Smart lighting—bulbs, switches, plug-in outlets—can transform the feel of being at home, especially when you go beyond the most basic ways of controlling them, namely turning them on or off, through an app. With just a few accessories and some app magic, you can make your smart home shine.

Apple isn’t good at playing nice with others, but to succeed in the smart home, it’s going to have to. But, they have a major advantage which is that people trust it to better protect their personal information more than either Google or Amazon. It just hasn’t ever really done much to capitalize on that advantage.

There’s an increasing number of smart devices with cameras built into them. And a lot of these are built so that you’re able to communicate with friends and family, as well as basically use them as security features. Yahoo Finance’s Dan Howley advises ways to make sure your smart home cameras are not monitoring you at all times.

Skeuomorphic design is the act of simulating the look and behavior of physical objects for digital interfaces, everything from a toggle switch that can only be off or on to more complex items like dials or sliders. Understanding its origins provides the key to why it’s ideally suited for IoT interfaces, particularly connected home devices.

If you’re looking into buying home security, you’ll notice that plenty of companies throw around the terms “DIY” and “professional installation.” Some home security companies allow you to choose from pre-established kits and send professionals to install them.

Modern smart home technologies can enable a more energy-efficient future by offering a glimpse into the inner workings of our homes. Installing and integrating smart sensors and technologies in the home helps us to stick to a more healthy ‘energy diet’. The best thing is that smart home tech empowers us to reduce consumption and be more sustainable without sacrificing the home comforts we enjoy.

Two thirds (66%) of U.S. homeowners spent more than $1,000 on home improvements and repairs in the past year. Additionally, nearly half of homeowners (44.6%) purchased smart home products in the past year. Of those, the leading smart home products purchased were smart home assistants, smart lights, and smart speakers.