James spent seven years in Japan, where he brought technology into the classroom as a teacher and worked part-time as a data centre engineer. Formerly the CTO and Reviews Editor of MakeUseOf, he has also contributed to publications like TrustedReviews, WindowsReport, and MacObserver. With a BSc in Artificial Intelligence, James combines his technical expertise with a passion for writing, programming, and tech reviews. Now based in Cornwall, he enjoys the slower pace of rural life, building LEGO, playing board games, and diving into VR.
An incredible 9-foot portable LED pixel display with 1,536 LEDs, AI effects, music sync, and Scene Stage multi-light mapping for indoor or outdoor use.
The Govee Chromatic Outdoor String Lights are mesmerizing and gorgeous, with multiple colors per bulb. The most exciting features can't be accessed through Matter, but if you want maximum visual flair for a deck, pergola, garden bar, or party space, these look incredible — day or night.
mmWave presence sensors use radar instead of old-school motion detection, letting your smart home know when someone is actually still in the room, not just when they wander past it. Here’s how mmWave works, where it shines, and why it’s one of the best upgrades for smarter lighting and automation.
Matter-compatible neon rope lights are one of the easiest ways to add bold lighting effects to a gaming room, studio, or feature wall. But with several brands now offering similar products, choosing the right one isn’t obvious.
Thread is a low-power, IPv6-based mesh networking protocol built for modern smart homes. Learn how Thread works, where it came from, how Border Routers fit in, and why it’s central to the Matter standard.
Not content with being a neat little NVR with local AI processing, the SwitchBot AI Hub is gaining a new superpower: an autonomous AI agent in the form of OpenClaw.
Hands-on review of the SwitchBot Lock Ultra with Keypad Vision, including installation, uPVC compatibility, Matter, NFC, and face unlock.
Matter over Thread is elegant in theory and infuriating in practice. From broken meshes to zero debugging, here’s why Wi-Fi still wins in my smart home.
The SwitchBot Video Doorbell nails the basics: clear video, long battery life, fast response, and fully local storage with zero subscription traps. It’s great hardware, dragged only slightly down by half-baked Matter support.
Gone are the days of twinkly white lights with five patterns; now you can have a rainbow cornucopia of music-reactive and Matter-compatible smart lighting to lift the holiday spirits.
They’re brighter, smarter, and “more sparkly” than the Xmas Strings 2 — and still DreamView and Matter compatible — but the complex app is starting to show signs that it's really not suitable for simple holiday displays.
Govee’s Backlight 3 Pro is its brightest, most accurate, and most advanced TV bias lighting kit yet. The triple-lens HDR camera gives incredible coverage and brightness—but at a price, and with the usual camera-based caveats.
The Haijai Matter-over-Thread smart switch from DK-AI combines six programmable buttons, three relays, and a built-in motion sensor in a fully Matter-native design. It’s the most complete and reliable smart light switch I’ve tested—as long as your wiring supports it.
The Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism bring a bold new 3-in-1 LED design to the brand’s flagship lineup. With wider beams, smoother gradients, and vibrant dynamic scenes that appear to move, they deliver a premium lighting upgrade that stands out from the crowd. But with higher prices and wider module spacing, are they worth it over the Outdoor Lights Pro?
Most smart home platforms offer a limited range of actions that a Matter button can initiate. But with the ultimate smart DIY tool of Home Assistant, you can achieve something much more impressive—without breaking your existing setup.
At IFA 2025, Govee has continued to impress with a slew of industry-first upgrades to its already extensive product line.
Looking to add some retro-style glow to your garden or patio without ditching smart control? Govee’s Clear Bulb Outdoor String Lights bring a vintage filament look with full Matter support, but they come with a few quirks you’ll want to know about before buying.
Lost your Matter device pairing code? You might not actually need it — and if you do, there are still ways to recover it before your smart home gadget becomes e-waste. Here’s how to check the device, dig through the manufacturer’s app, and get a new code from support, plus tips to make sure you never lose one again.
Govee’s modular Outdoor Garden Lights (H7086) are sleek, sturdy, and Matter-compatible, low-lying garden lights, offering surprising creativity and quality for outdoor lighting—but short cables and a steep price hold them back from perfection. Maybe wait for a holiday discount.
Outdoor lighting is often either boring or overpriced—but Govee’s new UpDown Wall Light hits that sweet spot between style, features, and affordability. It’s bold, smart, and bright enough to make a statement without turning your garden into a nightclub (unless you want that).
