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Smart Home Basics Edition

Smart Home Basics

Learn how smart home devices work and fit into everyday life.

16 stories
Before You Buy Another Smart Device, Run Through This Checklist
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Before You Buy Another Smart Device, Run Through This Checklist

By Home & Tech Editorial Team · 6 min read · Apr 11, 2024

Latest in Smart Home Basics

Smart Home Basics Keeping a Smart Home Secure: What Ongoing Good Habits Look Like

Keeping a Smart Home Secure: What Ongoing Good Habits Look Like

By Home & Tech Editorial Team · 6 min · Dec 15, 2023
Smart Home Basics Matter: The New Smart Home Standard and What It Changes for Consumers

Matter: The New Smart Home Standard and What It Changes for Consumers

By Home & Tech Editorial Team · 7 min · Sep 26, 2023
Smart Home Basics Rooms Worth Automating First — and Why the Order Matters

Rooms Worth Automating First — and Why the Order Matters

By Home & Tech Editorial Team · 6 min · Jun 16, 2023
Smart Home Basics Setting Up a Smart Home Network That Won't Let You Down

Setting Up a Smart Home Network That Won't Let You Down

By Home & Tech Editorial Team · 6 min · Mar 22, 2023
Smart Home Basics Smart Home Automation: A Complete Guide From Basics to Advanced Routines

Smart Home Automation: A Complete Guide From Basics to Advanced Routines

By Home & Tech Editorial Team · 7 min · May 10, 2023
Smart Home Basics Smart Home Myths That Keep People From Getting Started

Smart Home Myths That Keep People From Getting Started

By Home & Tech Editorial Team · 6 min · Jul 1, 2023
Smart Home Basics Smart Home Technology, Explained Without the Jargon

Smart Home Technology, Explained Without the Jargon

By Home & Tech Editorial Team · 8 min · Jul 29, 2024
Smart Home Basics Smart Speakers vs. Smart Displays: Which Hub Makes More Sense?

Smart Speakers vs. Smart Displays: Which Hub Makes More Sense?

By Home & Tech Editorial Team · 6 min · Mar 3, 2026
Smart Home Basics The Real Privacy Risks of Smart Home Devices — and How to Manage Them

The Real Privacy Risks of Smart Home Devices — and How to Manage Them

By Home & Tech Editorial Team · 6 min · Jul 15, 2026
Smart Home Basics The Smart Home Glossary: 40 Terms Every Beginner Should Know

The Smart Home Glossary: 40 Terms Every Beginner Should Know

By Home & Tech Editorial Team · 5 min · Jan 3, 2024
Smart Home Basics What Smart Home Hubs Do — and When You Actually Need One

What Smart Home Hubs Do — and When You Actually Need One

By Home & Tech Editorial Team · 7 min · Feb 14, 2023
Smart Home Basics Why Your Smart Devices Keep Disconnecting — and What to Do About It

Why Your Smart Devices Keep Disconnecting — and What to Do About It

By Home & Tech Editorial Team · 5 min · Sep 21, 2023
Smart Home Basics Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Thread: What Each Protocol Actually Does

Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Thread: What Each Protocol Actually Does

By Home & Tech Editorial Team · 6 min · Sep 21, 2025
Smart Home Basics Wired vs. Wireless Smart Home Devices: Understanding the Trade-Offs

Wired vs. Wireless Smart Home Devices: Understanding the Trade-Offs

By Home & Tech Editorial Team · 6 min · Jun 20, 2024
Smart Home Basics Your First Smart Home: A Practical Starting Point

Your First Smart Home: A Practical Starting Point

By Home & Tech Editorial Team · 8 min · Jul 7, 2025