In this video I’m going to show you the Kwikset Halo Select smart deadbolt lock. I’ll take you through the surprisingly easy installation with just a screwdriver, then I’ll look at all the things you can do with it, including locking your door from anywhere on the planet! I’ll wrap things up with both the pros and the cons and help you see if it’s right for your home.

A quick thank you to Kwikset for sponsoring this video. While they are paying for my time they haven’t told me what I have to say or what I can’t say about this lock, so these thoughts are all mine.

What is Kwikset Halo Select?

Kwikset Halo Select is a smart deadbolt that can be used to unlock your door in four ways: using an included key, with a numeric passcode, remotely with your smartphone, or hands-free with your preferred voice assistant.

With the ability to add hundreds of users, you can grant access to relatives, friends or tradespeople easily, including scheduling when those users are allowed to open the door.

With the Kwikset app, you can see who used the lock and when, great for checking on curfews, you can double check if the door is locked, and even get real time notifications about who’s accessing it.

All the features use Wi-Fi so the lock is visible and accessable from anywhere on earth. And with Matter support, that means you can plug the lock into a wider smart home set up too.

Unboxing/What you get

Let’s unbox the Halo Select Smart lock to see what you get inside.

The lock consists of two pieces; a keypad or outdoor touchscreen faceplate and an indoor thumb lock.

Kwikset has cleverly boxed the rest of the components into three separate kits which helps you keep everything straight during the installation process.

In box #1 you get an adjustable latch which should fit any standard door, plus AA batteries are included, as are screws.

Box #2 has a sensor magnet, screws and a strike plate, while Box #3 has a mounting plate, screws and a set of two physical keys, plus a smart key, which allows you to easily re-key the Halo Select lock to match existing locks you may already have at home.

Easy app

Not in the box but integral to the locks operation is the Kwikset app. Once you download the app and sign up for or sign into your account, the app will guide the installation, so get that started.

Installation: just a screwdriver

While it may seem like there’s a lot of intimidating and mysterious parts in the box, the Kwikset app is going to walk you through the entire process and since all you need is a screwdriver, it’s easy—it took me just 15 minutes.

One very important thing to note is that the only tool you need is a screwdriver. If you might consider using a power drill, don’t, because that can over-tighten things and potentially damage your new lock.

I’m going to cover the installation basics, but take note, this is not a detailed how to. You can also watch my video to see how easy it was.

The first step is going to be to remove your old lock, which should just come out by removing a few screws.

Next you’ll insert the deadbolt mechanism into the door and screw it in place. Then grab the faceplate and feed the Cable underneath the deadbolt, and through the dedicated opening in the bottom of the mounting plate. Next, secure the mounting plate at the back to the face plate in the front with the screws. A quick check using the physical keys should tell you if things are aligned correctly.

Then set the thumb screw or turn piece at the back, remove the cover from the interior portion of the lock and pull out the battery tray. Connect the cable into the back of the lock by sliding it into a small opening then you’ll fix the back of the lock to the door with two screws and just your screwdriver. Pop the batteries into the tray and click the battery pack into place. This should trigger the lock to power up and you’ll see a light come on.

There’s a small button inside the back of the cover below the battery pack which you’ll push and hold for three seconds to initiate Bluetooth pairing. Once that blue light is flashing, use the app to pair the lock to your phone. Once paired, the lock will initiate a calibration sequence which will check that the mechanism is opening and locking correctly.

Once that step is complete the app will prompt you to connect to your home Wi-Fi network so you can gain wider use of the lock through the app.

And that’s it – you are done and ready to use your lock… and I’m just going to pause for a second here and call out the fact that this lock, of the many I’ve tested over the years, is the absolute easiest one I’ve ever installed and connected. The instructions were super easy to follow and everything worked on the first try.

Next, the app will prompt you with a few choices for some settings.

For example you can have the lock automatically engage after a certain period of time, or if it detects your phone at a certain distance from the home.

You can also change settings where the lock will use audible alerts, or the indicator light is used.

There’s also another setting I highly recommend on smart locks called Secure Screen. With this setting enabled, the lock will add randomly generated digits you have to tap before you enter your access code. This is very helpful and smart because it prevents someone from potentially looking for fingerprints or smudges on the keypad of the lock and simply trying to input those digits to gain access.

Using Kwikset Halo smart lock

When it comes to using this lock, there’s actually not a lot to talk about because this is going to integrate incredibly easily into your life and routine.

With a bright LED backlit touchscreen it’s easy to see the keypad numbers day or night. The touchscreen is UV-, water- and humidity-resistant to keep your display clear and responsive —Great for those of us who live in extreme climates.

Even in just my first few uses of this lock, I can tell that the touchscreen is far more responsive than my old lock. Keying in the code works as quickly as I can type and the lock mechanism opens quite fast too.

I like the pin code simply for its ease of use and convenience, but of course the lock will also open with a quick tap on your smart phone. This works similarly quickly and allows you to provide remote entry anytime you need to, or to lock the door if you forgotten after you’ve already left the house. Of course you can always use the key if you’re old school like that.

For those folks who are prone to worrying about whether or not door is actually locked after they leave, a simple glance at the screen of the app will confirm your door’s status – no matter where in the city or the world you are. And if you did forget to lock it, just tap on the app to secure your home in an instant.

Smart Home Integration

Because this lock is smart, you can connect it to your preferred digital assistant for easy voice control. Using it with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home and Google Home, you can also create helpful automations or routines where you can say something like Hey G- Goodnight, and all your smart lights will turn off, the doors will lock automatically, and your alarm system will engage.

Add users easily

For people that travel a lot or anyone having cleaning or renovations done, adding users is simple and quick with the app. Just generate an access code yourself or ask the app to create a random one for you and you can issue codes to anyone you need. As I noted you can make these codes active only during certain times of day or days of the week if you want.

Matter integration

Bright even at night.

While we’re on the subject of smart homes, some folks will be glad to know that Kwisket Halo Select is Matter-enabled. Matter allows smart home devices to talk to each other even if they’re manufactured by different companies. You’ll be able to connect your Kwikset lock to other smart home devices and control them automatically through any compatible smart home platform including Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa or Samsung SmartThings.

Plus, Matter uses a technology called Thread and is more reliable because devices can directly connect to each other. That means even if your internet goes down, you’ll still have control inside the house and your automations will still run.

Not all the features in the Kwikset app are currently available with Matter and features are dependent on the ecosystem you are connecting to. If you’re already using Matter and want to know more, Kwikset’s website can help guide you.

Intrusion detection and Door Ajar notifications

This lock has some additional features which can be extremely helpful during unexpected situations.

If you accidentally leave the door ajar, you can get notifications from the app to let you know.

Similarly, if someone is attempting to access the lock or bypass it, the app will send you an alert.

Overall thoughts: Kwikset Halo Select

Overall I have to say I’ve been pretty blown away Kwikset Halo Select. I’ve been using and reviewing smart locks for years, and the technology has obviously come along way in the last decade. But even in the last few years, I’ve still seen smart locks that are incredibly difficult to install, configure, and use. So I can say it without hesitation that Kwikset Halo Select has been the easiest lock to install, the quickest to configure and set up, and the best to use.

And above all it gives me major confidence that my home is secure.

Let’s go over both the pros and cons so you can see if this smart lock might be right for you.

On the pro side, the design is simple and should fit in with many aesthetics. The installation was absolutely dead simple and took me less than15 minutes. I really appreciate the fact this lock uses easily available double A batteries so they can be inexpensively and easily replaced.

The lock itself is incredibly responsive and the touchscreen reacts instantly. I love the option for secure screen where additional numbers are generated before you input your pin so a burglar won’t simply be able to look for fingerprints on your keypad to gain access. Plus with a host of other smart features like door ajar and intrusion notifications, this lock goes along way too making you feel safe.

And the app is incredibly intuitive and user-friendly and makes it easy to add or delete temporary or permanent users in seconds.

Plus with Matter integration, this lock is future proof and ready for the next generation of smart home devices.

So what are the potential downsides? I guess the biggest potential issue could be that at the moment, this lock is only available as a deadbolt, so if you were hoping to get a handle or a knob replaced, this wouldn’t work for that application. Some folks also might not like the idea of changing the batteries instead of recharging them. One thing I will give points to however is the battery life indicator which is visible front and centre on the app, so you’ll always know when you’re running low on juice.

In short, I personally have zero complaints about this lock, and it is now going to replace my old lock permanently because it checks the top four boxes for me which are easy to use, easy to install, highly customizable, and extraordinarily secure. For those reasons I can absolutely absolutely recommend Kwikset Halo Select smart lock for you.

Visit Kwikset.com or your favorite home improvement retailer to learn more or shop Halo Select on Amazon.

The post Kwikset Halo Select Smart Lock Full Review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Best Robot Vacuums

The key to finding the best robot vacuum for your household is to analyze its features carefully to see if they match your needs and learn how well the vacuum performs as advertised. After we reviewed numerous vacuums, we narrowed down the list to our three top picks below. We highly recommend checking out our reviews for each pick to make sure any of the vacuums’ weaknesses aren’t deal breakers for you.

Budget Pick: Yeedi Cube

The Yeedi Cube has convinced us that the absolute minimum you should pay for a brand-new robot vacuum is $500 USD. The Yeedi brand isn’t exactly a household name, but it doesn’t carry a heavy brand tax like other products. More importantly, the Yeedi Cube is an all-in-one vacuum that does all the essentials very well from vacuuming dust and pet hair to mopping hardwood floor. The Yeedi Cube has good mapping capabilities and reliable self-cleaning and emptying features.

Check out our Yeedi Cube review to learn more about our budget champ, or find it at Walmart.

Midrange Pick: Roborock S7 Max V Ultra

Roborock is a more popular robot vacuum brand with a wee bit too many models to pick from. We reviewed quite a bit of them and decided on crowning the Roborock S7 max V Ultra as our midrange pick. Retailing at about $899 USD, this robot vac-mop boasts a maximum suction power of 5,100Pa and is more adept in avoiding obstacles thanks to its ReactiveAI 2.0 tech.

Learn more about this vacuum’s strengths in our full Roborock S7 max V Ultra review, or find it on Amazon.

Premium Pick: ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI

This oddly shaped robo vacuum makes more than just a fashion statement; it offers a full suite of premium vacuum features ranging from LIDAR to hot air drying and all the mopping and scrubbing smarts in between.

The $1,499 USD price is quite eye-watering but our in-depth ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI review could possibly wipe those tears! Find it on Amazon.

Best Over-ear Headphones

For many products, you get what you pay for. However, when it comes to cheap over-ear headphones, you might not realize that fact if you never listened to a pair of headphones costing more than $70 USD. So, if you know someone still jamming with a pair of wired earbuds that came with the device they’re using, treat them to a better audio quality experience that may involve enhanced bass, subtle instruments popping out more, getting rid of ambient noise, and other niceties. It all depends on how much you’re willing to pay.

Budget Pick: Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT

Audio-Technica didn’t introduce any budget over-ear headphones models this year leaving the ATH-M20xBT as the priciest pair of wireless headphones under $100. It may look cheap and can feel a bit uncomfortable after medium-term wearing, but it hits some high notes in both audio quality and passive noise isolation. And oh, it has USB-C charging too unlike some past greats!

Come read our Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT review to learn more, or find it on Amazon.

Midrange Pick: Sennheiser 450 BT

If active noise canceling is a must-have on the menu, the Sennheiser 450 BT is one of the cheapest options to get there as you can find it discounted for around $129 USD. Sennheiser released the 450 BT three years ago, but its specs still hold up with USB-C connectivity along with Bluetooth 5.0 and SBC, AAC, and aptX codec support.

Our detailed Sennheiser 450 BT review explains other things we liked about these cans. You can find them on Amazon.

Premium Pick: Sennheiser Momentum 4

Sennheiser scores another win in our TechGadgets book with the Sennheiser Momentum 4 capturing the $299 price bracket. That price is quite a bit for a lackluster design, but our complaints end here; the rest of the features is a step above many of its competitors. The battery life lasts several days, sound quality is astounding, and its Transparency Mode is a real gift for focusing.

Learn more about its features in our hands-on Sennheiser Momentum 4 Reviews. Find it on Amazon.

Luxury Pick: Bowers & Wilkins P.X. 7 S2e

If you have that special audiophile someone, consider the Bowers & Wilkins PX 7 S2e. Not only does it offer a premium unboxing experience, but it delivers serene audio quality and feels very comfortable.

We reviewed its predecessor, the Bowers & Wilkins PX 7 and it looks like the S2e model improved its active noise canceling which was our main complaint with the original model. The headphones sit at the $399 USD tier, but it had $150 discount not too long ago so wait for Black Friday if this is on your wish list! You can find it on Amazon.

Best Wireless Earbuds

Wireless earbuds always make for nice little stocking stuffers, and we have a few picks here that can easily multiply the value of an innocent red sock.

Fitness Pick: Skullcandy Push Active Earbuds

Fitness at Skullcandy might look odd in the same sentence but throw in a sub-$80 USD price tag and it certainly got our attention! You won’t get any noise cancellation here but the IP55 sweat-resistant rating combined with good battery life makes the Skullcandy Push Active a great gift for fitness fans.

Just give our Skullcandy Push Active review a read to discover some of its minor weaknesses. But that two-toned charger is quite the looker! You can find it on Amazon.

ANC Pick: Jabra Elite 4

If you want to go the active noise canceling route instead of the fitness route for gifting, the Jabra Elite 4 is a good candidate. Yes, the newer Jabra Elite 5 exists but the Elite 4 continues to sell often dipping below its original $99 price.

Have a look at our Jabra Elite 4 review to learn other neat features this pair of wireless earbuds offers. You can find it on Amazon.

Premium Pick: Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2

If the gift calls for top tier audio quality for around $400, consider the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 in your shortlist. It ticks nearly every box in terms of features except for its IP54 water resistance which translates to “not sweat resistant”. However, it ticks the rest of the boxes with very bold strokes. Lows, mids, and highs all sound vibrant with great noise cancellation and passthrough performance.

Like its over-ear cousin, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 model is a refreshed version of the original Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 which we reviewed. The S2 improvements are minor but the company claims they improved the battery life and Bluetooth range. It’s almost like B&W read our Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 review because that was our only main issue with it! You can find it on Amazon.

Best Appliances

There’s no shortage of great appliances you can gift to your friends and family. So for this year’s holiday tech shopping guide, we’ll focus on some appliances in a few categories that each have a neat little trick that will surely wow him or her.

Kettle Pick: Hamilton Beach Alexa Smart Kettle

What can get really hot, has Alexa integration, and costs under $80? Why a Hamilton Alexa Smart Kettle, of course! But rest assured because asking your trusty Amazon Echo device to boil water for you isn’t as silly as you sound once you try it. Plus, it boils water rather quickly!

Read our hands-on Hamilton Beach Alexa Smart Kettle review or check out our video review to see it in action! You can find it on Amazon.

Blender Pick: Ninja Blast MAX Portable

The Ninja Blast Portable is a small, innocent-looking blender that can crush ice (with a bit of liquid) and make a nice little smoothie good enough for a single person on the go. Not so innovative, right? But here’s the trick up its sleeve; you can charge the blender via USB-C! How cool is that?! But Ninja just updated its Blast blender with a host of changes, and it’s now called the Blast Max.

Find out what else we loved about this blender by reading our original Ninja Blast Portable review, or check it out on Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart.

Or shop my new top pick, Ninja Blast Max on Amazon.

Air Fryer Pick: COSORI 6-quart TurboBlaze

You know anybody who’s not yet onboard the air fryer hype train? This is the year to be that special Santa because COSORI’s trick with its new COSORI 6-quart TurboBlaze Air Fryer is right on its name! The “TurboBlaze” technology is more than just a fancy trademark as the air fryer sports a DC motor which helps make the air fryer work more quietly while speeding up cooking times.

Get the full rundown of this air fryer and why it got a perfect five-star rating in our COSORI 6-quart TurboBlaze review. You can find it on Amazon.

Coffee Pick: Ninja 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

The Ninja 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker might be the most boring looking product in our appliance list but don’t let that fool you. For under $70 USD, you get a coffee brewer that not only has a 12-cup water reservoir but is removable as well! This means refills are less of a hassle which is a huge plus for the daily multi-coffee cup lover.

This coffee machine has a few other neat features we liked which you can find in our full Ninja 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker review. You can find it on Amazon or Walmart.

Best Wearables

Ordinary wristwatches will never go out of style, but the smartwatches released this 2023 would like to have a word. We heard what they have to say, and it involves some walled gardens. This makes buying a smartwatch easy to buy as a gift because all you need to do is figure out what phone the person uses!

Android Pick: Google Pixel Watch 2

The Google Pixel Watch 2 might only be a second-generation product but it’s the indisputable option for Google Pixel and Android users (unless you use a Samsung phone). It has the health and tracking soul of a Fitbit with an improved chip and larger battery over its predecessor.

Discover what else this Google smartwatch brings to the table in our Google Pixel Watch 2 review. You can find it on Amazon.

Samsung Pick: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

The Google Pixel Watch 2 should work with any Samsung phone running Android 9.0 or newer but the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers deeper integration with Samsung’s services like Samsung Health.

We dedicated a special section in our Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 review highlighting the special features its One UI interface brings. Just be aware of the stricter requirements before considering as the Galaxy Watch 6 only supports Samsung devices with Android 10.0 or newer. You can find it on Amazon.

Apple Pick: Apple Watch Series 9

We have not reviewed the latest Apple Watch but because of Apple’s strict ecosystem, it’s impossible for us to recommend anything else for Apple users! Yes, Apple does sell older models as well as a budget-friendly SE option, but if you are going to gift an Apple product, you might as well gift something that will last multiple years because older and lower-end models will be first on the chopping block for end-of-life support. Always buy the latest model as it comes with the latest internal hardware to support newer WatchOS versions later down the road. You can find it on Amazon.

Best Portable Speakers

Portable speakers are great budget options for gifting to just about anyone! When it comes to the current crop of products, looks can be deceiving and here’s a few that caught our eyes and later our ears!

Budget Pick: JBL Go 3

The JBL Go 3 is an excellent gift not just for your average folk but also for kids as it is small, rugged, and comes in various colors. It sounds great for its size and costs only $49 USD / $59 CAD which is just enough to forgive its middling 5-hour battery life.

Find out what else this weatherproof Bluetooth speaker offers in our full JBL Go 3 review. You can find it on Amazon, Canadian Tire, or Walmart.

Spatial Audio Pick: Anker SoundCore Motion X600

The average music streaming lover might be missing out on a third dimension of their favorite songs. This is your chance to be that cool friend or relative by gifting a speaker with spatial audio and the Anker SoundCore Motion X600 offers just that for just $199 USD / $269 CAD. Just prepare the wrapping paper because this speaker is a bit larger yet still portable thanks to its non-foldable handle.

You can read more about its full feature set in our Anker SoundCore Motion X600 review. You can find it on Amazon or Best Buy.

Premium Portable Pick: Marshall Willen

If the JBL Go 3 is too pedestrian for your tastes and you’re willing to spend a bit more than double its price, the Marshall Willen speaker is the one to get. $120 USD / $179 CAD gets you a tiny, but loud speaker that has that classic guitar amp look. It also boasts an IP67 weather-resistant rating and can last about 15 hours from a full charge.

Take a look at our full Marshall Willen review for a deeper dive. You can find it on Amazon or Best Buy.

Best Smart Lighting

When it comes to smart lighting, you might feel tempted to go cheap and settle for the first sponsored listing you see in a typical Amazon search. However, you might end up with a product that works well for a few days and later has issues. Avoid those pitfalls by sticking with some of our tried-and-tested picks here!

Bulb Pick: Amazon Basics Smart Light Bulbs

Have a friend or relative you are frequently in touch with via Amazon Echo? An easy and inexpensive gift idea is to get an Amazon Basics Smart Light bulb as it is easy to set up via the Alexa app. If you feel hesitant with the small packaging or the $13 USD price tag, you can always consider the 4-pack for a bigger gift impact!

To find out what else you can do with this smart light, check out our Amazon Basics Smart Light Bulb review. You can find it on Amazon.

Toilet Pick: IllumiBowl Motion-Activated Toilet Night Light

If you want to hide some hearty laughing gas in your Christmas gift for not much money, the IllumniBowl Motion-Activated Toilet Night Light is a good candidate! A light for your toilet sounds like something you would encounter in TEMU but this $15 USD / $17.50 CAD motion light really works. Just add a trio of AAA batteries, attach the arm with no tools required, and you’re good to go!

If you’re still not convinced, you can check out our photos of the light in action in our full IllumniBowl Motion-Activated Toilet Night Light review. You can find it on Amazon or Walmart.

Table Pick: Ilios Lighting Rechargeable Table Mirror

If you have some money to spare and want to gift a light that will get a lot of use, we recommend the $139 USD Ilios Lighting Rechargeable Table Mirror. With its internal rechargeable battery, you can light up the mirror’s outer bezel away from the outlet. This level of freedom is only something you must experience to appreciate it and Ilios even bundles it with a cool suction cup attachment making it travel-friendly as well.

Want to know more about the lighting specs? Check out our Ilios Lighting Rechargeable Table Mirror review! You can find it on Amazon or Best Buy.

Curtain Pick: Govee Curtain Lights

Another clever way to spend $140-ish USD on smart lighting is to get a bunch of tiny lights that can do all sorts of neat tricks. With the Govee Curtain Lights, you get 520 teardrop-shaped lights specifically! The best part? These lights do not require a smart hub and work with Alexa and Google Assistant.

To find out what you can do with these lights after setting them up, see our full Govee Curtain Lights review. You can find it on Amazon or Walmart.

Best Health Gadgets

A health-focused gadget might not be an exciting holiday tech shopping category for some folks, but you never know, a single smart gift could change some habits for the better! Here’s some health gadgets we positively reviewed.

Toothbrush Pick: usmile Y10 PRO Smart Toothbrush

The usmile Y10 PRO Smart Toothbrush is like the modern embodiment of an electric toothbrush. It has a cool digital screen, has 4 brushing modes, and charges via USB-C. Brush head replacements are a bit on the pricey side but at least it comes with two brush heads which is reasonable for the $100 USD asking price.

Our usmile Y10 PRO Smart Toothbrush review breaks down all the features and includes an Amazon US coupon code for getting a cool $15 discount!

You can find it on Amazon or Walmart.

Blood Pressure Monitor Pick: QardioArm Blood Pressure Monitor

Finding a good medical product like a blood pressure monitor requires a bit of extra care because you want something from a reputable brand and has proven to work throughout the years. The QardioArm has over 4,000 positive reviews on Amazon US and offers apps for sharing blood pressure data that continues to get updates and also received positive reviews.

We also have our own QardioArm Blood Pressure Monitor review where you can learn more about our findings after using the product. You can find it on Amazon or Walmart.

Sleep Pick: Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake Up Light

Did you know Amazon Echo Show devices have a “Wake-up Lighting” feature that tries to synchronize the display’s brightness and other smart lights with the sunrise? If configured correctly, the feature should help you sleep or wake up, but your results will vary from setup to setup. If you want a product offering real results, you must look back to the past and give the Philips SmartSleep Connect Sleep and Wake Up Light a try. Philips wake-up lights have been around for decades, and this particular model comes with a ton of features.

You’ll have to head to our Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake Up Light review to learn more about them. You can find it on Amazon or Best Buy.

Best Beauty Gadgets

When it comes to beauty gadgets, you won’t find any budget picks in our small list here. You do have to pay a bit of a premium for the best experience and that usually means, minimal to no fuss!

Epilator Pick: Philips Epilator 8000

Pulling hairs by the roots equates to pain but the Philips Epilator 8000 says no to that! The $110 USD package includes several swappable attachments which you can use depending on the area.

The TL;DR version is that it isn’t a pain to use but check out our Philips Epilator 8000 review for our full thoughts or our video review to see it in action. Just take note that this isn’t a product for the face; we have a recommendation for that just below!

You can find it on Amazon or Walmart.

Facial Pick: FOREO LUNA 4

The FOREO LUNA 4 is another product we gave a perfect score to despite its high price because it cleans the face so well. This all-in-one cleansing brush has been around for a bit more than a year and you can currently find it on Amazon for about $180 at the time of writing which is a historical low!

This gadget is packed with too many features to fit here so check out our FOREO LUNA 4 review for the full rundown. You can find it on Amazon or Best Buy.

Hair Styler Pick: Shark FlexStyle

The Dyson Airwrap is a wonderful product but the high price really makes this a gift you want to give to yourself. For other folks, you don’t have to feel guilty in gifting a Shark FlexStyle as it offers tremendous value for the money.

You’ll have to resort to our Shark FlexStyle Multi-styler review to learn more about the attachments and its performance. For a little summary, it’s a powerful blow dryer, feels a bit heavy but compact, and it does hot curling well after a bit of practice. You can find it on Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart.

Creative Tech Gifts for the Person Who Has Everything

Gifting a tech-savvy person who has many of our top picks or worthy competitors to these picks will be a bit more challenging. That’s where this special list comes in as we dug up some hidden gems that might not be for everyone but could serve as fun, clever gifts!

Ember Mug 2

A $150 “smart mug” might give you that visual of spitting out your recent morning sip in shock. But gift this to any coffee or tea connoisseur and you can expect a resounding gesture of gratitude. Preparing the best cup of tea or coffee involves a lot of tinkering with the liquid temperature and one of the Ember Mug 2’s key features is maintaining that temperature to the exact value you can set in the app. Yes, you can control this mug with your phone, and it comes with a few cool smart features like an LED indicator once it reaches your preferred temperature and an auto-sleep function to conserve battery life.

Still curious how this all works? Come and have some tea with our Ember Mug 2 review! You can find it on Amazon or Walmart.

Tineco Smart Toaster

Air fryers? Those are for rookies! Smart toasters are the current buzz… at least in Tineco’s world! Bagging an iF Design Award this year, the Tineco Toasty One is more than just a fancy spaceship-like appliance and certainly got us curious.

After fiddling with the appliance’s touchscreen and dabbling with various toast settings, we gave it top marks. Find out why in our Tineco Toasty One smart toaster review. You can find it on Amazon.

Thermomix TM6

Thought the Tineco Smart Toaster was outworldly? Meet the Thermomix TM6 according to the manufacturer is an “all-in-one kitchen assistant”! Automation is the name of the game with the Thermomix TM6 from food processing to cooking to cleaning itself.

Boasting 20 kitchen functions, you do have to pay $1,500 for that luxury, but our full Thermomix TM6 review explains just how such a high amount is actually great value for the money. And if by rare chance the person you want to gift has one, you can always consider gifting a Thermomix Cutter! YOu can find one on the Theromix website.

BLUETTI Power Station

A good chunk of our picks in this list are useless without a power source. The same can be said with gadgets that run out of battery and have no place to charge if you suddenly experience a power outage. Having a BLUETTI Power Station serves as a second wind for these devices making them perfect gifts for the tech lover. BLUETTI offers a wide range of power stations in different sizes and energy specs to suit various use cases.

Check out our recent BLUETTI post on products to learn more about the different power stations and its uses or read our BLUETTI AC180 review to discover what you can do with 1,800 watts of portable power. You can find it on Amazon or Walmart.

Himiway D5 Zebra

When it comes to shopping for an e-bike, a lot of the usual tech knowledge simply doesn’t apply. Many of the brands in this space are out of the common tech bubble and various models target specific bikers. However, the Himiway D5 Zebra e-bike is a good bike to start with or gift to someone because of its easy assembly, stable ride, and adjustable settings.

Getting used to the bike’s massive 79-pound frame is necessary to appreciate the experience and you can get a glimpse of that from our Himiway D5 Zebra review. You can find it on Amazon.

Have any holiday tech ideas worth sharing? Do comment below! Happy holiday tech shopping!

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post The Best Holiday Tech Shopping Guide 2024 appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Owners of pricier robot vacuums, especially the ones we review here at TechGadgetsInternational probably know by now that these vacuums are offering premium features for the premium price tag. Not only do they boast ultra-high suction power, but they also come with many features that help make these autonomous pucks more independent. We no longer have to rearrange our furniture for optimum vacuum performance and we don’t need to roll away our carpets when the vacuum starts mopping. What you pay for is pure cleaning power and extra smarts to ensure we trust our vacuums to do the job even when we leave the house.

The question is, which expensive vacuum should we trust more? The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is out with the usual spec flexing and it’s bringing AI to the conversation too. Let’s see if this offering is worth the hype.

About the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra

The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra sits at the very top of the Roborock vacuum pecking order. Being part of the Roborock’s flagship S8 series, it not only possesses the full feature stack of the S8 series, but it also features the highest suction power in the family. Roborock is asking for $1,799.99 USD for that luxury which is a full $200 more than the S8 Max Ultra ranked below this one. Read on to learn more about the specific features exclusive to the “MaxV Ultra” model. For those new to Roborock’s naming scheme, that letter “V” is a meaningful distinction.

Watch my full hands-on review of Roborock S8 Max V Ultra

What’s in the Box?

Inside the large box, you get the robot vacuum itself with the VibraRise Mop Cloth, dual rollers, and spinning brush preinstalled. The charging dock comes packaged with its own components including a clean water tank, dirty water tank, cleaning solution cartridge, and disposable dust bag. The Roborock vacuum also includes a separate docking base known as the ‘8-in-1 RockDock’ which has a special ramp and power cord. Roborock provides a large quick start guide on a single paper to assist you with assembly and setting up the mobile app.

Set up

Setting up the machine is quite easy. You’ll just need to attach the ramp to the base station and situate it near a plug. Then settle the bot into the dock and let it get charged up. Once ready open the Roborock app and follow the steps to connect your bot to your home Wi-Fi. I was set up and ready in under 10 minutes.

With this bot, you’ll also want to take the extra step of filling the special cleaning fluid.

Your robot will want to go on an initial reconnaissance run of your house and it will be able to do this in just a few minutes. It uses the information from that recon, to build a detailed map of your house. Once the map is populated, you can use it to schedule cleanings, or initiate room specific cleanups.

The technology:

V is for Vision (and Vigorous too!)

Since the introduction of the Roborock S6 MaxV, Roborock reserved their most advanced obstacle avoidance technologies for the MaxV models and the S8 MaxV continues that tradition.

RGB Camera

With a built-in RGB camera, the Roborock S8 MaxV can essentially ‘see’ objects which is something that existing LiDAR Navigation technology cannot do on its own.

The camera + LIDAR combo forms the basis of Roborock’s Reactive AI 2.0 Obstacle Recognition technology and this helps the vacuum navigate around floor obstacles including objects as small as 3cm tall and 5cm wide. This feature is the same as its predecessor, the S7 MaxV Ultra and it houses the same chip and camera.

The Roborock S8 MaxV doesn’t just use the camera for object recognition either. The second use for the camera is as a security rover.

Using the Roborock app, you can remotely connect to the vacuum and get a real-time feed of the camera’s vision. The interface is pretty cool as you can see a mini map of the house as well as some on-screen buttons for manually controlling the vacuum. You can set what are called target points around the house and simply have the robot rove around from point to point so you can see what’s going on. It also has a pet locator where it will look around the house for your furry pals, and even an audio button so you can talk to your pets too.

The camera feed is very good, and the interface to use it is incredibly easy.

Using the robot as a mobile camera does require you enabling it inside the app and with a physical button press sequence on the device. Once you’ve enabled it anytime the camera is activated through the app, the robot will announce “remote viewing is activated”. That way you’ll always know if someone is taking a look.

The third thing the camera helps with is Dirt detection.

Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra can use what’s called its DirTect technology to dynamically alter its suction power depending on the dirt or dust detected by the bot. Plus, while mopping the mop and brush will automatically lift when it detects carpets to help prevent soaking or dirtying them.

Improved HyperForce Suction

Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra breaks new ground as the company’s first vacuum to hit a 10,000pa worth of suction power which is nearly twice as powerful as its predecessor. That doesn’t mean the vacuum will always operate this way as flexing its muscles requires using the battery-draining Max+ mode, but it will help make short work of those heavy pile messes on thick carpets.

Finally, the S8 MaxV Ultra has a built-in voice assistant. That may not sound very groundbreaking since you can issue voice commands to other vacuums, but this feature does not require a smart home device or even an Internet connection. The vacuum will recognize “Hello Rocky” as the trigger and you can tell it to do basic things like starting and pausing cleaning, mopping, and dust emptying.

Other Roborock S8 Improvements

Like other Roborock S8 variants, the S8 MaxV UItra gets some design improvements to back the suction upgrade. This includes a DuoRoller Riser Brush that minimizes the hassle of hair tangling around the roller, as well as a FlexiArm Side Brush to help pull dirt and debris found on tougher spots like corners and under furniture. Broader coverage extends to the mopping capabilities of the S8 too thanks to the spinning small circular mop pad on the side of the vacuum.

The “Ultra” Factor

The “Ultra” portion of the name mainly points to the various automation extras the S8 MaxV Ultra possesses. The dock can hold up to 580ml worth of detergent which automatically dispenses to the vacuum for mopping.

Cleaning tests

Let’s get to the cleaning power… I run all my robot floor cleaners through the same tests.

I will run it around the house for a week or two just to see how it does with day-to-day cleaning. Then I put it through a series of more vigourous tests. I spill dry things like cornmeal, rice and cracker crumbs on both carpet and hard floors. For the mop, I will create wet spills on the floor like coffee and soy sauce, and let some dry to test the mop’s scouring power.

With S8 Max V Ultra, I was really happy with the day to day cleaning it did. It was noticeable to me that the bot had been through the house after each outing. It was great at getting all the pet fur tumbleweeds and even mopping up coffee dribbles and spills.

Let’s see how it handles the dedicated cleaning tests…

On dry spills, it was beyond impressive. It was able to suck up almost everything in its path. It has an interesting way of moving that almost makes it look like it is seeing its way around. It targeted everything from cracker crumbs on the floor, to powering fine cornmeal from a rug. I’d say during my tests it got about 99 to 100% of all debris off the floor.

On to the mopping, and again I am impressed but not surprised at how good a job it’s able to do. On coffee or soy sauce it was able to wipe up everything often in a single pass.
I even created a special, large dried coffee spill on the floor and used a hairdryer to bake it on. I wasn’t sure the robot would be able to completely deal with this one…yet to my surprise I found it was able to scrub off most of the dried on coffee after just one pass, and then when it came around to finish it’s cleaning route it got most of the rest. It really only left behind a small mark, so I’d say when it comes to more thoroughly dried on spills it can get you about 95% of the way clean.

Self Cleaning and Drying

Once the vacuum finishes its run, the dock will automatically return to its base and empty the bot’s onboard dustbin into a sealed bag inside the base station. From my experience with Roborock’s flagship bots, the bag should hold several months worth of debris. Then the RockDock will wash the mop with warm water and cleaning solution, and dry the mop with warm air. While the auto emptying and washing process is loud, the drying is virtually silent.

When the dirty water tank fills up you can just pour it away. The device will let you know when it’s time to either empty or refill your tanks.

Overall Thoughts: Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra

If you’re questioning the steep asking price of robot floor cleaners, you’re not alone, but these bots have reached a new level of sophistication and all-in-one autonomy that means you can have clean floors without the work.

The whole idea of a flagship vacuum like the S8 MaxV Ultra is to tip the odds in your favor. With really high suction power, advanced object detection, and an automated dock, the S8 MaxV Ultra is Roborock’s biggest attempt to thoroughly cleaning the house while minimizing the extra effort you might have to do to finish the job. If you don’t think those extra features are worthy of the price tag, Roborock has lower-end models that still manage to keep the core features intact.

Let’s go over the pros and the cons

On the pro side, I like the simple design that’s relatively compact and unobtrusive. Roborock bots are easy to set up even for novices. The scheduling and room-specific cleaning features are no-brainers in a bot, but handy. The bot cleans really well, both when vacuuming and mopping.

With a self-cleaning and emptying base station, there’s almost no maintenance from you; just swapping out the dustbag every few months and tending to the clean and dirty water tanks when needed. And the option of using the cleaner dispenser gives you added cleaning power.

With the super-easy roving security cam option and the cameras also being used for dirt and object detection, this is pretty advanced technology.

So what are the downsides?

Typically the biggest complaints people have about robot vacuums like this revolve around the price, noise level, and the design. We’ve already talked about getting what you pay for with pretty advanced technology. If the noise is an issue, you can use the Roborock app to adjust how often it happens, or to keep that feature to only certain times of day, and if you’re looking for something a little more design forward, I guess the only recommendation here would be to place it in a lesser used room of the house.

I don’t find that any of these potential downsides distract from what a thoroughly smart, capable, and effective robot floor cleaner the Roborock S8 Max V Ultra is.

I think if you want the best of floor cleaning technology, this is a great option and I can definitely recommend it to you.

Roborock S8 Max V Ultra sells for about $1799USD/$2599CAD and you can get it from Roborock or Amazon. And if you’re looking for something a little more budget friendly or perhaps with fewer bells and whistles, I’ve reviewed many Roborock floor bots. Check out a couple of those reviews.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

The post Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra: My in-home review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

There are plenty of ways to jazz up your yard.. from plants and trees to questionable lawn decor. But I think one of the best and most versatile is sometimes the most overlooked… and that’s lighting. And when you can add Smart to the lighting so that your lights can change colours, and improve safety and security, all the better. Of the newest ones to cross my threshold is the Govee Triad Flood Light. In this review I will try the light out here in my yard. I’ll talk about the assembly and the set up and installation, brightness and special features, and I’ll wrap things up with the pros and the cons and let you know if I think I can recommend this large format outdoor light for you.

We are past the midway point of 2024 and AI overlords are taking over our tech from laptops, to smartphones, to wearables! One category that AI hasn’t quite dug their claws into yet is smart lights. But don’t be alarmed because innovation is alive and well in this sector with several brands offering all sorts of fancy ways to turn your household into real light shows. Govee is one of those big companies and they are back pushing the envelope in an area I didn’t expect—flood lights! The Govee Triad Flood Lights could be the next wild way to illuminate your home with the entire colour spectrum. Is this the winning design Govee needs or is it another rare miss?

What is the Govee Triad Flood Light?

The Govee Outdoor Triad Flood Light is an AC-powered floodlight; and is a souped-up version of the original Govee RGBIC Flood Lights. The original Govee flood lights came in packs where you can get a bundle of two, four, or six lights and you can position them separately as long as you can connect them all to the control box. With the Govee Triad Flood lights, you get a triple light setup out of the box as a single unit. The unit features a big, bright flood light in the middle flanked by two identical flood lights attached by strong hinges.

What’s in the Box?

Inside the box, you get the Govee Triad Flood Light unit itself along with a pair of stakes and hex key for adjustment. You also get a control box which you connect to the lights and a power adapter to connect the control box to a power source. Govee included both a quick start guide and user manual as well.

This light is probably bigger than you are expecting. It measures about 2 feet across and just under a foot tall with the stakes included. Based on size alone this should be a powerful light that can illuminate much larger areas than some other lighting options.

These flood lights are not your average lights you find in AliExpress or Temu; the Govee Outdoor Triad Flood Lights feel heavy and built like a tank. The body is made of aluminum and the hinges feel rock solid. To adjust the left and right light panels horizontally, you must loosen the hinge using the included hex key and retighten to lock them to your preferred position.

Set up & Installation

With the lights boasting IP66 weather resistance (-4°F to 113°F operating temperature range) and the control box having IP67 protection, you can confidently place these lights outdoors without worrying about any harsh elements. I am installing these during the summer season in Calgary, so while I won’t be able to evaluate yet what harsher winter weather and snow does to them, I will have to follow that up after a season or two.

Ground installation is easy as you don’t need any extra tools. Just insert the top screw part of the stake in one of the holes and position it to your liking. Then take the wind-up screw piece and tighten the screw to secure the stake in place. Repeat those steps with the other stake and push the unit firmly into the ground. If you don’t mind a bit of extra work, you can wall mount the lights as well.

Finally, adjust the side of the hinges to your desired angle. You can adjust the hinge in either direction up to 90 degrees. Then you have some limited adjustability for the side flood lights.

Next, it’s time to get them connected to your phone for remote control and the fun stuff.

App Features

If you have other Govee lights in your home, you don’t need to add an extra app because it uses the same Govee app as other lights. Setting up and pairing Govee lights to your phone takes a minute; just go into the app and choose to add a light, and your triad flood light should appear in the list. It takes just a couple of taps to connect it and then you’re ready to go, as I was during my installation.

Being in that Govee system has its advantages, especially if the Govee lights support DreamView. DreamView is a proprietary smart technology built into some products like the Govee Triad Flood Lights which can synchronize with other DreamView-supported lights so you can apply light mapping effects to multiple products all at once.

But even as a standalone product, the Govee Outdoor Triad Flood Lights offers plenty of flexibility.

You can adjust the colour settings of each individual light panel so you can create a cool, gradient-like rainbow effect when you spread out the side lights, or have every light show the same colour. If you don’t want to get fancy, it will simply use warmer or cooler white lights too, which are ideal for security purposes, and goes without saying the brightness is fully adjustable using the slider bar in the app.

The “Scene” selection of the app lets you choose over 40 lighting presets which apply to all three lights. You can configure the lights to respond to music using the Music Sync feature too if you’ve got a speaker in your yard.

Brightness and placement

Right out of the gate, these lights are surprisingly bright! With a 2,700 to 6,500K colour temperature range and 4,500 lumens, you can really fill a large area with light especially when you make those horizontal adjustments to the side lights.

The lights use the same premium RGBIC technology as other Govee lights so you can give them special effects.

You can control the lights via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Because Govee advertises them for outdoor use, the Govee Triad Flood Lights do not support the short-range 5 GHz band. But even at 2.4 GHz, you might need a wireless extender for your Wi-Fi network if you place the triad too far away from your router. The built-in Wi-Fi is quite primitive with only the 802.11n standard.

Depending on where you install them and how you aim the light, these can cover a very wide area and can be both extremely bright, making them ideal for security uses, or you can dim them down to provide more of a relaxed ambient glow. You can easily move the location of the light by simply pulling up the stakes and adjusting it, but I did find it a bit more annoying to have to go searching for the hex key anytime I wanted to adjust the angle of the light. I would love to see a better system such as some type of flexible locking mechanism so a tool is not always required to make changes.

Scheduling

Among the things I love about Govee lights is the ease of scheduling. I got these lights set up inside the app to come on automatically in the evening, and then to turn off in the morning. You can also adjust what colour the lights will stay, or simply make instant adjustments in the app.

Smart Home Integration

You can control the Govee Triad Flood Lights using Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant along with full automation support. I have made this light part of my Google home automation and they work just by calling out commands also. Govee even added Matter support which futureproofs the lights enabling better integration with other Matter smart home products that may lack other smart home protocols.

Overall Thoughts: Govee Triad Flood Light

Overall, I think this light is fantastic and it solves a lighting pain point for many people. Let’s go over the pros and cons.

On the pro side, you’re getting a large and powerful floodlight. It’s easy to set up and easy to install like all Govee lights. As an outdoor rated light it should be able to withstand all types of weather. It’s fun to play with the Govee preset lighting effect or to choose your own colours, and if you want something simply for security, it uses white light too. With an easy to use app for scheduling and personalization and the ability to integrate with all your other smart home components, this light is a fantastic choice.

So what are the downsides? I think the biggest detriment to this light is needing a tool to adjust the angle of the light. Too often the tools end up disappearing after you’ve installed it making it harder to make adjustments easily. I’d love to see this redesigned with a flexible mechanism that doesn’t require tools to adjust in the future. But otherwise if you are looking for a great outdoor light, make sure you add Govee Triad Outdoor Flood Light to your shortlist.

The price ranges from $129 US to $219 CAD and that’s another massive gulf in price from Yankee to Canuck.

Govee’s original flood lights still have value as you may be able to buy a 6-pack for a cheaper price which could be worthwhile if you really need to scatter the lights. But the Govee Triad Flood Light pushes the category forward and I can imagine other brands offering similar lights of their own.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

The post Govee Triad Outdoor Flood Lights at-home review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Anytime Dyson releases a product, we all take notice. That’s because the company has a well-deserved reputation for taking every day products, and improving on them… by turning them into, as the New York Times put it, ‘generational status symbols’. Big time. While Dyson has definitely made vacuums and blow dryers better, can it possibly do the same with the humble desk lamp? Meet the Dyson Solarcycle Morph.

Dyson Solarcycle Morph Desk Lamp review

In this review, I’m going to try the light out in my home, I’ll show you what it can do that makes it special and Dyson-worthy, and talk about whether it really does bring more to the table… or to the desk. I’ll wrap things up with the pros and cons and let you know if I think I can recommend this light for you.

A word about my review of Dyson Solarcycle Morph

First off, I want to say two things about this lamp to frame this review. The first is to address the very high price of this lamp. At about $649 USD/$849 CAD, this lamp is going to be out of budget for most of us. I am hyper aware of that particularly in these budget conscious times.

The reason I’m reviewing it is for the second thing I want to say about this lamp and that’s that it isn’t just your run-of-the mill lamp or even an average smart light; Dyson positions this as a ‘fully automated lighting solution’ that dynamically adjusts its light based on local daylight.

No more fiddling with settings to get the light just right. But does it live up to the hype, and could you make a case either for the automation features, or even to just pick it up as a cool piece of furniture architecture for your office if you want to splurge? That’s what I’ll evaluate in this review.

And lastly in the housekeeping department, I would like to thank Dyson for sending me a sample of this light. While the company has provided it to me for this review it has not asked for or received permission to view the story in advance or to have any input, and I got to test and review it as I wanted to so you can consider these thoughts 100% my own.

What are you getting?

Calling the Solarcycle Morph a desk lamp is like calling a Tesla a car. Accurate but there’s a lot more to both the story and the development behind it.

Yes, Dyson Solarcycle Morph is an articulating desk lamp with LED light. It has a handful of special features that set it apart. I’ll go over the list then dive into each one in detail:

1. Automatic daylight adjustment
2. Motion detection
3. Warm or Cool light tones
4. Adaptable design (task or ambient light)
5. App connectivity & personalization
6. Built in charging

But first let’s get to the unboxing, assembly and set up…

Unboxing, Assembly & Set up

When I first opened up the box I assumed the light was in one piece but quickly realized it would require assembly. Fortunately the assembly is extremely simple. There are really only two parts that you have to connect; screw the light arm into the heavy weighted base and secure it with the included screw.

Then connect the power cable which sits perfectly inside a grooved channel in the base of the lamp. Once assembled the lamp is quite heavy which I like because it’s not going to go anywhere even if I brush past it.

The next thing to do will be to connect the lamp with the MyDyson app so you can take advantage of feature number one, and that’s the daylight adjustment.

All you really need to do is choose to add a product and follow the steps inside the app which will pair the light to your phone. From there you need to grant permission for the light to view your location (for the daylight adjustments) and then you’re ready to use it.

There are controls both on the lamp and you can use the app to make adjustments too.

I will say I actually thought the controls lived on the side of the lamp arm where you can see the small icons, but the truth is these are physical buttons that actually live underneath the light, which keeps them from marring the ultra minimalist design.

Let’s get to the special features of this light…

1. Light Tracking: Adapts faster than your mood swings

Unlike your usual smart lights that depend on a simple set of parameters like a preset schedule, the Solarcycle Morph uses a mix of your GPS location, and local time with an algorithm that adjusts the light to match the patterns of daylight.

While this all sounds high-tech and sophisticated, all it means is that it adjusts the type of lighting to what it thinks you need at certain points of the day – a feature you might’ve already seen in other, lower-priced, desk lamps and smart bulbs. In a nutshell, it will automatically adjust the light to be warmer or more yellow or orange in the morning and evening, and more blue or cooler through the middle parts of the day.

There’s all kinds of research that’s been written about showing that having more of a realistic daylight cycle even while indoors can help you feel more productive and boost mood. While everyone will have their opinion on this, I can say that the light did adapt quite well across the daylight spectrum in my office. When I started work very early the orange warm light was similar to sunrise, while by noon the brighter blue light kept the room illuminated. The effect is extremely subtle and you won’t necessarily notice it changing colour throughout the day.

All in all it’s a pretty cool effect and it works extremely well.

2. Motion detection for energy saving

The second special feature I’ll touch on here is actually one of my favourites. I am often in and out of my office throughout the day and then prone to leaving all the lights on. If you enable the motion detection feature on this light by pushing the motion detection button underneath the arm, the light will automatically shut off when it has not detected movement for more than five minutes. I think this is fantastic and it worked really well. As soon as I would step back into the office the light would softly dim-up and come to life again.

The only slight downside about this feature is that sometimes if I was sitting still at my desk reading something, there wouldn’t be enough motion to keep the light on and sometimes it would go out on its own. Not a huge deal since I was able to simply wave in the general direction and the light would turn on again. But perhaps it could use a secondary motion sensor somewhere.

3. Warm or cool light

I am a huge fan of warm light in the house. For the most part I will choose warmer colours of light or warm white light bulbs over the alternative without fail. I love the fact that this light can use either temperature or light, and adjusting it is as simple as tapping on the top bar of the light.

You can either touch to instantly switch from warm to cool or use the adjustable slider. Similarly there is also a brightness slider next to it where you can adjust the brightness quickly. These controls are also available inside the Dyson app if you want to get a little more precision than the small 1 inch touch buttons allow.

4. Signature Dyson build-quality: Light, but make it art

The design of this lamp is sleek, futuristic, and guaranteed to make your desk look like it’s ready for a magazine shoot. And like most Dyson products, the Morph is expertly engineered to look beautiful and work perfectly.

Most of the lamp is made of aluminum with some hard polycarbonate (plastic) yet it feels extremely strong and durable, and it doesn’t LOOK plasticky. I will say the lamp is a little taller at 19-inches in height, and the light arm is a lot longer than I expected, reaching 25-inches.

While this seems like overkill, I very quickly realized this could be the perfect size for a desk lamp. The articulating arm has the ability to reach right out over your work surface and lets you place the light almost anywhere you need it. The light arm swivels 100% of the way around the base, and the top part of the arm can also be turned to place light downward, sideways, even up towards the ceiling and at almost any configuration in between. You can literally get light anywhere in your office with this lamp.

4A. Versatile use cases: Task, Indirect, Feature, and Ambient

The versatility of the Solarcycle Morph is also one of its headlining features. While it shines best as a task light, it can also serve as a capable feature light and ambient lighting thanks to smart engineering decisions.

In its resting position with the LED facing the stem, it works well as ambient lighting with just a soft glow. The aluminum mesh construction acts as a diffuser that softens and more evenly distributes light across the room 360-degrees.

5. MyDyson App: Personalization at its finest

In addition to offering remote control over the light, the MyDyson app gives you three presets: Study, Relax, and Precision. You can also create custom presets that you can tune according to your preferences.

Study mode gives you the recommended brightness for reading, while the Relax preset sets you up with a soft warm light just bright enough for an evening reading session.
Dyson says the Precision mode gives off a type of light that reflects colors most similar to sunlight. For creatives who like to work at night, this means more accurate colours which can mean the difference between success and failure.

6. Built-in Charging

The final key feature I will touch on is both extremely convenient yet I think it could be improved even more. In the stem of the light is a USB-C charging port. I think this is actually wildly handy, particularly as a tech blogger who is often charging multiple devices around the office.

I actually wish the cable connection was not in the stem, but in the base instead to keep the light from looking cluttered. And since Dyson is already adding power ports here, I would suggest they go all the way and add three or four connections in here, and make the base a Qi charging surface, where I could place earbuds or small items to juice up.

Overall review: Dyson Solarcycle Morph

Overall, I have to say I thought this light was pretty gimmicky and overpriced on the surface. Now that I’ve had the chance to spend a couple of weeks with it, there is no chance of me letting it go unless someone prys it out of my cold dead hands. I have to say I have fallen unexpectedly in love with this light and think it’s actually wildly cool. Let’s go over the pros and cons as I see them.

On the pro side, the design of this light is super minimalist and will have design junkies salivating. It’s just the right size and fully adjustable in every direction.
It offers both warm and cool colours of light, and it’s adaptable daylight feature can really help keep you in sync with your circadian rhythms. With touch controls on the light, or in the app you can control however you prefer to interact with your light. And with the absolute multitude of ways you can place this light or aim the light as a task or ambient lamp, it’s incredibly versatile. The addition of a charging port here is just the icing on an already fantastic cake.

What are the downsides? It’s pretty easy to say that the price is probably the biggest detriment. It’s not what you would call affordable, but I also think this lamp is speaking to folks who are likely to have a Herman Miller office chair and a Selling Sunset desk; the people who don’t want a lamp, they want a statement.

The only other downside I would point out is that I don’t love the location of the charging port and would actually like to see better hidden and more charging and power options in a Version 2.

In short, if this light is in your budget I would advise you to add it to your cart immediately.

Dyson Solarcycle Morph sells for about $649 USD/$849 CAD and you can get it from Dyson or Best Buy.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

The post Dyson Solarcycle Morph Desk Lamp review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Ecobee is a legend in the smart thermostat market. It was 2008, the original iPhone was just over a year old and Ecobee announced their very first smart thermostat to huge fanfare. Like the iPhone, Ecobee products have been trendsetters and more recently, their newer thermostat products rank amongst the best in integration with Apple products. However, fierce competition has significantly changed the landscape. Tech titans like Google (which bought Nest) and Amazon developed some of the top selling smart thermostat products and use their large ecosystems to their advantage by pricing their products more competitively and creating exclusive features. In the other corner, you have the old thermostat guard including Honeywell and Emerson with their own innovations. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is Ecobee’s big play building on Apple’s close integration on top of a truckload of features. Does this strong combination justify the $249.99 USD / $329.99 CAD price? It all boils down to what features matter the most to you.

About the Ecobee Thermostat Premium

The Ecobee Thermostat Premium is Ecobee’s flagship thermostat product and to be perfectly frank, it doesn’t do a significantly better job in saving heating and cooling costs compared to Ecobee’s less expensive models. Ecobee’s own comparison page estimates just a 3% increase of annual energy savings compared to the $149.99 USD / $199.99 CAD ecobee3 lite so what you are really paying for is the extensive additional feature set.

What’s in the Box?

Unboxing the Ecobee Thermostat Premium you get the thermostat unit itself along with an Ecobee SmartSensor accessory. You also get a comprehensive quick guide booklet along with a wire labels guide to aid in installation. Underneath the thermostat packaging layer lies all the accessories required for wall mounting including a backplate, some screws, a power extension kit, and a trim plate.

Watch my full hands-on review of Ecobee smart thermostat on my YouTube channel

SmartSensor included

Every Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium comes bundled with a SmartSensor which is a small, wireless sensor which monitors not just temperature for other areas of the home, but movement too, if you opt into Ecobee’s additional security features as well.

I placed my smart sensor in the basement of our home since there is often quite a difference in temperature from the lower to the upper floor. You can actually choose whether or not Ecobee will adjust your heating or air conditioning based on the temperature registered at the thermostat itself, or at the SmartSensor. You can also purchase additional sensors for each room.

One of the Ecobee features that can work in tandem with the SmartSensor is the “Follow Me” function which helps the thermostat calculate the best temperature according to your Comfort Settings taking into account how long you spend in different areas of the home.

(While the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced is compatible with the SmartSensor, you must purchase a 2-pack separately for $99 USD / $119 CAD. Factor in the cost of a single SmartSensor and you nearly get the price difference between the Enhanced and Premium version. So if you want some extra automation convenience across multiple rooms, you might as well go for the Premium version even you don’t plan on using the other features.)

Installation

Depending on your situation, you can mount the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium to your wall in under an hour.

Simple version is that if you are even slightly familiar with thermostat or furnace wiring, and your wiring is labelled or you can transpose the locations of the existing wires into your new thermostat, setting this up is pretty easy. I’ve installed probably a dozen different smart thermostats and I can attest that well it seems intimidating it’s actually quite straightforward.

Ecobee’s app will walk you through it in detail complete with illustrations, diagrams, and various scenarios depending on whether you have a C-wire or multiple G-wires.
Don’t know what a C-wire is? The Ecobee manual explains how to check if your HVAC system has it. If your setup lacks the C-wire you have to use the included power extension kit and follow some extra steps that involve some electrical wiring. And if that turns you off right there, you can always hire a pro since it will take them less than an hour and possibly 30 minutes.

Core Features

Spending more than $200 on a smart thermostat has its advantages and with the Ecobee Thermostat Premium, it seems like you’re getting a lot for the money. Let’s dive in.

eco+

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat’s approach to reducing energy costs lies in its eco+ experience – a collection of features that dynamically and automatically adjust the temperature based on certain conditions. Ecobee recommends leaving the feature enabled to maximize savings without sacrificing comfort. In case you notice any inconsistencies, you can selectively disable certain features of eco+ to maximize comfort while saving as much money as possible. I opted to do just that for the time being so I could experience the features.

One cool component of eco+ is its ability to adjust the temperature based on the humidity. The smart thermostat feature also has a built-in occupancy sensor that can detect your presence in the room. The Smart Home & Away eco+ feature takes advantage of this sensor by changing the temperature when you leave the home and restoring the settings when you return.

The occupancy sensor can also detect patterns of your presence over the last five weeks and generate a daily home/away schedule. The sensor continuously monitors for pattern changes and can recommend a new schedule accordingly. Of course, you may customize the schedule to your liking for each day.

It also appears to choose preset thermostat temperatures (Comfort Settings) for you which I would say are a little bit outside what most peoples comfort zone would be. By that I mean the default temperature for kicking on the air conditioner was auto-set to 28°C/82F. Now that’s warm! Heating wasn’t set to come on until it dropped to 18C/64F which is quite cool. I did revise those to something a bit more palatable.

Ecobee also worked with various utility providers that offer variable electricity pricing. If you currently have that plan and Ecobee supports that utility, you can activate the “Time of Use” feature which can lower your energy usage during time periods where power is more expensive. The smart thermostat takes advantage of cheaper time periods by preheating or precooling the room. If your utility provider supports it, you can also opt in the “Community Energy Savings” event to let the thermostat conserve energy depending on local community demand where you can earn cool cash rewards for participating.

Apple Integration

One of the key strengths of the entire Ecobee experience is its integration with Apple’s ecosystem. For starters, Ecobee’s app works on the Apple Watch allowing you to adjust the thermostat or change the HVAC mode from your wrist.

Pairing with HomeKit is not so easy. If you go into the app and choose HomeKit Integration, it looks like you should just be able to add it, but it will demand you generate a QR code somehow to scan… without telling you in the app how to do that.

To generate the code you’ll need to go to the Ecobee unit on the wall and open settings then look for the option for HomeKit pairing. That should generate a set up code for you which you can then scan with the app. With that code scanned it took me through a few set up steps and I was connected to HomeKit in under a minute.

If you’re a power user and enjoy tinkering with home automation, you’ll enjoy how well the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium works with Apple HomeKit. Many of the essential settings you can change on the Ecobee app are present in HomeKit as well and you can apply them when creating home automation scenes greatly expanding its functionality. If you don’t have an Apple device or Home hub, you may also integrate the Ecobee thermostat with Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT. I opted to set it up with Amazon Alexa and that pairing process was similarly quick and easy.

Whichever digital assistant you choose you will be able to ask what the current temperature is or ask for it to be adjusted, among a handful of other commands.

Display and User Interface

Besides controlling the thermostat with the Ecobee app, HomeKit, and other smart home platforms, you can also interact directly on the thermostat’s large 4-inch display. The display is larger than older Ecobee models and boasts a 540×540 screen resolution so text looks sharp and readable even from a far distance. Ecobee also improved the user interface with more accessible menus and refined icon layout.

I actually really like the way this looks. It’s super simple and clutter free yet houses all the options you might need for on device controls. Including acting as a display screen for your Ecobee doorbell!

Live View for Smart Doorbell Camera Owners

An unexpected, yet welcome feature of the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is how it can act as a remote viewscreen whenever your Ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera detects activity or a doorbell ring. Having that large 4-inch screen really has its benefits!

Now this will only be useful if your thermostat is in a convenient location to go and take a look… but I’ll take what I can get. Particularly since I was recently cracking on Amazon echo hub’s limited user interface and suggested it should be re-tooled as a hub-thermostat-viewscreen. My wish has come true!

Now the truth is a 4 inch screen is pretty tiny, but at least it gives you some clue about what’s going on. Now of course if you have other devices in the Google or Alexa ecosystem you can simply connect those screens with Ecobee and get remote viewing in whatever rooms you might be in. Since I have Alexa connected, I get visual alerts to my echo devices anytime someone presses the bell. But I digress…

Scheduling & Comfort Settings

While you can let Ecobee do its own thing and automate a lot of settings for you, you can also set your own heating and cooling schedule and choose the default temperatures that work for you.

You can make changes in the Settings Menu by looking for Comfort Settings, then change at what temp your thermostat will begin heating or trigger cooling. You can also modify these settings based on whether you are at home, have left the house, or are asleep. Taking it one step further, you can access Schedule in the settings menu to adjust the times of day or days of the week when each of these actions will trigger. Everything is really intuitive and easy to understand inside the app.

Smart Security Alarm

The Ecobee thermostat can also use the occupancy sensor to function as a rudimentary security alarm. By changing the Smart Security Alarm mode to “Arm Away”, your thermostat will monitor for unexpected movements. Ideally, you want to use this option after everyone leaves the house although you could get some false alerts if you have a pet roaming in the house. An “Arm Stay” option is also available if you want to arm specific additional sensors such as ones outdoors. If you do not see this option, update your Ecobee app and the thermostat to the latest firmware.

The thermostat offers several other security features as well, but they require an additional monthly fee. Check the “Smart Security Subscription” part of the review below to learn more.

‘Premium’ Features

Impressed with the Ecobee thermostat’s feature set so far? You could save about $60 USD / $80 CAD and go for the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced. You won’t get the SmartSensor but it still has the built-in occupancy sensor and all the available settings required for maximum savings. But paying top dollar for the Premium model means better materials too! The Premium version has a more luxurious look and feel thanks to the Premium’s zinc body and silver accents. Consider that as a symbol for all the extra features that make the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium far more than just a thermostat.

Smart Hub Capabilities: speaker and mic

The Smart Thermostat Premium has both a speaker and microphone built into the device effectively making this a small smart hub or an initial building block to establishing an Ecobee ecosystem. With support for Amazon Alexa, the Ecobee thermostat can masquerade as an Amazon Echo device too with support for Alexa’s skills! Amazon’s “Drop In” feature, which acts more like an intercom, is supported as well. You won’t get the full feature set and speedy responsiveness of a standalone Echo, but it can act as a convenient extension to your existing Alexa network. The idea of having access to wall-mounted Alexa in your hallway is pretty cool! In fact I already found that the Ecobee Thermostat Premium was far more useful than the Echo Hub I reviewed a few months ago.

If you’re not fond of Alexa or want voice control for your HomeKit scenes, you may let the Ecobee thermostat operate as a Siri speaker instead. This feature requires you to have a HomePod or HomePod mini in your network. Like the Alexa integration, Siri may not process all commands, particularly some that involve access to data in other services, but you could do some neat things like send an iMessage to a contact.

Plays music and audio

Because of the built-in speaker, the thermostat can stream music from Spotify, or play Alexa news updates too! The speaker is tiny and pales in comparison with dedicated smart speakers in general, but it’s a cool thing to use for podcasts and downtempo music. You can also enable AirPlay via the Ecobee app so you can stream other sources directly from your Apple device. Multi-room integration with other smart speakers isn’t supported though.

While it may seem like all of these little extras are overkill, there are definitely going to be people that will use them, and I really like the option of having all of this diversity of function.

Air Quality Monitoring

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium also has a special sensor that can estimate carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within the area you installed the thermostat. A change in these levels is often caused by cooking, painting, and other pollutants.

The thermostat can then assess these levels and display an indoor air quality rating on the interface itself and on the app. Below the rating is a breakdown of the measurements along with some advice on how to keep the rating on the recommended “Clean” level which is ideal for your health. The Ecobee app can also send a push notification to your device if your air quality falls to a “Poor” level.

To get accurate results, you must let the sensor go through a calibration process which can take the entire morning or afternoon. The interface guides you through the steps. My sensor seemed to calibrate itself quite quickly and after that I was getting constant data on the air quality which simply displays above the temperature inside the app or on the device.

Smart Security Subscription

Ecobee tucked away the security hub aspects and extra features of the Smart Thermostat Premium behind a monthly paywall. After a free 30-day trial, you can enjoy these extra features for $5 USD or $7 CAD a month.

Let’s see what that involves:

Auto Siren

When editing the arming modes in the Smart Security status pane, Ecobee offers an option to use the thermostat’s built-in speaker to play a siren sound when an armed sensor detects motion which is useful for driving away potential intruders. This feature is off by default.

Smoke Alarm Detection

Like Ecobee’s older flagship thermostats, the Smart Thermostat Premium can trigger an alert if your smoke alarm sounds off and you set the Smart Security Alarm to an armed state. For proper detection, the smoke alarm must emit the standard T3 alarm pattern which consists of 3 consecutive beeps and a brief period of silence before repeating. You can test the smoke alarm detection from the thermostat interface to make sure this feature works. I don’t have the fire or smoke detector that supports this… nor did anything catch on fire so I didn’t have an opportunity to test this feature.

Expanded Family Support

Even without a subscription, the Ecobee app allows you to grant access to up to 15 family members. You can configure the permissions of each member although adding members and enrolling features are limited to the owner. But if you have an active subscription, you can also receive notifications when other family members arrive home and disarm your security. You can also enable Arm and Disarm Assistance, which is a geofencing feature that reminds you to arm your home when everyone in the household leaves.

SmartSensor Enhancements

Unfortunately, some of the Ecobee’s Smart Security Subscription perks have nothing to do with security at all. This is most apparent with the SmartSensor for doors and windows accessory which isn’t included in any of the Ecobee thermostat models. Once you install the sensor on your door or window and configure it, your thermostat can automatically shut off your HVAC system if you leave your door or window open for at least 5 minutes. The bad news is that this feature requires an active subscription. Without one, all you get is a push notification.

Even the SmartSensor included with Smart Security Premium is a bit handicapped. While your thermostat can actively monitor motion while armed for free, SmartSensors cannot participate even when armed unless you pay up for the subscription.

I understand adding an extra monthly cost to security features and in fact, you can probably use the money you saved from the Ecobee’s fantastic eco+ features and pour it on the subscription. But adding some quality-of-life energy saving features behind a paywall is a bit counterproductive if the whole point is to reduce energy costs.

I really wish Ecobee made those features free. HomeKit may be your saving grace though since you can include the SmartSensors to your HomeKit scenes allowing power users to mimic the functionality or perform advanced automation actions.

Ongoing support & integration

Just for reference, Ecobee supported their very first smart thermostat for a good 16 years. After July 31, 2024, the original Ecobee thermostat will lose its smart features, but can still function as a dummy thermostat. With the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium released in 2022, you can expect a lengthy support period.

While the integration with HomeKit remains as Ecobee’s strong suit, it is worth noting that support for Matter and Thread is absent at the time of writing and judging from an official post on X, Ecobee doesn’t have any concrete plans to adopt the fledging standard. Matter has had its growing pains though, so you’ll have to follow their social media pages for updates.

Overall Thoughts: Ecobee Thermostat Premium

Although Ecobee really crammed in everything including the kitchen sink into this smart thermostat, my hands-on experience has shown the Ecobee Thermostat Premium is truly worthy of the “Premium” title with its large screen, great looks, and very intuitive interface.

Let’s round up the pros and the cons.

On the pro side, the set up is easy and installation isn’t hard. The thermostat looks premium and I like the simplified touchscreen display. It’s easy to operate both on the device, and the Ecobee app posted a boatload more features in a simplified format also. And you can also easily schedule your thermostat to adjust temperatures and set what your baseline temperatures are for both heating and cooling. It integrates with all the major smart home assistants and you can use them for voice control too, and add multiple family members to the home for additional control. I also love that with the Premium version, I get the room sensor too. The ability to view your Ecobee doorbell on the thermostat is futuristically cool and so smart! Added security and motion sensing features in the thermostat are a nice little extra.

Plus, Ecobee seems to have a great track record in supporting its products.

On the cons side, I’m legitimately having a hard time trying to find some things that I don’t like about this thermostat. Ecobee has by far been one of the easiest thermostats I’ve ever set up, programmed and used. I suppose the biggest thing I could crack on would be the attempt to get you onto a paid subscription which would lasso you into Ecobee’s larger smart home subscription circle. At the price of this single device alone, I’d like to see them either drop the subscription price significantly or include a year or two of service with your purchase.

While it is nice of Ecobee to offer a stripped-down Enhanced model, my overall recommendation is to go Premium because of that included SmartSensor.

The extra features, you have to evaluate and think about your smart home needs for the long-term, but the price difference isn’t that huge especially since you get a physically better-looking thermostat. Moreover, smart thermostats save you money in the long run and the eco+ features and deep customization features make this thermostat a solid product.

For the paid subscription, I recommend taking full advantage of the free trial and evaluating its features. In an age where online services and subscriptions continue to rise in price, the extra cost will definitely be felt by folks on a budget. But you can get more out of your subscription if you decide to invest in the Ecobee platform by adding more sensors or other products like the Ecobee SmartCamera and Ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera because the subscription adds benefits to those products as well.

In short I think the Ecobee Thermostat Premium is a dynamite addition to your smart home. You not only get everything you expect but a whole lot more too, for the price.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium sells for about $249 USD/$329 CAD and you can get it from Ecobee, Amazon or any number of electronics retailers.

And check out my other smart thermostat reviews:

1. Google Nest Learning Thermostat

2. Amazon Smart Thermostat

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post In-home review: Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Mosquitoes are pesky, irritating, and potentially dangerous insects. They not only cause itching and discomfort, but they also pose a serious threat by transmitting deadly diseases like malaria, chikungunya, yellow fever, dengue fever, Zika etc. Thankfully, a wide range of mosquito control devices is now available on the market to help us reclaim our spaces.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the best mosquito repellent gadgets to help you make an informed decision.

1. Thermacell Radius

The Thermacell Radius mosquito repeller is a highly effective mosquito repellent, surpassing ultrasonic options. It uses heat to vaporize a liquid solution, providing up to 15 feet of mosquito-free protection.

Setting it up is easy, and it takes about 15 minutes to warm up. Users have reported noticeable reductions in mosquitoes while camping and in their backyard. The device is odorless and operates silently without any buzzing or smoke. The battery lasts around 6 hours and takes about 5 hours to charge fully. Although refill cartridges are needed, the Thermacell Radius refill is worth the investment for its effectiveness.

Pros:

1. Effective protection against mosquitoes, black flies, and other flying insects
2. Cordless and portable design allows users to take it anywhere outdoors
3. Runs for up to 6 hours on a single charge

Cons:

1. Expensive refills
   2. Requires a few minutes of warm-up time to activate
   3. The radius of protection can be affected by the wind and other environmental factors

Shop Thermacell radius here.

2. Tiki Bitefighter

The Tiki Bitefighter is a line of torches and fuel. It is one of the best mosquito gadget  that uses clean-burning torch fuel to repel mosquitoes and other flying insects. It can protect up to a 15-foot radius and can run for up to 12 hours on a single fill.

Pros:

1. Long-lasting protection for up to 12 hours
2. Uses clean-burning torch fuel, making it safe for the environment
3. Provides adjustable flame height and heat output, allowing users to customize their experience

Cons:

1. Can be easily blown out by the wind
2.  Requires the user to stay close to the device to receive full protection.
3. May not be effective in heavily infested areas

Shop Tiki Bitefighter here.

3. Thermacell LIV

The Thermacell LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System is a hardwired, whole-yard electrical system which includes a hub, repellers, cables, ground steaks, and repellent cartridges. The hub connects to an outdoor outlet and controls up to five repeller stations through cables. Thermacell LIV smart mosquito repellent system covers up to 1,575 square feet and releases odorless protection using safe repellent cartridges containing metofluthrin, approved by the EPA. Its water- and weatherproof design allows for year-round outdoor use. Management of the system is done through the LIV+ app, available on iOS and Android. It also offers home automation compatibility and can be seamlessly integrated with Alexa or Google Home.

Pros:

1. Effective coverage in large areas
2. Weatherproof
3. Easy setup

Cons:

1. Expensive system and refills
2. Wired connectivity
3. May not be effective in heavily infested areas

Shop Thermacell LIV here on Thermacell’s website.

4. EndBug Zapper

The EndBug Zapper is an electric mosquito control device that uses ultraviolet light to attract and eliminate mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. It has a durable, weather-resistant design that can be mounted on any outdoor wall or pole.

Pros:

1. Effectively eliminates flying insects within up to a 1-acre range
2. Quick action guarantees prompt relief from insect nuisances
3. Includes a 5000LM LED lantern at the bottom, making it a versatile device that can be used for both mosquito control and lighting.

Cons:

1. Kills beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies
2. Needs to be cleaned and maintained regularly for optimal performance
3. Requires a power outlet

Shop EndBug Zapper here.

5. OFF! Backyard Mosquito Lamp

OFF! Backyard Mosquito Lamp uses a combination of heat and light to attract and eliminate mosquitoes and other flying insects. It uses a heat-activated mat to release a repellent that creates a 10-foot zone of protection. Its compact, easy-to-use design allows it to be placed on a table, chair, or even hung from a hook.

Pros:

1. Uses a non-chemical repellent, making it safe for pets and children
   2. Provides up to 10 feet of protection without any open flames or cords
   3. Has a durable, weather-resistant construction that can last for multiple seasons

Cons:

1. The lamp only lasts for 6 hours, needs replacement of the candle and mat regularly
   2. The radius of protection may not be enough for larger outdoor spaces
   3. The repellent mat may not be as effective as DEET or Picaridin-based repellents

Shop OFF Backyard Mosquito Lamp here.

Best Natural: Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Cones

Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Cones are an all-natural mosquito control solution that uses a blend of essential oils to repel mosquitoes and other flying insects. It comes in a pack of 36 cones, and each cone can burn for up to 24 minutes.

Pros:

1. Made with natural and eco-friendly ingredients: Citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, peppermint, cedarwood, bamboo sawdust.
2. Effectively eliminates mosquitoes
3. Provides a pleasant aroma that can mask unpleasant odors

Cons:

1. The radius of protection may be limited to the immediate area of the cone
2. Lasts for only 24 minutes or less
3. The mosquito coils burn out quickly, especially in windy conditions

Shop Murphy’s Incense Cones here.

Best Dunks: Terro No-Mess Mosquito Pouches

Terro No-Mess Mosquito Pouches are a mosquito control solution that uses a natural bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) to kill mosquito larvae in standing water. It comes in a water-soluble pouch that can be dropped into any water source, such as flowerpots, birdbaths, and rain barrels.

Pros:

1. Effectively kills mosquito larvae without harming other organisms
   2. Provides up to 2 months of protection per pouch
   3. Easy application and maintenance

Cons:

1. Only targets the mosquito larvae, not the adult mosquitoes
2. May not be effective in large bodies of water
3. Pouches may be less effective in heavy rain or extreme weather

Shop Terro No-Mess Mosquito Pouches here.

Best Coils: OFF! Backyard Mosquito Repellent Coils

OFF! Backyard Mosquito Repellent Coils are an effective, affordable, and convenient way to keep mosquitoes away. They are easy to use and produce a steady stream of smoke that acts as a protective barrier.

Pros:

1. Each coil provides 4 hours of protection against mosquitoes and other insects
2. Affordable and widely available
3. Easy to use and store

Cons:

1. The smoke and odor may be unpleasant for some users
2. Limited protection range
3. Outdoor use only. Smoke may cause respiratory irritation and trigger fire alarms

Shop OFF Mosquito Coils here.

Dealing with mosquitoes is a part of life for many of us, especially for those of us who like to rough it in the wild from time to time. During peak mosquito season, these little buzzers aren’t just annoying; they’re relentless and surprisingly good at finding the tiniest gap in your tent or screens. And while an itchy arm can ruin a camping experience, some mosquito bites come with real health concerns, thanks to the buffet of diseases these bugs can spread.

So,what are your options to both repel, defend and kill mosquitoes? I’ve  rounded up some of the gadgets I’ve already tested out for you, like repellers, zappers, larvae killing tablets, coils and more, plus some other options too.

Area repellents

Evicting mosquitoes from your tent or around your campfire can be tricky when they come in large swarms. Area repellants are nifty gadgets create a protective bubble around your space, keeping those pesky mosquitoes and other flying critters at bay. The beauty of area repellents lies in their ability to let you chill, dine, or play outdoors without slathering yourself in lotions or sprays.

Over the last couple summers I’ve had a chance to test out a few devices from Thermacell.

Let’s take a look at the options…

Thermacell Thermacell EX90 Outdoor Mosquito Repeller

Thermacell EX90 is a an adventure-ready spatial repellent device designed specifically for the great outdoors. It generates a 20-foot zone of advanced mosquito protection, which is the largest area repellent zone available in Thermacell’s product line.

The Thermacell EX90 works by using heat to vaporize a small amount of insecticide, effectively dispersing it into the air to create a mosquito-free zone around the device. While a lot of other brands and models operate similarly, the EX90’s ruggedness sets it apart.

Pros:

• Portable and durable
• Rechargeable
• Creates a 20-foot zone of protection

Cons:

• Requires refills
• Not suitable for windy conditions

Handheld gadgets and wearables

Aside from walls and closed windows, there are no area repellents that can keep 100% of mosquitoes away. For these instances, you may want a solution that’s on you at all times. For this job, we’ve got handheld gadgets and wearables.

ZAP IT! Rechargeable Mosquito Zapper Racket

If you enjoy a hands-on approach to mosquito control and appreciate the eco-friendly aspect of a rechargeable device, then the Zap It Mosquito killing Racquet may just be the one for you.

Its design centers around convenience and functionality, featuring a portable electric mosquito swatter that allows users to zap pests anytime and anywhere. It’s shaped like a tennis racket with LED where strings ought to be.

Pros:

• Rechargeable
• Satisfaction of the zap
• Safe

Cons:

• Manual effort required
• Build quality

Para’kito Mosquito Repellent Bundle

Para’kito Mosquito Bands are made of soft silicone and are infused with natural insect-repellent substances like citronella, eucalyptus oil, or even synthetic compounds that are meant to keep mosquitoes at bay.

The principle is straightforward – as you wear the band, it slowly releases the repellent into the air around you, creating a protective aura that’s supposed to keep mosquitoes from turning you into their next meal. The bands are passive, which means you just slap them on and go about your day, no spraying or rubbing required.

Pros:

• Convenience
• No need to rub chemicals on your skin
• Child-friendly

Cons:

• Frequent replacement
• Limited protection area

Traps and zappers

While repellents can definitely help in reducing the mosquito flying around your immediate area, it doesn’t actually do much in terms of population control. This is where traps and zappers come in.

These devices work by attracting mosquitoes through heat, ultraviolet light, or carbon dioxide, then trapping or killing them upon contact. This can be a more effective method if you want to reduce the overall mosquito population over time by targeting female mosquitoes looking to lay eggs, though some designs prevent them from actually depositing eggs, capturing them instead.

EndBug Zapper

The EndBug Zapper is an electric mosquito control device that uses ultraviolet light to attract and eliminate mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. It has a durable, weather-resistant design that can be mounted on any outdoor wall or pole.

Pros:

• Effective within up to a 1-acre range
• Quick action
• Includes a 5000LM LED lantern
• Completely odorless

Cons:

• Bees and butterflies might become collateral damage
• Regular maintenance
• Requires a power outlet

Xiaomi Mijia Mosquito Repellent

If you’re into tech, then you’ve probably already heard of Xiaomi. It’s a tech brand that builds smartphones and smart home devices. So, when they released a mosquito control device, there was no doubt that it was going to have a tech twist to it. Their Xiaomi Mijia Mosquito Repellent utilizes a small, replaceable mat infused with a mosquito-repelling chemical called metofluthrin. A silent fan within the device gently disperses the chemical, creating a mosquito-free zone without the need for heat or open flames.

Pros:

• Non-Toxic & Silent
• Smart Features
• Discreet & Compact

Cons:

• Limited Area of Effect
• App Dependency
• Mat Replacement

FAQs about mosquito control devices

Mosquito control devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The ideal mosquito control device for you hinges upon your particular requirements and personal preferences.

It is crucial to evaluate the efficacy, portability, cost, and environmental implications associated with any mosquito control device prior to making a purchase decision.

Are mosquito traps and zappers safe around kids and pets?

Safety first, right? Mosquito traps are generally very safe, as they don’t typically use chemicals or anything harmful. Instead, they lure mosquitoes with light, warmth, or CO2. Zappers do involve a bit of electricity, so you might want to place them out of reach of curious little hands and paws. As always, giving the instruction manual a read can prevent any uh-oh moments.

Is there a single mosquito repellent that really keeps all the mosquitoes away?

While there’s no silver bullet (or silver repellent, in this case), different types of repellents can be remarkably effective when used correctly. Each type has its strengths, whether it’s area repellents creating a no-fly zone, wearables guarding your personal space, or traps and zappers keeping the mosquito population in check. Mixing and matching might just be your best bet for an almost mosquito-free experience.

How often should I replace or refill my repellents?

It varies widely depending on the product. Area repellents like candles or diffusers might need a refill every few hours or so, while wearable devices or traps could last for weeks or even months. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations and keep an eye (or nose) out for any signs that it’s time for a change.

Are mosquito control devices safe for pets and children?

Most mosquito control devices are safe for pets and children, but it’s always best to read the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings before using any product.

How long does the protection of mosquito control devices last?

The duration of protection varies depending on the device and the type of repellent used. Some devices provide protection for just a few hours, while others can last up to a few months.

Can mosquito control devices eliminate all mosquitoes?

No, mosquito control devices cannot eliminate all mosquitoes. They can only repel or kill mosquitoes within a certain range or limit their breeding.

How do I know which mosquito control device is best for me?

It depends on several factors, such as the size of your outdoor space, the level of infestation, and your personal preferences.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post What actually keeps mosquitos away? Our guide to the best mosquito gadgets appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

I’m a huge fan of smart lights. They’re an easy and fun way to add colour and remote control to your home. So when Govee offered to let me try its smart colour changing lightbulbs I was up for it. I spent about 3 weeks with the bulbs and in this hands-on review I’ll show you what they’re like to set up and use, what you can do with them and how to automate them. I’ll wrap things up by going over the pros and the cons and taking a look at some of the alternatives, and then I’ll let you know if I can recommend these smart light bulbs to you.

What you get

I got a 4-pack of smart light bulbs that use the standard North American light bulb base. The bulbs are plastic and lightweight.

As far as installation goes they just screw into any light fixture.

I installed these into two lamps in my home office.

Hub-Free Convenience

In the realm of smart home lighting, the necessity of a hub can often add complexity and cost. Govee has differentiated itself by offering smart LED light options that do not require a hub. Instead, each Govee Smart LED bulb can connect directly to your home’s 2.4GHz Wi-Fi which allows for a simpler integration.

The Govee app supports multiple Govee lighting devices so you can manage your entire home’s lighting all from your phone. You can also group multiple Govee lights together so you can issue a command for the group and it will all respond according to your presets. No need to individually control each bulb.

Watch my hands-on Govee Smart Bulb review on YouTube

App Features

If you want to use the full range of features, you’re going to want to use the Govee mobile app.

You will sign up for or sign into an account. From there you can just tap on each bulb to adjust its colour, brightness, turn it on or off or tap into the array of colourful visual lighting effects and patterns. While these colour scenes are really built more for light strips and strings, they do work somewhat with a single bulb too.

The app is where you can control other features too.

Want to wake up naturally, gently aided by a soft glow of light like a personal sunrise? Voila, just set a timer and let your room gradually illuminate, helping your body register that it’s time to rise and shine.

Daily schedules

The app makes it easy to set daily schedules. I have my office lights turn on right before I get in, and then turn off shortly after I usually wrap for the day. It means very little wasted energy.

Colour changing

I also really like colour changing bulbs to help a room feel more festive or warmer or cooler; I use warm red orange or yellow light in the winter to add a fire-like glow to a space. While in summer, I find lights that are blue, green or purple can help a room seem cooler on a sweltering day.

Govee promises a kaleidoscope of up to 16 million colors, and let me tell you, they weren’t kidding. From mood lighting for a chill movie night to a vibrant splash of colors for a house party, these bulbs have got you covered.

Music sync

Speaking of house parties, you can even set these lights to pulse to your music’s beat. It doesn’t matter if it’s a chill indie track or a bass-heavy EDM anthem—the lights will sync up and pulse and flash to the beat.
The Bright Side of Voice Commands

Using voice commands to control the lights may feel somewhat futuristic if you’re new to smart home automation, and honestly, it is quite empowering. I love just asking for Google or Alexa to manage the lights; It takes the hassle out of physical switches or fiddling with your phone.

The beauty of voice commands doesn’t stop at convenience – it’s also a big win for accessibility. Whether it’s for the little ones who can’t quite reach the light switch just yet or individuals with mobility issues, Govee’s well-executed voice command support ensures everyone can easily control their environment.

Govee smart lights are all compatible with all the major smart home systems so you can use them with Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa.

Brightness

I found the lights are quite bright in my home. They rate 800 lumens, which is about the equivallent of a 60 watt standard light bulb.

Turned up to full brightness they can fill a space quite well, and they dim down to almost nothing, ensuring you can also use them as a nightlight too.

What are some smart light bulb alternatives?

For many years my top pick for smart lights was Philips Hue. The Hue system tends to be expensive and you need a bridge or hub to get them to work, which adds to the cost. Hue lights are great and do give you some more customization and automation options if you need that.  Kasa, Amazon Basics and Cync by GE are other choices too. While LIFX also makes popular smart bulbs too, I can’t recommend them as I’ve personally had way too many problems with them. Learn what happened in my full video.

In the last two years, I’d say Govee smart lights have become my top pick for smart lighting.

Can Govee smart bulbs go outside?

Govee doesn’t seem to specify if these bulbs can be used outdoors too, but I tried them in some outdoor fixtures just to see. I’d say that if the fixtures are sealed or covered from the weather, you should be able to use these anywhere you can use regular bulbs. As long as they’re not too far from your router and can catch a Wi-Fi signal, they should still work just fine, as mine did. The only caveat being they might not function correctly in extreme weather or temperatures.

Overall review Govee smart light bulbs

Overall, Govee smart bulbs are a big hit for me. They deliver on what they promise, and then some. Let’s go over the pros and cons to see if they might be right for you.
On the pro side they are super easy to set up and the app is incredibly user-friendly. You get full remote control over your lights from your smart phone, or absolutely easy scheduling so you can automate your lights too. The lights can brighten and dim to many different levels that will suit you, and the colour options are fantastic.

When it comes to the downsides, I don’t have a lot to complain about here. These work exactly as advertised. The only question I might have for the future is how long the bulbs will last for before needing replacement. Since I’ve only spent a few weeks with these won’t be able to weigh in on that for a while yet. But maybe in a couple of years I can report back. For now I have absolutely no hesitation about recommending Govee Smart lightbulbs to you.

The Govee smart light bulbs run from about $15-$30 a pop depending on which version you buy and how many you buy at once. If you want to check out some other amazing options that I have installed in my house from Govee, you can see those reviews right now.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Govee Smart Light Bulbs: My in-home review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

With all of the intense heat many of us now experience during summer, it’s too easy to let the lawn or the plants die off. But for serious gardeners and those who take a lot of pride in their yards, that’s not an option. How can you keep your lawn healthy and green without over-watering or risking a die off while you’re on vacation? The premise of the Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller and Wireless Soil Sensors is that it’s the ultimate modern solution to simplify and optimize your outdoor watering routines. This intelligent watering automation system takes convenience to a whole new level, letting you you to manage everything right from your smartphone.

Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller and Wireless Soil Sensors hands-on review

In this hands-on review I will install the system myself so I’ll talk about what that’s like. I’ll also get things configured with the Moen app and then talk about what the entire water management experiences like using these smart controllers. I’ll wrap things up with the pros and the cons overall and let you know if I think I can recommend this kit for you. A quick note that while Moen provided this sample kit to me at no charge, it did not make any requests about the content of my review so these thoughts are 100% my own.

If you’re looking for  Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller review and Wireless Soil Sensors or wondering is a smart sprinkler controller worth it, let’s get to it.

Who can use Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller?

A very important note before we get too far; the Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller is for built-in or inground sprinkler systems, and is not compatible with any type of set up involving your hose. You should already have an existing sprinkler controller, or your landscaper or contractor will have roughed in the wiring for your system. The Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller is available in eight or 16 zone configurations, which basically means you will have either eight or 16 sets of wires that match up to the number of sprinklers zones across your property. If you are working with any other type of system you’ll likely need a different product.

What is Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller?

Sprinkler Controller with over in place.

There are a variety of different smart watering devices and controllers on the market. You can find ones like the Eve Aqua sprinkler controller I reviewed, that will attach to a simple hose bib and allow you to automate a simple sprinkler or drip hose.

Others, like Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller and smart wireless soil sensor connect to existing built-in or underground sprinkler systems to allow you remote conteol and automated access to your lawn care.

Some older sprinkler control systems such as Rainbird allow you to set simple timers to automate your lawn watering. But they often lack any ability to take care of things remotely, meaning you always need to be standing in your yard to make changes or adjustments.

That’s where the Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller promises to make major improvements, meaning this could be a really great system for those who travel a lot, folks who have a second home, or if you’re keeping an eye on things for a family member.

Installation & Set up

Installing the Moen smart sprinkler controller may seem very intimidating, but you can trust me when I say anyone can do this.

You’ll just want to make sure you’ve killed power to your system before you start fiddling with the wires. The best thing to do is take a photo of your existing sprinkler wiring and how it fits in to your current sprinkler controller. I was using a much older Rainbird system. I just transferered the wires to their new locations inside the Moen smart sprinkler controller. Once the wires have been changed over you can plug the controller in and it will power on automatically. From there head over to the Moen app where you will configure your device.

You’ll need to sign up for or sign into your Moen account and then choose Add Device. The app will walk you through getting connected to your home’s Wi-Fi net work which will allow you remote control for anywhere.

Initially I couldn’t get my device to properly connect and wasn’t quite sure why. It turns out I had the white power wire in the wrong slot. Connecting it correctly fixed the problem and I was able to continue with the configuration process.

Once you’re connected to Wi-Fi you can run what’s called Zone Configuration. The app will essentially check all the connections you’ve made and assign each one to a zone.

As you’re adding zones you can run a test so that you can see which sprinklers will be triggered by each zone, which is particularly helpful for people like me who is original system was not labelled correctly.

The system here is quite old and initially one of my zones was not detected. Moen allows you to add zones manually as well, which I did. But I’m not entirely convinced the missing zone is actually connected to anything.

Scheduling watering with Moen Smart Sprinkler controller

The most convenient feature of this controller is that you can set up automatic watering schedules. You can set them for a specific time of day or do things like run them at dawn or dusk. You can also choose which zones get water during each watering session, and adjust exactly how long each watering session will run for.
I’m happy to say managing the scheduling is extremely easy inside the app and very user-friendly. I had a short twice daily watering schedule enabled in just a couple of minutes.

Moen Smart Soil Sensors

Soil sensor.

The other great addition to this kit is grabbing a few of Moen’s smart wireless soil sensors.

You’ll need to pair these to your smart controller before you install them. The pairing process is simple but a bit quirky; you’ll take one of the sensors out and hold it over the front of the controller near where the magnets are placed that hold the cover on. Those magnets will activate the soil sensor and connect it inside your app.

The first soil sensor I tried to pair was quite finicky and didn’t seem to want to connect by tapping it the way the app instructed. In the end I was able to get it connected by touching the top edge of the soil sensor to the magnets. With another sensor I needed to take the panel off the Controller and get closer to the magnets before it would pair.

These wide arrow-shaped stakes will get sunk into the ground either in your lawn or in a garden or a pot and can detect overall moisture levels in the ground. If you’re putting them in your lawn make sure you sink them flush with the ground so they don’t get nicked by a passing lawnmower.

The soil sensors will measure moisture levels at different depths in your soil from 1 inch to 3 inches and 5 inches. They will also give you the temperature and you can get battery information in them as well. There’s no information about how these are actually powered; but Moen says each one has a six year battery life so you shouldn’t have to replace them very often.

The soil sensors can help automatically figure out whether or not your lawn needs watering. You’ll first need to use the app to tell the sprinkler controller which zone the soil centre is located in. Then, for example, if the soil sensor detects a temperature level that is too cold, the system can skip watering. Similarly if moisture levels are already extremely high, the system can be configured not to run a watering program on that particular zone. All the settings for moisture threshold can be configured to your particular location or soil types.

It’s actually quite a clever system and very user-friendly.

Turn sprinklers off when rain is detected

If you haven’t installed wireless soil sensors you can still get some measure of smarts from the controller by allowing it to use your location. When rain is in the forecast or detected through Moen’s weather stations, the app will simply skip that watering instance.

Moen claims the Smart Sprinkler Controller and smart wireless soil sensor can reduce irrigation water use by up to 30 percent for an average home – that’s could be potentially thousands of litres of water saved annually compared to traditional controllers.

Overall review: Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller and Wireless Soil Sensors

Overall I have to say I’m extremely impressed with this system. It is a massive upgrade over the old sprinkler system here and provides completely remote monitoring and control over the entire system.

The installation was absolutely easy enough for a novice to do, and it took just minutes. While I was initially pretty intimidated about doing it, it turned out flawlessly.

The scheduling feature is really easy, and you can also manually water your lawn or plants at any time also. The addition of the wireless soil sensors is another huge plus since once they are configured with your zones, they can eliminate overwatering all on their own.

The smart weather skipping feature is also handy too. In short I think this system is a must have for anyone who has a sprinkler system installed and it also costs a lot less than I thought it would. The Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller sells for about $178USD /$250CAD while the Soil Sensors sell for about $70 each.

You can pick these up from Moen’s website or Amazon .

**A quick note that while Moen provided this sample to me at no charge, it did not make any requests about the content of my review so these thoughts are 100% my own.

A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller & Wireless Soil Sensors appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.