Jennifer Pattison Tuohy

Senior Reviewer, Smart Home

Inside one couple’s state-of-the-art smart starter home

One couple’s starter home in a connected community in California shows how smart energy powered by smart home technology could be the future of affordable, energy-independent living.

Jennifer Pattison TuohyJun 16, 2023

Siri gets a bit smarter, but Apple Home is still lagging behind

Jennifer Pattison TuohyJun 15, 2023

Yes, Z-Wave is still a thing!

Z-Box is a new dedicated Z-Wave hub from Zooz, but rather than leave you to build your own solution, it comes with three custom-built fixes for common problems: a DIY home Security Kit, a Flood Water Protection Kit, and a Smart Garage Door Kit.

It reminds me of the early days of SmartThings and makes Z-Wave — with its robust security, long-range, and local control — feel more accessible as an option for anyone just starting out with a smart home.

<em>The Z-Box Water/Flood Protection Kit ($280) can shut off a water valve when a leak is detected.</em>

<em>The Z-Box Garage Door Kit ($159) can control up to three doors.</em>

<em>The Z-Box Security Kit ($170) can bridge analog smoke and CO detectors into the system.</em>

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The Z-Box Water/Flood Protection Kit ($280) can shut off a water valve when a leak is detected.

Image: Zooz

Google Home’s script editor is now live

Jennifer Pattison TuohyJun 13, 2023

How to pick a smart home platform

One connected lock does not a smart home make. If you want to get serious with home automation, start with a smart home platform.

Jennifer Pattison TuohyJun 12, 2023

What is a smart home, and do you need one?

As connected becomes the default for every household appliance — from TVs and washing machines to ovens and vacuums — we break down exactly what makes a home ‘smart’ and help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Jennifer Pattison TuohyJun 12, 2023

You can finally buy a Matter smart lock

Jennifer Pattison TuohyJun 9, 2023

StandBy is a new iPhone feature that could be great for Apple Home users

Jennifer Pattison TuohyJun 5, 2023

Google Home’s iOS app now lets you set up Matter devices.

The update began rolling out on May 26th, according to Google. I got it this weekend, and you need iOS 16.5. and version 3.1 of the Google Home app.

With this update, all four major smart home platforms now work fully with Matter on iOS. This should make it easier to deliver on Matter’s promise of cross-platform compatibility.