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Latest by Simon Sage

Photo of a woman adjusting a Nest Thermostat.

Nest Renew could be the first step to a smarter electrical grid

Nest Renew will talk with your electrical service provider in order to access greener power to your home. That's a big step for the smart grid.
The Tesla Bot, Optimus, on a stage.

Tesla AI Day 2022: Optimus, self driving cars, and everything else announced

Tesla AI Day 2022 is here, and we're poring through the heaps of technical information for the stuff that matters to you.
dish smartphone repairs iphone repair feature 1

Big Tech’s superficial support is undermining the right-to-repair movement

Big names like Google, Samsung, and Apple are all starting to get on board with right to repair, but how substantial are their latest programs?
A BioLite stove and Goal Zero solar panels set up beside tents, and charging devices.

I ditched the grid for a week and embraced portable power. Here’s how it went

If you're heading off to the woods, but have a lot of gadgets to keep alive, there are a few power sources you'll want to consider.
Front three quarter view of the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge electric car.

Are EVs more expensive than gas cars? It’s complicated

Sticker shock may send some buyers running from EVs, but maintenance, fuel and insurance all make the cost equation more complex than it seems.
EV battery

What’s the environmental impact of EV battery manufacturing and recycling?

Like anything, making an electric vehicle has an environmental cost. Let's find out how an EV battery is made and where it goes when it dies.
A solar panel affixed to the rear of a backpack.

Skip tiny solar on your next camping trip. There is a better, easier way

Solar power is great, but it's not worth spending a long time babysitting a tiny panel just to get a decent charge.
Woman having glass of wine with Govee Smart LED light bulb on.

How to automatically light up a room when you enter

Smart lights can figure out when you're getting close and automatically turn on. Learn how to make this feature work for you.
Govee Glide Hexa Pro light panels installed above a shelf.

Govee Glide Hexa Pro review – fun lighting with few hiccups

The Govee Glide Hexa Pro light panels deliver a colorful splash to your living spaces. There are still a few bugs to squash, but they're still a great addition.
Nanoleaf Shapes light tiles installed next to a desk.

Nanoleaf Shapes review: a decade in the making

Nanoleaf is shipping a special version of its Shapes tiles to mark its 10-year anniversary. Let's see what all that experience adds up to.
Amazon worker packaging products.

Why you should opt for slow shipping this Prime Day

By voluntarily opting for slower delivery during Prime Day, you'll help give the environment (and Amazon employees) a bit of a break.
best smart outdoor lighting blog state of home security light 1024x1024

How to position outdoor lights

Having great lights for your front yard and patio is one thing, but positioning them for maximum coverage is another. Here are some helpful tips.
Razer Chroma gaming PCs with Govee lights installed behind them.

Govee smart lights now play nice with Razer Chroma

Govee's Glide Hexa Light Panels, Glide Wall Lights, Neon Rope Lights, and LED Strip Lights are now all plugged into the Razer Chroma RGB experience.
A 42ft Denali XL Tiny House by Timbercraft Tiny Homes set up in the woods.

Best smart tech for a tiny home

Make the most out of a tiny home's limited space with these smart pieces of tech.
SwitchBot Curtain controller mounted on curtain rod.

SwitchBot Curtain review: Noisy solution to a non-existent problem

The SwitchBot Curtain looks like a great way to help keep your home cool over the summer, but getting it to perform reliably is a challenge.
Philips Hue Go Lamp on a patio table where friends are sitting together at night.

Philips unveils new Hue Go lamp, Tap switch, and app upgrades

The Philips Hue family is expanding with a batch of upgraded products. A new portable lamp, updated physical switch, and downlights are among the announcements.
A car on a forest road in the winter.

How does weather affect EV battery life?

Extreme cold and heat will reduce your EV's battery life, but why? Battery chemistry and climate control help explain this fact of EV life.
Mitsubishi i MiEV review exterior plug charging electric vehicle plugged in

Why do EVs charge slowly? Lithium battery limits explained

Electric vehicles take so long to charge compared to gas cars. Why? The limitations of lithium-ion batteries help explain this frustration of modern EVs.
Adjusting the temperature on the Google Nest Thermostat.

Five must-have eco-friendly products for your smart home

Make your life a little greener with these eco-friendly smart home devices. We look at everything from bidets to smart composters.
a sapling grows in the forest

The most eco-friendly smart home companies

Upgrade your smart home responsibly with these eco-friendly manufacturers.
Electric GT e-Crate Motor Tesla battery

How do electric cars work? EV motors and batteries explained

Electric cars may seem impossibly complex, but motors, batteries, and electricity are in many ways simpler to understand than gasoline engines.
ChargePoint Home EV charger plugged into car.

EV glossary: All of the electric vehicle jargon you need to know

If you need to know obscure electric vehicle terms or want to educate yourself about EVs we have a handy reference with loads of EV definitions.
Woman mixing smelting aluminum.

Apple to use zero-emission recycled aluminum in iPhone SE

The iPhone SE will use aluminum that only produces oxygen in its smelting process. This is thanks to Apple Green Bond investments into new processes.
A bidet on a toilet seat.

How much toilet paper do bidets actually save?

Is the best option for a squeaky clean butt also the best option for the environment? Let's learn about bidets.
Pile of old phones.

How to responsibly recycle old and unused phones

Your old phones have had a good life, and now it's time to recycle them responsibly. Let's run through the steps.
Wyze Smart thermostat installed on wall being adjusted.

How much will a smart thermostat really save on energy costs?

Those looking to get the most energy savings in their home may be looking at smart thermostats. How much do they really save?
Amazon Astro Robot in living room.

Amazon’s new Astro robot can keep an eye on your home while you’re away

The Amazon Astro robot can cruise around your house to offer a remote view while you're away, thanks to a telescoping camera.
Philips Hue sync box.

Smart light bulb buying guide

Let us help you navigate the waters of smart light bulb shopping. Which is the best smart bulb? How expensive are they? What can you even do with them?
how to install a smart thermostat ecobee 4 wiring

How to check smart thermostat compatibility in your home

The biggest hurdle for seeing if a smart thermostat is compatible with your home is the presence of a c-wire. Here's how to find it.
Philips Hue sync box.

Philips Hue vs. Philips WiZ Smart Light Bulbs

Philips Hue and Philips WiZ are easy to mix up since they're both smart light bulbs, but they aren't interoperable. Here's how to pick between one or the other.
A Proposition 65 warning label on a graphics card box.

What is Proposition 65 in California and will my phone kill me?

Proposition 65 warning labels are bound to catch your eye when buying a new phone or other gadget. What does it mean? Will my shiny new purchase give me cancer?
Bird-X laser deterrent cast against a garden at night.

Best tech for keeping pests at bay

Skip the pesticides and go with these high-tech options for keeping birds, raccoons, and bugs out of your garden.
Ring Smart Bulb being installed in light fixture.

Do smart lights save money?

If you're looking to save money on your electric bill, try upgrading your lights. We're run through the best energy-saving light bulbs.
homepod mini on table edge side 2

What is Matter and how does it fit into the smart home?

Get the low-down on what Matter is and how it will affect the smart home going forward.