Podcasts about LIFX

On this week's show: LG's ThinQ is running Homey, Sonos faces backlash over a botched app launch, and self-cleaning litter boxes are causing concerns for cat owners. Amazon expands Key In-Garage delivery to Canada, while Home Assistant joins the Z-Wave Alliance Board. Samsung introduces a smart ring, Google TV gets a major upgrade, and Nanoleaf finally releases its Sense Plus Smart Wireless Switch. We discuss iOS 18's potential hub-free option for Apple Home users, SmartThings' new Matter Bridge capability, and dive into some exciting new smart home products from Alfred and Lifx. Plus, we tackle a mailbag question, share our pick of the week, give project updates, and so much more!

Mi lista de Gadgets: - iPhone 13 Pro - AirPods Pro (2ª generación) - Apple watch series 7 - iPad Pro wifi 11' (2018) - Apple Pencil 2ª generación - kindle Paperwhite 10ª Generación - Estación de carga magnética inalámbrica 3 en 1 de Towwoo - Base de carga para Apple Watch de Satechi - Batería externa AUKEY 10000 mAh (carga inalámbrica, USB-A y USB-C) - Echo dot - Enchufe inteligente TECKIN (wifi compatible Alexa) - 2 bombillas inteligentes LIFX (wifi compatible con Alexa y Home Kit) - Enchufe con cargador USB-A y USB-C de pared Pronto haré un capítulo dedicado a mi SetUp ;) En redes soy @almajefi. Me encuentras en X / Twitter, Bluesky, Threads, Instagram y Telegram. También puedes mandarme un correo a la dirección de gmail almadailypodcast. Los comentarios en ivoox o Spotify ¡también son bienvenidos!

This week on HomeKit Insider, we go into four new robot vacuum cleaners from eufy, iRobot, and Roborock. We also go hands-on with a new Qi2 car charger, and discuss LifX's new ultra-bright bulbs.Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail us hereSponsored by:Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekitExpressVPN: Get an extra 3 months on your subscription by visiting ExpressVPN.com/hkiHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showNew LifX bulbsPhilips Hue appRoomba launches new modelseufy S1 Pro Kickstartereufy S1 Pro video hands-onRoborock S8 MaxV Ultra preorderMophie Qi2 Vent chargerMophie Qi2 charging standMophie Qi2 battery packThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

On this week's show: Z-Wave LR may be soon coming to DIY systems, Ubiquiti's product and software preview, Dropcam is now gone, Lifx launches some bight lights, a few questions from the mailbag, project updates and probably the best pick of the week yet.Probably.

On this week's show: Bell Canada sets up alarms to catch people stealing phone wire, Switchbot announces a new retrofit lock, Nest Cams are finally able to work fully on Google Home, Youtube redesigns the TV app for shopping, Roku accounts get hacked, TJ gives us a review of LIFX Landscape lights, what it takes for a basic Home Assistant install, project updates, a pick of the week, and more!

On this week's show: Amazon sends a Ring device to the graveyard, Sonos headphones are still not here, Zooz announces some cool new kit, Josh.ai announces a cool new remote, Emporia Vue 3 is shipping, everyone is raising prices and consumers are dropping streaming, IKEA starts to Matter along with Lifx, project updates, a pick of the week, and so much more!

This week on HomeKit Insider, your hosts talk about Aqara's two new products, another security issue in the smart home space, Eve's latest product, LIFX's return, and how AI could power the smart home of the future. Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail us hereSponsored by:Factor: Get America's #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit and save 50% off your first box with promo code homekit50 when you visit: factormeals.com/homekit50 Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekitHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showDoorbell security incident  Aqara 200Aqara T1MEve outdoor outletLIFXSubscribe and listen to our AppleInsider Daily podcast for the latest Apple news Monday through Friday. You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Linxura, a smart controller for home automation, can manage up to 52 smart devices, including lights, shades, and door locks. The controller is equipped with a screen that can simultaneously display four devices. By rotating a wheel, one can navigate between different devices. It provides various control options, such as a single click for activation, a double click for deactivation, or a toggle function. For instance, the volume of a speaker or the intensity of a light can be adjusted by clicking and rotating the wheel.Smart controller for home automationThe Linxura Smart Controller can directly control a wide range of devices, and it can also be integrated with popular smart home platforms like Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. Additionally, the controller will soon support Samsung SmartThings, Apple HomeKit, and the Matter Protocol. This compatibility ensures that users can control thousands of devices, with more being added regularly.To configure the controller, users need to download the Linxura app and connect the controller to their Wi-Fi network. The app supports direct control of certain devices like Sonos, Philips Hue, and LIFX. For devices not directly supported, users can set them up through other platforms like Alexa or Google Home. Users can create actions or routines to control their devices by connecting the app to these platforms.In terms of battery life, the Linxura Smart Controller offers a long-lasting battery that ensures users can rely on it for extended periods without needing to constantly recharge. This is especially important for those who heavily rely on their smart devices and want a controller that can keep up with their daily needs.A vast array of compatible devicesOne of the standout features of the Linxura Smart Controller is its compatibility with various platforms. Users can connect and control their smart devices from different brands and platforms, making it a versatile and convenient tool for managing their smart home. Whether it's controlling lights, thermostats, security cameras, or other smart devices, the Linxura Smart Controller can seamlessly integrate with them all.Additionally, the Linxura Smart Controller boasts extensive device support. This means that users can connect and control a wide range of smart devices, ensuring that they can manage all aspects of their smart home from a single device. The ability to control multiple devices from one central hub simplifies the user experience and eliminates the need for multiple apps or controllers.Flexibility in your hand or on the wallAnother exciting feature of the Linxura Smart Controller is its programmable capabilities. Users can customize and create their automation routines, allowing them to set specific actions or schedules for their smart devices. Whether it's turning on the lights at a certain time, adjusting the thermostat based on the weather, or activating security features when leaving the house, the Linxura Smart Controller offers flexibility and personalization in home automation.The controller is designed with convenience and flexibility in mind. It can be mounted on a wall or placed on a tabletop, and it has a backlight for easy visibility in the dark. The device has a long battery life, lasting up to three months on a single charge.The company is also working on a new feature that provides real-time feedback on device settings. For example, if a user adjusts the thermostat, the controller will display the current temperature percentage. This feature enhances the user experience and allows for precise control over devices.Conclusion: An inexpensive controller for your whole smart homeOverall, the Linxura Smart Controller offers a comprehensive solution for controlling and managing smart devices in the home. Its compatibility with various platforms, extensive device support, and programmable features make it a convenient and powerful tool for home automation. With its user-friendly interface and long battery life, the Linxura Smart Controller provides a seamless and efficient way to control and customize the smart home experience.The Linxura Smart Controller is priced at $99.99 and comes in multiple colors. To purchase one for yourself, check out their website.Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.Sponsored by: Get $5 to protect your credit card information online with Privacy. Amazon Prime gives you more than just free shipping. Get free music, TV shows, movies, videogames and more. The most flexible tools for podcasting. Get a 30 day free trial of storage and statistics.

Linxura, a smart controller for home automation, can manage up to 52 smart devices, including lights, shades, and door locks. The controller is equipped with a screen that can simultaneously display four devices. By rotating a wheel, one can navigate between different devices. It provides various control options, such as a single click for activation, a double click for deactivation, or a toggle function. For instance, the volume of a speaker or the intensity of a light can be adjusted by clicking and rotating the wheel.Smart controller for home automationThe Linxura Smart Controller can directly control a wide range of devices, and it can also be integrated with popular smart home platforms like Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. Additionally, the controller will soon support Samsung SmartThings, Apple HomeKit, and the Matter Protocol. This compatibility ensures that users can control thousands of devices, with more being added regularly.To configure the controller, users need to download the Linxura app and connect the controller to their Wi-Fi network. The app supports direct control of certain devices like Sonos, Philips Hue, and LIFX. For devices not directly supported, users can set them up through other platforms like Alexa or Google Home. Users can create actions or routines to control their devices by connecting the app to these platforms.In terms of battery life, the Linxura Smart Controller offers a long-lasting battery that ensures users can rely on it for extended periods without needing to constantly recharge. This is especially important for those who heavily rely on their smart devices and want a controller that can keep up with their daily needs.A vast array of compatible devicesOne of the standout features of the Linxura Smart Controller is its compatibility with various platforms. Users can connect and control their smart devices from different brands and platforms, making it a versatile and convenient tool for managing their smart home. Whether it's controlling lights, thermostats, security cameras, or other smart devices, the Linxura Smart Controller can seamlessly integrate with them all.Additionally, the Linxura Smart Controller boasts extensive device support. This means that users can connect and control a wide range of smart devices, ensuring that they can manage all aspects of their smart home from a single device. The ability to control multiple devices from one central hub simplifies the user experience and eliminates the need for multiple apps or controllers.Flexibility in your hand or on the wallAnother exciting feature of the Linxura Smart Controller is its programmable capabilities. Users can customize and create their automation routines, allowing them to set specific actions or schedules for their smart devices. Whether it's turning on the lights at a certain time, adjusting the thermostat based on the weather, or activating security features when leaving the house, the Linxura Smart Controller offers flexibility and personalization in home automation.The controller is designed with convenience and flexibility in mind. It can be mounted on a wall or placed on a tabletop, and it has a backlight for easy visibility in the dark. The device has a long battery life, lasting up to three months on a single charge.The company is also working on a new feature that provides real-time feedback on device settings. For example, if a user adjusts the thermostat, the controller will display the current temperature percentage. This feature enhances the user experience and allows for precise control over devices.Conclusion: An inexpensive controller for your whole smart homeOverall, the Linxura Smart Controller offers a comprehensive solution for controlling and managing smart devices in the home. Its compatibility with various platforms, extensive device support, and programmable features make it a convenient and powerful tool for home automation. With its user-friendly interface and long battery life, the Linxura Smart Controller provides a seamless and efficient way to control and customize the smart home experience.The Linxura Smart Controller is priced at $99.99 and comes in multiple colors. To purchase one for yourself, check out their website.Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.Sponsored by: Get $5 to protect your credit card information online with Privacy. Amazon Prime gives you more than just free shipping. Get free music, TV shows, movies, videogames and more. The most flexible tools for podcasting. Get a 30 day free trial of storage and statistics.

Welcome to my podcast on smart lights! Today, I want to share with you my experience with various smart lights that I've tried out, including Lifx, Lenovo, Mirabella, Philips, Ikea, and others. One thing I noticed while using these smart lights is that most of them have a restriction when it comes to the frequency they can be used on. They work only on the 2.4GHz frequency and not on the 5GHz frequency. This can be a bit of a hassle at times, especially if you have a lot of devices connected to your Wi-Fi network. Another thing to keep in mind is that not all of these lights offer the option of using the HomeKit app, which can be a drawback for those who prefer Apple's ecosystem. Additionally, not all of them work with Siri, which can be frustrating for those who are used to using voice commands. When it comes to using voice commands, there can be some issues depending on your accent. I've personally experienced this while using some of these lights with Alexa or Google Assistant, where my accent has affected the accuracy of the commands. However, the lights' own app usually works well. In conclusion, while these smart lights can be a great addition to your home, there are some things to keep in mind, such as frequency restrictions, compatibility with different voice assistants, and accents affecting voice commands. But with a bit of patience and experimentation, you can find the perfect smart light for your needs. Thanks for listening to my podcast, and I hope this information was helpful to you!

¡Bienvenidos a mi podcast sobre luces inteligentes! Hoy quiero compartir con ustedes mi experiencia con diferentes luces inteligentes que he probado, incluyendo Lifx, Lenovo, Mirabella, Philips, Ikea y otros. Una cosa que noté al usar estas luces inteligentes es que la mayoría tiene una restricción en cuanto a la frecuencia en la que pueden ser utilizadas. Funcionan solo en la frecuencia de 2.4GHz y no en la de 5GHz. Esto puede ser un poco molesto a veces, especialmente si tienes muchos dispositivos conectados a tu red WiFi. Otra cosa a tener en cuenta es que no todas estas luces ofrecen la opción de usar la aplicación HomeKit, lo que puede ser una desventaja para aquellos que prefieren el ecosistema de Apple. Además, no todas funcionan con Siri, lo que puede ser frustrante para aquellos que están acostumbrados a usar comandos de voz. En cuanto al uso de comandos de voz, puede haber algunos problemas dependiendo de tu acento. Personalmente he experimentado esto al usar algunas de estas luces con Alexa o Google Assistant, donde mi acento ha afectado la precisión de los comandos. Sin embargo, la propia aplicación de las luces suele funcionar bien. En conclusión, aunque estas luces inteligentes pueden ser una gran adición para tu hogar, hay algunas cosas que debes tener en cuenta, como las restricciones de frecuencia, la compatibilidad con diferentes asistentes de voz y cómo los acentos afectan los comandos de voz. Pero con un poco de paciencia y experimentación, puedes encontrar la luz inteligente perfecta para tus necesidades. ¡Gracias por escuchar mi podcast y espero que esta información haya sido útil para ustedes!

Thread continues to make headlines and this week we get two more devices from Eve and wemo.  We also got word that Feit Electric has bought out LIFX hopefully helping to prop up the beloved smart lighting manufacturer.  But what do you do when the lights go out?  If you have local control, you're good to go, but if not you may be left in the dark.  We discuss the issue of local control and how to mitigate device discontinuation.HomeKit News ArticlesRedesigned Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller ReleasedWemo's New Smart Dimmer Works with Thread and HomeKit, but Not MatterFeit Electric Has Bought Troubled Smart Lighting Brand LIFXHomeKit Products Mentioned in Today's ShowGet the new Eve Motion: https://amzn.to/3d1dcnyGet the New Eve Aqua: https://amzn.to/3JPVakE Get the Wemo Dimmer: https://amzn.to/3QydXD2 Get the Sensibo Air A/C Controller: https://amzn.to/3p9ytOL   Where Else Can You Find Us?https://myhomekithome.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/myhomekithomeTwitter: https://twitter.com/myhomekithomeInstagram: https://instagram.com/myhomekithome Facebook: Https://facebook.com/myhomekithome Support the show

You're moving into a new home, and you want to do things right from the start. Where do you begin? This is the situation Richard's friend Kent Fellure finds himself in, and we're delighted to talk with him about some options for security, lighting, HVAC, and more. And of course, Kent joins in some banter about this month's smart home news from Wemo, Twinkly, and LIFX. The post Home: On #152 – Starting Fresh with Kent Fellure appeared first on The Digital Media Zone.

LIFX is acquired by Feit electric, Twinkly announces new LED panels, Sonos sub mini delayed, we discuss privacy concerns with Amazon buying iRobot, and issues with the Hue Play Sync box.Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at @andrew_osu and @stephenrobles or email us here. Find us in your favorite podcast player by searching for "HomeKit Insider" and support the show by leaving a 5-Star rating and comment in Apple Podcasts.Sponsored by:Kolide: Send your employees automated Slack messages with security and privacy recommendations! Get a FREE Kolide Gift Bundle after trial activation when you visit: kolide.com/homekitZocdoc: Go to zocdoc.com/hki and download the app to sign-up for FREE. Find doctors and specialists that take your insurance and even book appointments online!HomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showHomeKit smart bulb maker Lifx acquired by Feit ElectricTwinkly New LED PanelsSonos has delayed the release of its next product — likely the Sub Mini - The VergeAll the Data Amazon's Ring Cameras Collect About YouAmazon buying iRobot in a $1.7 billion all-cash dealWith iRobot acquisition, Amazon wants to scan every inch of your homeSubscribe and listen to our AppleInsider Daily podcast for the latest Apple news Monday through Friday. You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

On this week's show, Gavin's rack is "done," Amazon vacuums up iRobot and more user data, LIFX finds a new home, Twinkly has squares, HBO Max discovers Discovery Plus, and Google sues Sonos... again. All that, your questions from the mailbag, and a pick of the week!

Thread continues to make headlines and this week we get two more devices from Eve and wemo.  We also got word that Feit Electric has bought out LIFX hopefully helping to prop up the beloved smart lighting manufacturer.  But what do you do when the lights go out?  If you have local control, you're good to go, but if not you may be left in the dark.  We discuss the issue of local control and how to mitigate device discontinuation.HomeKit News ArticlesRedesigned Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller ReleasedWemo's New Smart Dimmer Works with Thread and HomeKit, but Not MatterFeit Electric Has Bought Troubled Smart Lighting Brand LIFXHomeKit Products Mentioned in Today's ShowGet the new Eve Motion: https://amzn.to/3d1dcnyGet the New Eve Aqua: https://amzn.to/3JPVakE Get the Wemo Dimmer: https://amzn.to/3QydXD2 Get the Sensibo Air A/C Controller: https://amzn.to/3p9ytOL   Where Else Can You Find Us?https://myhomekithome.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/myhomekithomeTwitter: https://twitter.com/myhomekithomeInstagram: https://instagram.com/myhomekithome Facebook: Https://facebook.com/myhomekithome Support the show

Randy discusses the analysis of Dialight's earnings, Wesco reported its Q2 earnings, Feit Electric acquires the assets of LIFX, DLC has an article on its SSL V5.1, and an interview with lighting designer Birgit Walter is available.

Host Dr. Nick van Terheyden, aka Dr. Nick, discusses Non Invasive Continuous Glue Monitoring (CGM) with Phil Bosua, CEO at Know Labs. Their discussion includes the invention of LIFX wifi connected color tuneable light bulb, using Bio-RFID (Body-Radio Frequency Identification) to carry out spectroscopy, and using radio frequency spectroscopy to measure real time glucose in the blood stream. To stream our Station live 24/7 visit www.HealthcareNOWRadio.com or ask your Smart Device to “….Play Healthcare NOW Radio”. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

This week on HomeTech: The gang takes a visit back to the HomeTech Grave Yard to bury Insteon since the company abruptly shut its doors down over the weekend. Garadget announces a new product (in 2022!) for Control4, Canada gets blazing fast internet speeds, LiFX looks like it could be next, Youtube gets to stream some sportsball games, and this week's pick of the week.

Do you have LiFX bulbs in your smarthome? Would you like to control the bulbs with a central console with the rest of your smarthome? Stay tuned and I will ... The post How to manage LiFX with Home Assistant on your Unraid server in your Smarthome first appeared on TechBytes With Ron Nutter.

I veckans avsnitt diskuterar de tre Intels fyraåriga plan att slå Apple och IKEAs HomeKit-kompatibla luftrenare STARKVIND. Larsson berättar lite om hans test av LIFX och Dennis är otroligt nyfiken på den beryktade skärmen från Apple som drivs av ett A13-chip. Dessutom ska de tre ses för första gången och det spekuleras i vad för mörka hemligheter Dennis döljer när båda Marcus hälsar på. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I veckans avsnitt diskuterar de tre Intels fyraåriga plan att slå Apple och IKEAs HomeKit-kompatibla luftrenare STARKVIND. Larsson berättar lite om hans test av LIFX och Dennis är otroligt nyfiken på den beryktade skärmen från Apple som drivs av ett A13-chip. Dessutom ska de tre ses för första gången och det spekuleras i vad för mörka hemligheter Dennis döljer när båda Marcus hälsar på. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 64 of the Customers Who Click podcast, I had fun chatting to Jon Ivanco about the need for collecting better data from customers. So forget asking for *just* their name & email address - we're talking data on exactly what the customer is looking for, and when they're looking to buy it. Those are the two pieces of information you'll need to map out their shopping journey so that you can deliver the right message to the right person at the right time.  It's not about chasing KPIs or meeting requirements set from the above to save your job. Don't take any absolutes in marketing - just because we've accepted that asking too many questions in forms causes friction and customers leave without sharing their data, it doesn't mean it's true for every brand. It all depends on the questions you're asking and how relevant they are to the customer's shopping experience. Jon is the co-founder of Formtoro, an agency on a mission to make data collection frictionless, so businesses can create amazing personalized experiences. He's a brand strategist with more than a decade of experience working on process improvement. Jon has been responsible for bringing data-driven processes to life for clients such as LIFX, ROLI, Latticework, and many others. When Jon isn't busy helping companies, he can be found on the golf course fighting with his swing. You can connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter or head over to https://formtoro.com/.

PK makes pasta, Alex researches radioactive sunflowers, and we talk about AirTags, iMacs, and LifX light bulbs! Show Notes Pre-Show: Charles Tyrwhitt Follow-Up: Arstechnica Article on Chips for Spaceships Main Show: AirTags iMacs LifX Clean Bulb Cool $hit: Simple Human Trash Can Binging with Babish Joshua Weissman Post-Show: Binging with Babish Pasta Basics New Pasta Shape About Us: Alex Huffaker (Twitter, Instagram) Pradyuman Kodavatiganti (Twitter, Instagram) Luis Lancaster (Instagram)

In this episode: Six year review of Lifx smart bulbs Review of Geeni smart bulbs Review of Hue smart bulbs and which product of out the three Charlie will never purchase again and why. Share this with your friends, family and subscribe to the show via Achor.fm, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/themavcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/themavcast/support

Welcome back to The HomeKit Show episode 19 in which we talk everything in the world of HomeKit. This week we talk about the Level Touch, Meross Garage door opener, LiFX clean smart bulb and HomeKit doorbells.Links from the Show -Level TouchMeross Garage door openerLiFX clean smart bulb Meross smart plug reviewMeross smart outdoor plug reviewBuy the Meross smart plugBuy the Meross outdoor smart plugSocial MediaTwitter - https://www.twitter.com/FollowHomeKit/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FollowHomeKitInsta - https://www.instagram.com/FollowHomeKit/You can either watch the show or listen to the PodCast with both options found belowYouTubeYou can also checkout the video version on our YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe for more HomeKit goodness.

CNET's Guide to Smart Living While this may or may not be the year of home automation (or maybe it was last year?), the idea of making some aspects of your home more automated or “smarter” is becoming much more approachable and affordable. CNET recently put together a collection of articles about how to get into the game that offer some interesting tips and pointers. This isn't a definitive guide for the hard core home or life hacker, but it helps those who aren't yet in the game to dip a toe in the water. 4 Things to Consider Before Making Your Home Smart You'll need to decide on a 'brain' first Without a doubt, the biggest concern is fragmentation. It's certainly gotten better over the last few years, especially with the growing popularity of smart speakers like Google Home ($129.00 at Dell Home) and the Echo, and services like IFTTT that help fix the language barrier between different devices and services. But if you're not careful when choosing the smart products to install in your home, you'll find yourself with a home full of devices only using half of their potential. The best way to go about it is to pick a "brain" for your smart home -- be it Amazon's Echo, Google Home, Apple's HomeKit or Samsung's SmartThings -- and only buy smart bulbs, locks, cameras and other accessories or appliances that are compatible with it. Can your devices 'talk' to each other? Ease of use is another point of consideration. You're not building a smart home to make your life more difficult, and turning on any given light or appliance shouldn't be more complicated than its dumb counterpart. Cost Smart home gadgets are generally more expensive than their dumb counterparts -- and rightly so. A light switch that can be controlled with your voice (like the Lutron Caseta) and can be scheduled or controlled from anywhere in the world should cost more than a standard light switch. But outfitting an entire house with those smart switches will cost significantly more. And don't be so quick to believe the purported energy savings. The cost savings will depend on what technology you're upgrading from. And even the products that do use less energy than their dumb alternatives will likely take several years to make up for the difference in the initial cost. Wi-Fi and product security Finally, you should be concerned with security. Leave it to shows like Mr. Robot to feed us smart home nightmare fuel. While you can DIY a smart security system easily for less money than a standard security system ($39.99 at Amazon.com) would have cost you just a few years ago, like anything with a wireless connection, it's also susceptible to exploits and other security flaws. Your patchwork smart home security system is only as strong as your Wi-Fi password. And the same general security tip is still valid here -- give everything its own, unique password. 4 Clever Morning Routine Automations For Your Smart Home Slowly turn on the lights Getting a good night's rest is important. But just as important is how you wake up. No one likes waking up to a loud, abrupt alarm. Try waking up calmly to a gentle, gradual increasing light instead. It's more natural and will prevent you from being ripped out of deep sleep. You can do this a few different ways. Many smart bulbs, for instance, can be programmed to come on at a specific time, and often you can choose how long it takes for the bulbs to reach the desired brightness -- instantly, a couple of seconds or even several minutes. Create a schedule for the bulbs overhead or in a bedside lamp to slowly turn on to full brightness around the time you need to wake up. Create a schedule for overhead Lutron lights, LIFX bulbs in a bedside lamp or a Philips Wake-Up Light to slowly turn on around the time you need to wake up. Gently raise the temperature No one wants to peel off the cozy sheets early in the morning and wake up to a chilly bedroom. To avoid this, you can set your smart thermostat to slowly raise the temperature 30 minutes before you plan to get out of bed each morning. Like with slowly turning on the bedroom lights, this will help gently pull you out of sleep and make getting out of bed less jarring. Or maybe you need the shock of brisk morning air to help wake you up. If that's your morning trick, just set the thermostat to lower a few degrees before your alarm. Automatically make coffee Who doesn't like a fresh cup of coffee early in the morning? With your smart home, you can wake up to hot coffee every day. And making it happen is easier than you think. While they make smart coffee makers specifically for this, all you really need is any ol' dumb coffee maker and a smart plug. The one requirement for the coffee maker is that its power button is a toggle switch that will remain on, even after brewing has finished -- this is so you can control its power externally with the smart switch. Pretty much all smart switches can operate on a schedule, but if you've got one that's compatible with Google Home or Echo, like the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug, you can tell your smart speaker to make coffee as soon as your feet touch the floor. Try creating a Google Home shortcut that turns on the smart plug when you say, "Hey Google, coffee time." Taking it one step further, you can use IFTTT (if this then that) to pair your fitness or sleep tracker, like a Fitbit, with the smart plug. A Fitbit wearable can detect when you start peeling yourself out of bed. With IFTTT, you can build an applet that begins making coffee when your Fitbit detects you're awake. Get the morning news With smart speakers spread around your house, staying up to date on the news, weather and traffic is easier than ever. With Echo Routines, you can have the Echo play your Flash Briefing every morning at the same time. Or you can simply ask the Echo to, "play my Flash Briefing." The same goes for Google Home speakers — automate your news and weather, or ask for it by saying, "OK, Google, good morning." These morning automations are just the tip of the iceberg. The more smart gadgets you add around your house and the more you use them, the more creative you can get with how you use them each morning. Have a smart oven make toast automatically. Stream your favorite morning music while you shower. Or tell Google Home to play the latest videos from your favorite YouTube channel on the Chromecast ($35.00 at Walmart) while you get dressed.

In episode 33 of The Startup Playbook Podcast, I sat down with Simon Walker, Partner Marketing Manager at IFTTT (If This Then That). Aside from his role at IFTTT, Simon is also the co-founder of Gone Social, a community of 2,500+ social media, marketing and PR enthusiasts in Silicon Valley sharing best practices, tools and ideas. Prior to his role with IFTTT, Simon was the Head of Marketing at LIFX , an Australian startup that raised $1.3M inside a week on Kickstarter and went on to raise $12M from Sequioa Capital. In the interview, Simon shares how to market innovative products, the importance of value driven marketing and how startups can develop partnerships with large organisations. Show notes: - LIFX - LIFX Kickstarter campaign - Startup Daily - Mat Beeche - Taylor Ventures - Eric Toda - Fidget cube - IFTTT - Aware - Gone Social - Lauren Michaels - Gone social (Twitter) - Inspire9 - Simon Walker (Twitter) Feedback/ say hello:  Rohit@startupplaybook.co @playbookstartup (Twitter) @rohitbhargava7 (Twitter – Rohit) Credits: Intro music credit to Bensound Click here to listen on iTunes Click here to listen on Stitcher The post Ep033 – Simon Walker (Partner Marketing Manager – IFTTT) on value driven marketing appeared first on Startup Playbook.