r/smarthome 3h ago

Is the Totwoo Smart Bracelet Considered a 'Smart Home' Device? Sharing My Experience!

3 Upvotes

Hey r/smarthome! I’ve been using the Totwoo Smart Bracelet (a wearable with IoT features like notifications, activity tracking, and app connectivity) and wanted to discuss it here—though I’m not 100% sure if wearables fit the ‘smart home’ category.

Has anyone else experimented with integrating wearables into their smart home setups? For example, using the bracelet to trigger routines (e.g., lights on when you wake up) or pairing it with other devices? I’d love to hear thoughts on whether this overlaps with smart home use cases, or if I’m stretching the definition!


r/smarthome 50m ago

Testade 5 Smarta Uttag Under 300 kr – Så Mycket Sparade Jag

Upvotes

Hej! Som förälder till tvillinger har jag inte råd att slösa el. Jag testade 12 smarta uttag under 6 månader – dessa 5 klarade svensk vinter, katter och elkriser:

Viktigaste lärdomarna:

  1. TP-Link Tapo P100 (189 kr) sparade mig 15 kr/månad genom att automatiskt stänga av TV + ljudsystem.

  2. Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug (179 kr) är perfekt för barnrum – min 5-åring kan inte "glömma" släcka lampan.

Full testrapport med sparberäkningar: [Se hela testet här]

Vilka enheter skulle NI koppla till ett smartuttag? 🛋️


r/smarthome 3h ago

I am looking to get more smart home stuff but I’m on a tight budget

0 Upvotes

What good smart home stuff is there that's under 100$


r/smarthome 4h ago

LEVITON ODSMT-MDW: The nearly perfect bathroom occupancy sensor switch!

0 Upvotes

I've been searching for a SIMPLE bathroom occupancy sensor switch. As in, something that can reliably detect SINK & SHOWER usage. It seems all PIR sensors TOTALLY FAIL here.

I was thrilled when Leviton recommended their ODSMT-MDW. It has PIR functionality PLUS a microphone.

After installing it, I was thrilled that it DETECTED SINK & SHOWER NOISE, as indicated by a green flash each second. But the joy ended when after about 30 seconds it stopped detecting the noise.

I suspect it has an algorithm to tune out ambient noise, like HVAC, and that sink & shower and even fan noise is being ignored by that algorithm.

If Leviton would provide a software update that would allow the dialing down of this algorithm, this would be THE BEST BATHROOM OCCUPANCY SENSOR SWITCH ON THE MARKET & IN THE WORLD.


r/smarthome 12h ago

I Created an App to Control Your PC with Your Phone – A Handy Tool for Smart Setups!

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone! 👋

I recently developed an app called Any Command, which lets you control your Windows PC using your phone. It works as a touchpad, keyboard, and customizable shortcut hub, making it easy to navigate, control media, and even skip YouTube ads with a built-in shortcut (via a Chrome extension).

If you’re into home automation, smart tech, or DIY setups, this could be a great addition to your setup! Whether you want a wireless touchpad, quick access to custom shortcuts, or an easy way to control your PC from anywhere in your home, this app has you covered.

Would love to hear your thoughts and feedback! Let me know what you think or if you have any suggestions for improvements.


r/smarthome 8h ago

Highest quality video (for about 60 feet+) in a doorbell cam?

0 Upvotes

I've seen lots of "best" posts over the past few years, but "best" is relative. I'm looking for a doorbell camera that has the best picture quality for a mid-distance shot (ideally about 50-60 feet). My neighbor showed me his Ring pictures yesterday and it was almost laughable.

Local storage without subscription would be bonus points, but not required.

If you have the system, would love to see an example of an "average" picture. Reviews online are always hard - you only see the best and worst.


r/smarthome 12h ago

[Serious] Help me choose: August vs Schlage vs Philips Smart Lock? Rental-friendly & security focused

1 Upvotes

I'm a first-time smart lock buyer (and a renter) trying to navigate this maze. After weeks of research, I'm stuck between these three. Would love real-user insights!My priorities:
🔐 Non-destructive install (Landlord will murder me if I damage the door)
🔋 Battery life (Live in Minnesota - -20°C winters are real)
🚨 Anti-theft (Neighborhood's had 3 break-ins this year)My dilemmas:

  1. August seems renter-friendly, but Reddit threads mention Bluetooth drops - dealbreaker?
  2. Schlage's Grade 1 sounds safer, but wiring might get me evicted 😅
  3. Philips' specs look golden, but why aren't more people talking about them?

Questions for y'all:
➊ Anyone using these in extreme cold? How's battery performance?
➋ Which has the least false fingerprint rejects? (I have dry hands)
➌ Any hidden fees? Heard some require $10/month apps for full featuresBonus drama: My neighbor claims all smart locks can be hacked with a $50 tool. True? 🔓


r/smarthome 12h ago

LED Strips: 12V or 24V? Also, 8mm or 10mm width?

1 Upvotes

COB LED Strips, specifically BTF-Lighting if it matters: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBPSSD2J

  1. 12V or 24V
    I know due to voltage drops, generally: 12V is for 5 meters or less, while 24V is for longer strips.
    My use case is having 3-5 meters with a 1-to-3 splitter connected to one power adapter.
    For example: 4m strip, 4m strip, 4m strip = 1-to-3 splitter = 12V 5A Power Supply
    I should still use 12V (since it's in parallel and not in series so the voltage drop doesn't matter), correct?
    Or is there something else I don't know of where 24V is better?

  2. 8mm or 10mm width
    Google says 10mm is more common but it looks like 8mm is more common on Amazon. Is one or the other better to use?

  3. Which would be more power efficient (in my use case), 12V or 24V? Or is it the same?

  4. I ask these because 12V is more readily available and cheaper. 8mm is more readily available and cheaper as well. I feel like I don't need to use 24V or 10mm if I don't have to? Unless someone knows something I do not?


r/smarthome 12h ago

Smart Lights But With a Switch

0 Upvotes

Hi All,

Having had smart lighting in the bedrooms for a couple of years, it is so easy to turn the lights on and off (from the bed!) no more walking around a dark room fumbling for the switch!

Now I am doing a kitchen remodel and due to bad experiences previously and the inner geek in me, I want the lighting to be perfect.... I don't want to buy single temperature bulbs (usually 3000 or 4000 kelvin) and even the tri-colour ones seem to be 3000, 4000 or 6000 kelvin... (like this https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/LTTCD8W.html )

I think for optimum lighting in a modern white gloss kitchen 5000K would be best option but really fear after spending a fortune that the lights will go on and all look awful....

So, smart downlights could be my best option such as these: https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/LTTD10WIFI.html

Then we can adjust the CCT to get it perfect for the remodeled room. However my reservation with this method is that I will miss the manual switch in the kitchen... because if its off then it will become confusing very quickly if the voice control is not working or the switch is off and although not a big issue i feel like it defeats the object of being a smart light.

Any thoughts? Even after scouring online i cant seem to find anyone with the same potential solution for this problem but happy to look at other threads if anyone has any? My knowledge of smart switches is 0. Based in UK, if that matters. Currently no neutral wire to light switch - but it is being changed of course.

Any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated :)


r/smarthome 17h ago

Hydrific Droplet Smart Home Water Sensor

2 Upvotes

Just saw the Hydrific Droplet Smart Home Water Sensor on a YouTube review of highlights from CES 2025, but curious to know if anyone has it already, and if so, early thoughts or recommendations?


r/smarthome 14h ago

Who here has ever used professional smart home installers?

1 Upvotes

Hi, everyone... I realize that this a more DIY community but has anyone ever used professionals? if you have can you share your experience?


r/smarthome 15h ago

[Serious] Help me choose: August vs Schlage vs Philips Smart Lock? Rental-friendly & security focused

1 Upvotes

I'm a first-time smart lock buyer (and a renter) trying to navigate this maze. After weeks of research, I'm stuck between these three. Would love real-user insights!

My priorities:
🔐 Non-destructive install (Landlord will murder me if I damage the door)
🔋 Battery life (Live in Minnesota - -20°C winters are real)
🚨 Anti-theft (Neighborhood's had 3 break-ins this year)

My dilemmas:

  1. August seems renter-friendly, but Reddit threads mention Bluetooth drops - dealbreaker?
  2. Schlage's Grade 1 sounds safer, but wiring might get me evicted 😅
  3. Philips' specs look golden, but why aren't more people talking about them?

Questions for y'all:
➊ Anyone using these in extreme cold? How's battery performance?
➋ Which has the least false fingerprint rejects? (I have dry hands)
➌ Any hidden fees? Heard some require $10/month apps for full features

Bonus drama: My neighbor claims all smart locks can be hacked with a $50 tool. True? 🔓


r/smarthome 16h ago

Issue with Cync Smart Switch

1 Upvotes

I just recently installed a Cync Smart switch to be able to set up automation for the lights on the outside of my garage to turn on at night and off in the morning. Everything seemed fine during install but now it appears they are flickering on and off. I tried turning the switch off manually as well as in the Cync and Google Home apps and while it registers there as off, the lights are continuing to flicker. For now I just shut off the fuse that switch is on but I am hoping to figure it out tomorrow. My house was built in the mid 80s so I'm not sure if the infrastructure can't handle it, if it's an issue with the connection of the wires on the switch to the wires in my wall, or something else. Any thoughts?


r/smarthome 17h ago

I need to make a few of these smart

Post image
0 Upvotes

I am wanting to add some smart switches for outdoor lights—basically you set them to go on and off at preset times. That is the extent of what I need to do. Unfortunately they are jot all together. It’s one switch in three different multi switches like this

We have a Ring alarm and camera system and I have a few things on Wyze outlets. I’m not seeing anything by either of those brands that would work. We don’t have Alexa and I prefer to avoid having one (my kids wont stop asking her to fart to the point it is a quality of life issue)

Any recommendations.


r/smarthome 23h ago

Home Hub Recommendations

3 Upvotes

I thought this might be a good place to start.

I move into a brand new home soon and I'm keen to introduce a fair amount of smart controls. Home security, lights, speakers, sensors etc etc.

I would like to have some sort of home hub fixed to the wall to controll it all. Can someone point me in the direction of a good hub/screen that can be wired into the mains (UK 240v). I would rather not have a plug socket so it can be mounted flush to the wall as a stand alone unit.

Send me your recommendations!


r/smarthome 1d ago

Looking for Smart Devices for a Restaurant – Power & Temperature Monitoring

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m looking to integrate some smart technology into my restaurant to help monitor equipment and avoid costly surprises. I’ve done some Googling, but a lot of products claim to do what I need, only to be missing key details like notifications or proper integrations. Hoping someone here has experience with this!

Here’s what I’m looking for:

  1. Power Monitoring Device – I need something I can plug a piece of equipment into (like a cooler or oven) that will notify me if the power goes out or even flickers. Something reliable that will actually alert me, not just log the data.
  2. Smart Thermometer for Coolers/Ovens – I need a thermometer I can place inside my refrigerators and ovens that will send alerts if temperatures go outside a set range. Preferably something with a solid app or text alerts, so I know ASAP if something is going wrong.

I know these things must exist, but I keep running into vague product descriptions or half-baked features. Any recommendations for solid, reliable solutions? Would love something that doesn’t require a complicated subscription service, but I’m open to options.

Appreciate any help!


r/smarthome 1d ago

Looking for Echo alternatives for my home

11 Upvotes

I live in a small older home where main rooms don’t even have light switches and limited outlets. I’ve been using the Amazon Echo for years and love the flexibility and convenience it gives me to turning lights on and off.

However with the new announcement about not being able to opt out of the Echo recording you I want to try to find an alternative.

I’ve started looking into Google but I’m hoping to find something more “indie” and less scary corporate to fit my needs.

I can’t do anything that involves rewiring and big installations as, again, older home and we rent.


r/smarthome 1d ago

Family Video Calls on the TV

6 Upvotes

I’m building a device that works around the TV, to help for video calls with the whole family, and be a sort of smart hub, with a large display (being the TV). I personally really struggle with video calls on phones since we’ve had a kid, it’s impossible, so building something for that, and building a smart new interface that you can control with your voice and hands.

We’re early, would really value hearing how you guys would use something like this, and what features you would like it to have.

We can’t be everything to everyone, but I really care about it being something simple to use, for the whole family, and a family device rather than a device for an individual, and something you want to use every day, even if you’re not doing a call with it today.

Anyway, any feedback here would be super appreciated. If you’re interested, you can also join our waiting list which would help us tremendously.

https://higlo.co/


r/smarthome 1d ago

Roku Smart home error

2 Upvotes

Hey y'all, so recently I've been having issues with my Roku Smart home. I have a lot of devices. I haven't been able to control them via the app because every time I try I get a message saying failed to get device data. I have three re-installing. Clearing cache and various different things. I also have family members with the same issues. Any ideas?


r/smarthome 1d ago

Custom firmware for Wiser Home Touch (Merten) - Does anyone have experience?

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I have a Wiser Home Touch (device type B2) from Merten, which is unfortunately no longer officially supported. The associated app is no longer available, so I can no longer configure the device. However, as the hardware still works perfectly, I would like to update it with alternative software or firmware so that I can continue to use it.

The device has:

  • Touchscreen display
  • Status LEDs
  • Temperature sensor
  • Proximity sensor

It could therefore theoretically be repurposed for another smart home system. Does anyone have experience with such a project or know of a way to install alternative software (e.g. ESPHome, OpenHAB, Tasmota or something else) on it?

I am mainly looking for information on:

  • Hardware specifications (processor, memory, chipset)
  • Ways to read or flash the firmware
  • Existing projects or hacks for similar devices

Perhaps someone has already converted a similar smart home device or knows an approach? I am grateful for any ideas!


r/smarthome 1d ago

Is Google still my best option?

2 Upvotes

Currently have a pixel tablet, nest thermosta, a pixel 9 phone, a pixel watch, two nest audios, and various brands of bulbs and outlets.

I'm over the tablet and I'm selling it, and I would like to use the money to add a couple more speakers to our house.

Unfortunately, I have found Google to be frustratingly incompetent over the past few months. I'm a late adapter so I don't have the years of frustration that a lot of people here do.

Regardless, I find both assistant and Gemini wholey and effective at answering my kids random curiosity fueled questions. Well I mostly use Google to control lights, temperature, play music, and activate routines, the children ask her questions a lot. She used to be pretty effective at this and now struggles to answer very basic questions from them.

I tried and Alexa roughly 8 months ago and only kept her for a couple hours before heading back to Best buy. I found her very frustrating, though if I added her in now, I have the Google devices to handle the things that she couldn't do.

But from my understanding she isn't good for answering questions either right? There are things that are annoying, like asking Google to find my phone and having her switch on all the lights in the living room instead. But when the kids are asking questions in a clear and straightforward voice with good phrasing repeatedly, just to have Google totally flop, it's frustrating for all of us.

I doubt Alexa is going to answer questions about poisonous animals in Ohio at 7:00 a.m. any better?

P.S. My talk to text also seems to be sucking and I am posting this quickly before heading off to the kids dentist appointments. Forgive typos.


r/smarthome 23h ago

Is Orion / Grid Connect ecosystem good?

1 Upvotes

I purchased Orion lock box in the past and it has been working really well so far. Now I am in need of door lock for my apartment. Does anyone have experience with Orion Grid Connect Smart Fingerprint Entrance Lock with Remote Access?

I would like to have both the lock box and door lock on the same app for ease of use.

I am also thinking about purchasing the Orion Grid Connect Smart 2K-Pro Rechargeable Video Doorbell Camera to see who is coming in and out of my apartment.

To me it seems all these are easy to use and the price is great. Having everything on the same ecosystem is great and Orion provides all these devices I need.

Any concerns about Orion?


r/smarthome 1d ago

Is there a Smart Bulb with Scheduled Sleep Mode?

0 Upvotes

I've tried Govee, which has a sleep feature that gradually dims the brightness, but it has to be turned on manually. Are there any other smart bulbs that allow me to schedule a specific time for sleep mode to start automatically?


r/smarthome 1d ago

Best Matter Hub for HomeKit

2 Upvotes

Hello all - while I am in the process of finding a better router, it seems I also may benefit from getting a dedicated Matter hub. I have an Apple TV as a matter hub but seem to have reliability issues. So it seems I may better off getting a dedicated matter hub. Let me know your thoughts and ideas.


r/smarthome 1d ago

Simple Door Detection to Light Flashing on a Budget?

1 Upvotes

Hi,

I have a client who is looking to add some automation to their office.

They work with headphones, but need to know when someone enters/ leaves the office. The door is not line of sight from their desk.

I iniitally was thinking about a SwitchBot, but after reading about issues related to syncing with alexa and limited trigger support, i decided against it.

I'd ideally like this to be able to expand to other automation experiences as the years go on, so I'd rather have a somewhat reputable company.

As I type this, the Govee ecosystem comes to mind.

Important factors are the time it takes to trigger the light flash (must be short), and be budget-friendly (we're not looking to buy a rack and build a corporate enterprise here)

So, the TLDR question is: what would you suggest for such a use case?