Category Archives: Andy’s Smart Life
by ambyrne 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…
Read More …
by ambyrneI’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…
Read More …
by ambyrneControlling 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…
Read More …
by ambyrneOver 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…
Read More …
by ambyrne 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…
Read More …
by ambyrne 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…
Read More …
by ambyrneIn 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…
Read More …
by ambyrnehttps://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…
Read More …
by ambyrneIn 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…
Read More …
by ambyrneIn 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…
Read More …
by ambyrneThis 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…
Read More …
by ambyrneGo 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…
Read More …
by ambyrneGo 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…
Read More …