Integrating 50 lights with a smart home ecosystem

It's the smart features that really Matter.

Issues I ran into while installing Matter smart switches

Installing Matter smart switches involves unexpected hurdles: complex 3/4-way wiring, crowded multi-gang boxes, tricky neutral wire bundles, and hidden costs like wall plates.

Installing a smart switch is easier than I thought

Smart switch installation is manageable for homeowners: the process is simpler than expected, but identifying line/load wires and ensuring a neutral wire is essential for Matter switches.

Why I chose Tapo lights

TP-Link Tapo smart switches, chosen for Matter compatibility, low cost, and hub-free Wi-Fi control, prove to be the best-reviewed, unbranded option for whole-home smart lighting.

Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition Review: Open Source, for Better or Worse

As an open and community-backed project, Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition is impressive, but it isn't without its quirks—or its bugs.

How to add a smart bulb to Home Assistant

Adding a Matter smart bulb with Home Assistant is a great way to kick off your smart home

How to add a motion sensor to Samsung SmartThings

The smartest things don't need to wait for your commands.

Are Matter smart home locks secure?

Matter isn't your smart lock's weakest link.

5 Ways my home has improved since I embraced Matter

Matter convinced me to build a smart home, and I'm glad it did.

What is Aliro, and how does it fit in with Matter?

The future of smart locks is Matter-compatible, thanks to Aliro.

What is a Matter bridge?

Understanding the importance of a bridge to what matters.

Here's how I decide which smart home devices are a safe investment

No one wants to regularly replace a light switch.

I hope Matter devices are the "dumb" products of the future

Let's start with Matter and build from there.

All of my Matter devices work as regular 'dumb' devices

My house still functions when the internet goes down: Does yours?

Here's one added cost of Matter smart switches I didn't plan for

Make sure you're aware of everything you need before you finish planning your budget.

The underdogs of the smart home: 5 Matter brands worth watching

Sometimes the biggest ideas that Matter come from the smallest companies.

How Matter will help us solve our e-waste problem

Smart devices that don't depend on the cloud.

How smart homes are becoming more energy efficient with Matter and AI

I love a smart home, but I value an energy-efficient one even more. Fortunately, we can have both.

What is AES encryption, and can a Matter device be hacked?

Matter is designed to be private and secure, but that depends on how you use it.

This is how I add Matter devices in Home Assistant

Home Assistant is great, once you know what you're doing. Let us help you get started.