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Category Archives: Andy’s Smart Life

Simple and Free Automation: An Introduction to If This Then That
by ambyrne
Andy's Smart LifeSimple and Free Automation: An Introduction to If This Then That

  You don’t need to spend a lot of money on tech and gadgets to automate things in your smart life. In this episode I do a quick introduction to the IFTTT, If this then that service which allows you to connect 2 services together and automate when something happens on one, do something on…
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Why Does Amazon Seem To Hate Ireland?
by ambyrne
Andy's Smart LifeWhy Does Amazon Seem To Hate Ireland?

I’m generally a big fan of Amazon, but they seem to have some strange views about Ireland which I can’t wrap my head around. I’ve had challenges around Prime Video, unusual shipping policies as well as their domain name in general. While I’m trying to integrate a lot of the Amazon Smart Echo System into…
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Control RFID and IR Devices From Your Smartphone And From Voice Assistants
by ambyrne
Andy's Smart LifeControl RFID and IR Devices From Your Smartphone And From Voice Assistants

Controlling Radio Frequency and Infrared devices in your smart home is a breeze with the help of a couple of little devices from a company called Broadlink. In this video I’ll briefly discuss 2 of their products which can help you to automate and control everything from TVs to fans, gates and garage doors from…
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Smart Homes Are Sometimes Trial and Error. I Messed Up, Don't Try This At Home
by ambyrne
Andy's Smart LifeSmart Homes Are Sometimes Trial and Error. I Messed Up, Don’t Try This At Home

Over the last couple of years I’ve been upgrading my apartment and adding smart technology. Sometimes though things don’t go according to plan and, with any DIY there are pitfalls and mistakes. This week I wanted to flush mount some Amazon Echos into the ceilings in my bathrooms, unfortunately i hit a snag not to…
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All The Alexa & Echo Devices From Amazon's Alexa Event 2019
by ambyrne
Andy's Smart LifeAll The Alexa & Echo Devices From Amazon’s Alexa Event 2019

  This week I take a brief look at the new Alexa and Echo devices from Amazon’s September 2019 Alexa Event. I’ll look at the devices from a very quick first impression and which I’d be likely to buy and why. Links to some of these devices below: New Echo 3rd Generation: https://amzn.to/2oxE4SV Echo Dot…
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Using Smart Technology To Prevent Disasters - Except This Video
by ambyrne
Andy's Smart LifeUsing Smart Technology To Prevent Disasters – Except This Video

  I’ve been in the unfortunate position of having a minor flood in my apartment. Being a techie guy, I wanted to see if I could use smart technology to help me out and hopefully prevent this from happening again. With that in mind I look at sensors and more specifically water leak sensors and…
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Getting Locked the Smart Way - An Introduction To Smart Locks
by ambyrne
Andy's Smart LifeAndy’s Smart Life – Getting Locked The Right Way – An Introduction To Smart Locks

In this episode I’ll talk about the pros and cons of smart locks. I’ll address some of the security concerns as well as point out that the idea is really not a new concept. I’ll go off on a little ramble about how some locks work and point out the differences in types of locks…
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WiFi Smart Power Strip Unboxing & Setup
by ambyrne
Andy's Smart LifeWiFi Smart Power Strip Unboxing & Setup

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FQdMq7GssU   In this quick unboxing I look at smart WiFi power strips. I’ve purchased several of these and they are quick and easy to use, but the possibilities are endless.   In this video I show the unboxing of a 4×4 Strip with 4 Plug Sockets and 4 USBs which can be controlled from…
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All That You Can Leave Behind - What I Carry in My Smart Life
by ambyrne
Andy's Smart LifeAndy’s Smart Life – All That You Can Leave Behind: What I Carry in My Smart Life

In a slight change of pace, I discuss the things that I do and don’t carry in my Smart Life. Using technology and simplifying my life, I’ve reduced the things that I have to keep in my pockets as well as the things I have to worry about. No, with a combination of smart and…
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Ring Door View Cam Quick Unboxing & Setup
by ambyrne
Andy's Smart LifeAndy’s Smart Life – Ring Door View Cam Quick Unboxing & Setup

In this video I unbox the new Ring Door View Cam, designed for apartments and homes where physically wiring a doorbell camera would not be possible. I quickly go through the unboxing of the device and install it on my apartment door. I’ll follow up with a review and discussion of the features and functions…
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Make Any Device 'Smart' With Simple To Use Smart Plugs
by ambyrne
Andy's Smart LifeAndy’s Smart Life – Make Any Device ‘Smart’ With Simple To Use Smart Plugs

This week I look at Smart Plugs and smart power strips. With these add-ons to your smart home, you can make even non-smart devices smart with the ability to switch on and off as well as set routines and timers using the SmartLife mobile app, or voice control with Amazon Echo or Google hub. I’ve…
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Andy's Smart Life - Get Started with Smart Lights & Get to Know Philips Hue
by ambyrne
Andy's Smart LifeAndy’s Smart Life – Get Started with Smart Lights & Get to Know Philips Hue

Go to the YouTube Channel here. In this video I will talk about smart lighting solutions and highlight the option that I’ve installed in my home, the Philips Hue lights. Although there are many companies producing smart lighting, Philips have probably the easiest setup and installation as well as a simple app which is user friendly…
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Andy’s Smart Life – Introduction & Echo Show 5 Quick Overview
by ambyrne
Andy's Smart LifeAndy’s Smart Life – Introduction & Echo Show 5 Quick Overview

Go to the YouTube Channel here. This is the first video in my new series called Andy’s Smart Life where I discuss smart technology, internet of things, taking control of your digital life and my efforts to make my life more fun and simplified through the use of gadgets and technology. In this first video…
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