rearranging if necessary.

In truth, the easiest way to have a little fun with your Halloween decorating is to use smart lighting.

How To Use Smart Lights for Holiday Decorating

The marketplace is flooded with all sorts of smart light bulbs and string lights, but generally, all the mainstream brands have at least one thing in common – the ability to change color after receiving a command from a smart home assistant. A quick way to set the Halloween tone is by simply changing the smart light colors to orange, yellow, or any Halloween-themed preset and repositioning them near your Halloween décor to give your room that ghostly aura.

How much you can customize your lights can vary depending on the brand of your smart lights and the smart home ecosystem you are in. Take the time to update your smart home and smart light apps to their latest versions and explore the features even if you cannot find any Halloween-themed options. Don’t be afraid to explore say a Christmas option and check if a customization option exists so you can tweak the preset to and end up with a custom Halloween one. Pricier smart lights and string lights may have extra features like a microphone that can sync with sounds and music while others might rely on your smartphone mic. Just imagine some spooky scenarios where you can have your smart home assistant play spooky music and have the smart lights blink or change color right on cue.

If you still feel lost, try to explore the social media pages of your lights’ brands. During occasions like Halloween, you might find some ideas on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and other avenues. Look out for any Halloween hashtags too and click on them so you can absorb as many ideas as you can from other smart home Halloween fanatics.

Haven’t bought any smart lights yet? Check out my best smart Christmas lights guide as you can use any of my picks to cater to your Halloween lighting ideas. Make sure you evaluate your smart home gadgets first and compare them to your shortlist to check for compatibility issues. If you are still not feeling very creative, also give Erin’s smart light hacks guide for Christmas a look!

Bonus Hack

Not in the mood for smart light decorating or just want a quick fix for a pale room? Consider getting a star projector, preferably one with smart home support. These devices take up very little space but can project light into a wide area normally covering a couple of walls and your ceiling! Products like the Panamalar Smart Star Projector come with Wi-Fi and are compatible with the common “Smart Life” app many budget smart light products rely on so you have the full suite of RGB controls and presets.

Use your Smart Speakers

Smart speakers can be used to play haunted house sounds, ghostly howls or other ghoulish audio, both indoors and out.

Keeping your smart speakers as concealed as possible is key to making the sounds feel natural as if they come from your room’s decorations and fixtures. Even if you have an old speaker such as an Echo Dot, you can get creative by hiding the speaker in a fake pumpkin or skeleton skull decoration so it looks as if the sound is coming from there. Having multiple speakers of the same brand helps here as you can sync them together and have them all play the same audio track for a more immersive soundstage. Sound can tune up the spooky factor even if your home lacks smart lights.

What you can do with your smart speakers depends on what music streaming services you are subscribed to. A good first step is to scour those services for any Halloween-themed playlists and add or bookmark them. Also remember that music streaming services don’t just offer music; search around for ambient sounds and other royalty-free sound effects and you might just find some cool tracks that fit right into your unsettling Halloween environment.

Bonus Hack

Some speakers like the JBL Pulse speakers and Playbulb products can play your creepy beats while emitting light shows of their own! This makes them great options for any extra rooms that lack speakers and lights.

Motion Sensors

Motion sensors are your basic building blocks for smart home automation and an inexpensive way to give your smart lights and speakers that subtle “jump scare” capability. We reviewed various motion sensor products on the site often together with smart bulb products so I advise you go for a motion sensor with the same brand as any smart lights you might have so you can use the same app to configure them. From there, you just have to do the usual trial and error and position those sensors and test them to see if they work.

Bonus Hack

Did you know that some Amazon Echo products can serve as motion detectors too? These devices can emit ultrasounds to detect footsteps and it supports Alexa’s Occupancy Routines feature. Check out Erin’s guide and video to setting that up so you add some basic automation to your lights and speakers.

Tying Them All Together

Once you have your smart home components and Halloween decorations in place, you can finally wrap things together with your smart home assistant apps. As long as your smart devices have the proper integration, you should be able to add your devices to your Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home apps in just a few steps. These apps also have Routines features for configuring any motion sensors you may have so you can issue commands to the other gadgets as soon as they detect motion. Want your smart lights to flash when someone rings the doorbell? It’s possible.

Bonus Hack: Use IFTTT to create custom Halloween routines

The standard smart home apps are quite basic when it comes to triggers and actions but if you ever want to level up that automation, IFTTT is a great online service to try out. IFTTT stands for “If This, Then That” and it serves as an extra layer offering a wider range of triggers and actions. Essentially its an app and website that lets you choose different brands of smart home devices, then link them together with a series of commands or actions. IFTTT’s biggest strength is its wide support for third-party services and APIs. For instance, you can configure Philips Hue lights to blink every time somebody rings your Ring doorbell.

My favorite things about IFTTT are its ease of use and the fact that you don’t need any programming experience. Just check the IFTTT website or app, or the dedicated IFTTT pages of Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and you can see several examples of automated workflows called ‘applets’. Your preferred smart home assistant will usually serve as the “If This” side of the equation while your “Then That” represents the action after you trigger your smart assistant. The idea is to find any third-party smart home brands you own and discover what kind of triggers and actions they offer. From there, you just figure out what combinations to use to add some automated suspense to your Halloween setup. IFFTTs HomePod integration is pretty rough but the service supports Apple Shortcuts.

IFTTT is free to try allowing you to create up to 2 applets at the time of writing. If you need to make more, you must subscribe to IFTTT Pro. See more about IFTTT’s plans for getting spooky on their website.

Start the Tinkering Now!

Getting your hands dirty with creating routines and IFTTT applets is a deep rabbit hole to get into, so I recommend you start now if you want to make a living and breathing smart home in the Halloween mood. It sounds like a tedious project but playing with the combinations is a fun activity and you might just get tempted to automate more aspects of your smart home post-Halloween or maybe prepare for the Winter holiday season. Stay tuned for more smart home tips!

The post Easy Halloween tech hacks; decorate with smart lights + MORE! appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Smart lights are a lot less novelty and a lot more commonplace. Mainly because manufacturers have made it easy to set up and manage a smart light ecosystem; no longer do you need a degree in advanced electronics to program your smart lighting system.  The ‘anyone can use it’ sentiment is the idea behind Kasa smart light bulbs by TP-Link. In this Kasa smart bulb review I’ll look at what these bulbs are like to install, set up, to use and to schedule, how they integrate into smart home and voice control systems like Google Home and Alexa,  and if I think they’re a good addition to my smart home ecosystem.

Kasa smart bulbs: What you get

I purchased the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi light bulb multicolor 4-pack from Amazon. These lights (unlike Philips Hue) do not need a hub or bridge to connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network, which makes them easier to set up, and cheaper too.

Selling for about $10US/$15US each they are in the class of the most affordable smart bulbs you can buy—and particularly attractive when compared to something like Philips Hue which stubbornly still charges $30-50 per bulb and needs a hub to connect. I actually fear for Philips Hue’s future.

I opted to install these in sealed fixtures outside; I couldn’t find anything that says whether or not these are outdoor rated but I’ve used plenty of smart bulbs outside, so I was confident these would be okay. One thing to note: These bulbs will not work with physical dimmer light switches (but of course you can dim them in the app).

The Kasa smart bulbs use the IEEE 802.11 b/g/n wireless protocol and operate on your 2.4 GHz WiFi band. You’ll need iOS 10 or higher, and if you’re on Android, Android 5.0 or higher to use the app.

While you can still turn on the Kasa smart light bulb with your normal light switch, you also have the ability to control it via the Kasa smart app, allowing you to change the color the intensity and even dim the bulb.

As a weird aside, the package I got had one bulb that would just not connect right out of the box. I tried it multiple times until I finally had a closer look at it; turns out it’s a Sengled bulb! It appears someone bought the box, took a light and swapped it with another brand. In hindsight, the box wasn’t sealed, so here’s my advice: make sure your package is factory sealed or inspect each of the bulbs inside.

Set Up

The Kasa Smart Bulb set up is claimed to be easy , and I’m glad to say I found this was true. Simply screw in the kasa light bulb like you would any other. how to connect kasa smart bulb? download the Kasa smart app, log in or sign up, and follow the setup instructions. You’ll name each light individually so that you know what you’re controlling. You can also group them together to change the color or intensity in an entire room simultaneously. As these were going outside I opted to create an ‘Outdoor’ group.

I was able to get my bulbs set up in just a couple of minutes by following the prompt in the app. My next task was to schedule them to come on and off on their own each day.

Wireless Control with Kasa app

One of the reasons I decided to try these bulbs out is because on Kasa’s website they talk about being very easy to set up, control, and schedule, and they can be grouped together for easier management. While this may be true, it’s sure not intuitive.

Right away I found the Kasa app to be rather confusing. The app seems to prioritize cameras over other smart home devices, and I wasn’t quite sure where in the app to best manage my lights. I was able to see my lights in the Home tab, and though I had been hoping to be able to simply hit one button to turn the whole group on or off, I couldn’t see how to do this.

How to control a group of Kasa lights

Even though I had assigned my bulbs to a location (‘Outdoors’) it turns out this is not the same as creating a group. Grouping lights together is also required for managing more than one bulb at a time.

A word to the wise; it’s also best for you to create groups or rooms before you try to schedule timers and smart automations… More on those in a few moments.

To do this, go to the app’s Home screen and click the + . Choose Group from the menu.

You’ll name your group and you can add a location too if you like. Then you’ll choose the bulbs to have in the group. Well this feels like extra steps and a bit of confusion, the benefit of having both a group and the location is not for me I was able to group my lights in the front yard and in the backyard, providing me additional control and precision.

One early annoyance is that when using the app and controlling a group, you can’t tell if the group lights are already on or not; nothing in the app indicates their current state. It turns out you have to back out of your group and go to the Room or Location to actually see. Or, just look outside.

Set schedules

I wanted to set my lights to turn on to a soft blue glow in the evening. There’s a couple ways to so this. Kasa app has a smart sunrise-sunset timer. To get to it, find the Smart tab along the bottom of the app, then when it opens look along the top for three more tabs (see, confusing) and choose Scenes. Scenes and Smart Actions are quite similar and in fact you can set up a sunset time in both Scenes and in Smart Actions, making it again more confusing.

What’s the difference between Scenes and Smart Actions?

In a nutshell Scenes let you create a shortcut to actions you do every day.

Smart Actions enables device interconnections and home automation, and you can set up multiple triggers and steps. (Think more like Google or Alexa Routines, i.e. When a Kasa Camera sensed motion, turn on a Smart Bulb). For that reason if you’re just looking for a simple on-off for night, a Scene is likely all you need.

When you set a Scene you can choose which lights to control, what colour and brightness they should come on at (look under Set Lighting to adjust). You can also set how many hours they’ll turn off after, or set another sunrise Scene to turn them all off when the sun comes up.

This is a bit clunkier-feeling than some other smart lighting apps (notably Philips Hue or Govee which are much more intuitive) but in the end it works.

Despite being a bit confusing to get a grasp on initially, the scenes and smart automations work quite well. I set up  just a simple timer for on at sunset and off at sunrise, and it’s working well for me.

How to add Voice control and Google-Alexa control to Kasa bulbs

You can add voice control to your Kasa smart bulbs by linking them with a Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa device.

I added the bulbs to both Alexa and Google.

With Alexa it just requires going in to the Alexa app and choosing add device them searching for Kasa; the app will ask you if you’d just like to move over your bulbs from the Kasa app. That’s what I chose and it was done in seconds.

With Google, open the Google Home app and then choose add device and  Works with Google. You’ll be able to link your Kasa account and similarly it will pull over your bulbs.

Range of Colour

The kasa smart  bulbs offer over 16 million colors according to Kasa. The dimming feature allows you to adjust between a soft glow and a full 60-watt equivalent so that the light can change with your mood or the time of day. The whites are tunable from 2500 K through 26500k, which is a fancy lighting technician way of saying you can have warmer white light (like a sunset) or brighter, starker light (more like a fluorescent) with a click.

Energy Efficiency

Although these bulbs rely on Wi-Fi and are always connected, they use very little energy when in their standby mode, less than 2 watts which will help you save energy and help you out on your electric bill. Adding the bulbs to a routine will allow you to control them and turn them off when no one’s in the room. If you go out and forget to turn off the bulb, you can do so through the app.

While they can draw up to the equivalent of a 60-watt bulb, the actual power draw is only 9 watts. this will give you a lumen output of 800 lumens. The dimming range goes from 1% to 100%. The bulbs operate from temperatures of minus 15 to Celsius up to 40° C (5 F to 104 f).

Overall review: Kasa smart lights

Overall the smart lights seem like a pretty reasonable option. While they’re not as intuitive as some other smart lighting kits I have tried, once you get the hang of how to run them, they’re easy. Other pros for kasa smart bulbs are range of colors, many scheduling and timing options as well as integrations into your larger smart home. I found the lights to be very bright and colourful and we’re easy to control with my voice or the app, and they seem to be managing fine outdoors. Plus the price is right.

When it comes to the downsides, some of the integrations in the app aren’t super easy on the user-interface side like I said, but if you’re willing to take a few extra minutes to learn and understand these are going to be a solid, affordable light for you.

Kasa Smart WiFi Light Bulbs are available on Amazon.

Check out my reviews on other smart light bulbs currently on the market:

Amazon Basics Smart Light Bulbs

Philips Hue Bluetooth smart lights

LIFX Smart Light Bulbs review

GE Cync Smart Lighting review

Wyze Smart colour light bulbs

Abode Smart Bulbs review

WiZ Smart Lights review

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Kasa Smart WiFi Light Bulbs Review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.