Nanoleaf, the company best known for illuminated panels that you stick to your wall, has announced the new Nanoleaf Elements line, a set of wall panels that are designed to look as nice turned off as they do when on.

Sidewalk officially launches in the United States on June 8, 2021. It’s a new technology that aims to improve the experience of certain smart home devices using a mix of Bluetooth and radio frequencies. Understanding how Sidewalk works is a little tricky at first, but in the end, it should result in gadgets that are more responsive and reliable.

These days, people control more and more aspects of their lives remotely through apps. And it’s no longer just “smart” devices like wired doorbells, thermostats and lights. Even your not-so-smart devices can join the party. With SwitchBot products, you can control many of your ordinary, old-fashioned appliances and use them with home-automation systems like Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Almost all smart devices have a companion app that’s used to set them up and manage them. But most popular devices are also compatible with voice-controllable digital assistants, like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant (among others).

From animated reactions during video calls to shared photos on your home screen, Amazon’s older model smart displays will get many of the new Echo Show features.

Insurance companies are increasingly interested in the growing use of smart technology in homes. Smart home technology protects homes by making them more secure and potentially reducing the possibility of damage caused by perils like fires or theft. Smart home systems also provide data to insurance companies, helping them determine risks and costs for insurance.

Smart home devices can help you ease the burden of running an Airbnb and give you some simple ways to make your guest’s stay more safe and comfortable. But which smart items should you use, and which ones should you avoid?