Wi-Fi 7 is ready, but your devices aren't — and that's costing you hundreds
… When picking up new devices, if you are hoping to take advantage of Wi-Fi 7, ensure that these new devices are actually Wi-Fi 7 compatible. …
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I don't pay for these 3 Google services anymore, and here's what I use instead
… It allows me to sync files across devices, and it comes with a free mobile app to access the files on the move. I can also access it through the web interface from any device, which makes it pretty comparable to Google Drive. …
4 ways I stopped fighting Android Auto and started customizing it instead
… Tasker Tasker is a paid app for creating complex device-level automations on your Android device using a simple Trigger-condition-action schema. $3.5 at Google Play Store App drawer without the clutter Especially with sideloading support By default, Google clutters your dashboard with every single … …
Home Assistant's new infrared support turns your smart home into a universal remote
… Now, with 2026.4, we've got friendly names that are more tightly aligned with parent device names. …
I turned my dusty Chromecast into a $250 smart home hub replacement
… While Z-Wave and Thread are also important protocols, Zigbee via USB dongle is the most common and affordable way to expand a repurposed Chromecast hub's device compatibility. …
Smart home guides keep pushing the wrong starter setup – here are some tips that actually work
… In fact, you’d want to focus on devices with local polling first and foremost. Sure, the DIY community often comes up with unofficial integrations for pairing unsupported, seemingly dead devices with local control platforms such as Home Assistant. …
Google Home and Alexa can't do what I built in Home Assistant, and that's the whole point
… I don’t need to hunt for devices from specific brands with Home Assistant Even discontinued products and ESP32 projects are fair game on HASS One of the biggest issues with typical smart home hubs is their limited compatibility with IoT products. …
I replaced over $1,000 in cloud subscriptions with one small home server
… One device, many tools, one private cloud that I control. …
Matter promised to fix smart homes, but created a worse mess instead
… However, the 2026 reality is that you scan a code in Apple Home, but the device doesn't show up in Alexa because Amazon is still on Matter 1.2, while the device requires 1.4 features. …
I replaced my smart home hub with a $120 mini PC, and my smart home finally feels responsive
… With built-in support for on-device automations and wireless over-the-air updates, managing your devices becomes straightforward and flexible. See at ESPHome Building my own sensors and devices Too many options to choose from Home Assistant supports a variety of DIY builds and commercial devices. …