You wake up to start your day and the lights automatically dim on, the window blinds open, the coffee pot starts brewing and the thermostat is adjusted — all before getting out of bed. Is this heaven? No, it’s just a smart home. Wouldn’t it be nice to have certain aspects of your life automated? Thanks to smart home hubs you can do so affordably and easily. What is a hub exactly? Read on to learn more about how they can be the brains of your home and work with a growing list of products within each room…

Nest is one of the best Wifi thermostat products on the market. It continuously learns about your heating and cooling preferences, so you don’t have to worry about adjusting the thermostat multiple times throughout the day. After one to two weeks of use, the thermostat will remember your habits and begin to set the temperature automatically. You also have the ability to make changes from the Nest app, so if you want to make any adjustments when you’re away from home, you can. Read the rest of our Nest learning thermostat review to see if it’s a good fit for your household…

With so many recent cyber security breaches (especially from reputable companies like Target and Equifax), it has become increasingly necessary to become secure online. With so many access points (via smart home devices, fitness trackers, etc.), it’s easier than ever to fall prey to a potential hack. Breaches can happen to the best of us, not just your vulnerable average Joe. Hackers have sophisticated ways of stealing your identity and could be accessing your accounts as we speak. Unlike a house break-in where there is often evidence of a crime, it is a lot easier for digital theft to go unnoticed. Are you leaving the front door wide open for these new-age criminals? Read on to learn some basic cyber security tips that could save you, before it’s too late…

Is Amazon Prime worth it? What does Amazon Prime get you? To Prime or not to Prime? These are the questions many of us have grappled with before. Amazon Prime certainly has its devoted members for many reasons (many people on our team being some of them), and there are a ton of benefits that go beyond free shipping and video streaming. Here, we’ll help you work through Amazon Prime benefits and cost to see if the membership makes sense for your budget…

Want to relive your travel, reminisce about a special occasion or celebrate a loved one? Personalized gifts are a unique way to showcase life’s favorite moments on items for yourself or others. From custom phone cases to pillows, pint glasses, pots, photo blankets, puzzles, paperweights, plates and more. The ideas are only limited by your imagination. Learn what makes Shutterfly so popular and how you can start making your customized creations to show off to your friends and family…

Are you looking for better methods to secure your online privacy? Have you read about virtual private networks (VPN) — one of the best ways to ensure your confidentiality online? Understanding VPNs, how they work and how to set them up is confusing, for sure. Here, we’ll give you a rundown of how to setup a VPN step by step, whether you’re using your PC, mobile device or your home server…

You’re away on a work trip when you get strep throat, and you don’t have time to go to the doctor. Wouldn’t it be nice to get a prescription without finding a doctor’s office, trying to schedule an appointment and filling out all of that endless paperwork? This is where using a virtual doctor app can be handy. From the comfort of your bed, you can visit with a physician, get a diagnosis and have medication prescribed. Learn more about how these services work and if they really work as they’re advertised…

From appliances to lighting to speakers, everything is connecting to the internet, and there’s no stopping it. Smart home equipment is becoming more affordable and less avoidable on the market. Everything from our dishwasher to our cars will be “on the grid”, ie. connected to the internet (and many devices and appliances already are!). Read some astonishing statistics about home automation as well as where the market is headed…

Most of us ladies probably agree that getting new clothes for working out can add a little extra motivation to burn those calories. Fabletics by Kate Hudson offers attractive, comfortable workout outfits in various colors, sizes and styles. Fabletics is a clothing box subscription service targeted toward women, but they’ve also added some men’s items to their lineup. Read our review of Kate Hudson workout clothes to see if they’re the best fit for you…

Plug-and-play cameras are versatile for many uses including home security, baby monitors and pet cams. These versatile WiFi security cameras are easy to relocate, and many have two-way voice so you can communicate with those at home while you are away. Find out which wireless security cameras make our top 3 and determine which is the best smartcam for your needs…

You likely heard the buzz earlier this year when WikiLeaks revealed that the CIA has been spying through Samsung smart TVs and other devices. While most of us don’t necessarily have to worry about the CIA, we do need protection from hackers looking to steal our identity or financial information. And this threat isn’t just to our laptops, PCs and smartphones. If you have smart devices connected to your home’s network, they’re all susceptible to hackers and malware. Yes, this includes everything from baby monitors and security cameras to smart dishwashers and microwaves. In fact, hackers look specifically for vulnerable devices — and every smart device is up for grabs. That’s why protecting your entire smart home network is invaluable. So, what can Cujo do for you? Keep reading to learn more…

Are you a smart-home tech junkie just waiting for your next fix? Can’t wait to kick up your Alexa-enabled home a notch? Well, 2017 could be a jackpot year, when the promise of home robots finally hits the market. We’re not there just yet, but the market’s closing in quickly. Read our take on the best home robot products, some of which will be consumer-ready by the end of the year… 

So you’re ready to cut the cord from Comcast and AT&T Uverse and unbundle unnecessary services. Well, you’re in luck because there are plenty of “cord cutting” options now. We’ve got the ultimate guide that will help you remove the cable handcuffs and break free from the contracts. The best part? You don’t have to give up your latest shows, phone number, or speedy WiFi to save money. So, are you ready to learn how to how to get rid of cable and put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket? Get those scissors out!…