Latest posts
Since having a smart meter fitted, I’ve just had new problems to deal with
Smart meters are designed to make life better, but like any smart tech, they can and will go wrong, often without the energy company even telling you. The need for constant vigilance feels like yet another thing that I have to be in charge of. Shouldn’t things be better? I hadn’t upgraded to a smart…
Forget phone batteries, why aren’t all devices required to work properly with rechargeable batteries?
Over the last few days, reports have resurfaced that the EU will mandate that phones have replaceable batteries. These reports are based on 2023 legislation with an implementation date of 2027. I won’t go into the full details here, but that legislation covers removable batteries, and many phones are exempt anyway. Before we dismiss everything, this kind…
As a smart lock reviewer, here’s what I would and wouldn’t do
Smart locks are on the increase, with a growing number of devices of all different types. While there’s some obvious, ingrained concern about them, security isn’t the issue you might think it is, and smart locks are a good upgrade for any home. What you should worry about is the hardware and features; here are…
Plug-in solar is coming soon, but will it be worth it?
OPINION: The UK government has finally opened the doors to plug-in solar panels in the UK, saying that they’ll be available in shops ‘within months’. Self-installed, and just requiring a simple 13A plug socket, will plug-in solar start a revolution and will the savings stack up? As of April 1, the price cap has come down,…
Alexa+ is better at a lot of things, but it still has some struggles
I’ve had access to Alexa+ for a few days now, so not enough for a full review, but enough time to start getting a sense of what the new smart assistant is capable of. While I sort out the final review, here’s what I’ve learned so far. Gone is Alexa Speak, replaced by the ability…
Alexa+ is starting to feel a bit like the future, but shorter responses would be nice
When Amazon first announced the Echo smart speaker and Alexa, it felt as though the future that Star Trek had promised us was finally upon us. Here was a computer we could interact with naturally, faster and more convenient than apps or traditional interfaces. Unsurprisingly, Amazon sold a bucket load of Echo devices, and soon expanded the…
Are solar panels worth it in the UK?
There’s been significant growth in solar panel installations, as more of us look for ways to become energy-independent (or at least offset some costs). Having had solar installed recently (check out my BOXT Solar review for more details), I’ve had time to crunch some figures and do some testing to really get into how good solar is…
Forget Alexa, Siri and Google, I’m all about physical controls
Although I review all of the smart home kit for Trusted Reviews, I have to admit that my voice interaction with smart assistants has dropped over the years, and I now far prefer physical interactions. As I’ve pointed out before, Siri has a problem with doing anything complicated, and I don’t like Google’s smart home strategy. I…
Where are all the smart smoke and heat alarm systems?
As a smart home reviewer, you can well imagine that my home is properly kitted out with connected devices. What’s become clear over the years is the dearth of smart fire detection products that are actually suitable for UK homes. It’s a perplexing black hole. It’s not just about smoke There’s no shortage of smart…
Forget Amazon, Apple and Google, Homey is my smart home system of choice for power
I used to be a big SmartThings user back in the day. Powered by its hub, it was the powerhouse of smart home automation, but since Samsung has moved away from the Classic app and the hub is now made by Aeotec, it has lost some of its more powerful features, such as WebCore for…