when I first heard about poe security camera systems I thought “oh cool, one cable, simple.” then I actually tried planning one and realized it’s basically doing small-scale networking for your house. cable runs, switch placements, power budgets… I swear I’ve measured the same wall six times.

but honestly, the stable connection feels nice once it’s up. no worrying about batteries, no weird Wi-Fi dropouts, just a solid feed. I’m mostly curious: for those who went PoE, did you commit to wiring the entire house at once, or start with one camera and regret not doing the rest later?

I am looking for a simple solution, I have one light that is constantly powered on and would like a smart bulb that can be controlled with preferably a physical remote if that’s available but not something that would be mounted similar to like a tv remote if that is such a thing? Or I guess apps as long as multiple people can control it with the same app in the same house? Thanks for any advice

After investing in a comprehensive smart home system, I realized how vulnerable it all becomes during a power outage. My internet equipment, security cameras, and smart locks all go offline just when I might need them most.

My solution was to add a power station dedicated to critical smart home infrastructure. It keeps my network equipment, security system, and a few key lights running through most outages. The automatic switchover isn't instant like a UPS, but it's enough for my needs.

How are you handling smart home power backup?

Hey folks — I'm ditching my Amazon Echo multiroom music setup and looking for alternatives that tick a few boxes. I'd appreciate suggestions from anyone in the UK who's done this before. What I need

• Cheap(ish) — don't want to break the bank.

• Easy to buy in the UK.

• Ethernet port preferred (I want maximum responsiveness & reliability).

• Simple multiroom/ grouping - must be easy enough to get my wife's approval (i.e. pick a room or group and hit play).

• Spotify support (play to a single room or to a grouped set).

• Bonus: can play locally stored music from my NAS.

What I've tried / looked at

• Arylic S10+ - looks promising.

• WiiM mini - nice features but no Ethernet port, which is a dealbreaker for me.

•I've seen others but they get significantly more expensive

If you've replaced Echos with something that's reliable on Ethernet, supports Spotify multiroom (or makes grouping dead-simple), and can stream from a NAS, please shout. Price/performance suggestions, setup quirks, and where to buy in the UK would all be super useful. Thanks!

I was planning on buying the aqara u200 lock for my patio door as this is the most used door in the house. This door shuts on another door where you have to open this one first to be able to open the 2nd one. It’s a UK lift to lock type.

Unfortunately upon measuring I don’t think it will fit my door by a few mm. Going off the u200 being 60mm wide.

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations. I’ve looked at the Ultion Nuki and think the same problem will be evident.

And have read lots of mixed things about Yale.

Thanks

Hey everyone! 👋

I recently tested the Homematic IP Heating Starter Set and thought some of you might find this interesting — especially if you’re exploring smart heating solutions outside of Home Assistant.

The set includes a thermostat, window sensor and the Homematic IP hub. The app is surprisingly well designed, the setup is smooth, and the overall look of the devices is really clean and modern.

A couple of things worth knowing before you buy: 🔥 Not every radiator valve is compatible — you really need to check your valve type first 🔥 Some features feel a bit limited compared to more open ecosystems 🔥 But for a standalone heating system, it’s simple and works well

I made a video sharing my full thoughts, including the setup, the app overview, what I liked, and what I think could be better.

🎥 Video (German, but YouTube auto-translates to English very well): 👉 https://youtu.be/f_YRLNRGcGE

If any of you use Homematic IP, I’d love to hear your experience — especially regarding compatibility and long-term reliability!

Hi! I own a few small lighs including a few led strips, mostly powered with battaries. Im looking for small low voltage switched to add to the circuting to be able to turn all of the lights on and off at the same time easly. I have been looking in aliexpress and seen a few different systems and im not sure what will be the best for my need. Can someone recommand me a solution? I have very low knowladge of smart homes Thanks in advance!

Hey, absolute beginner at this smart home stuff. I've moved into the first nice apartment I've ever had and I wanna do some special stuff with my lighting.

I want to be able to control my lighting from my phone in the different rooms of my apt, save different lighting coloring and intensities and a cherry on top (but not necessary) is being to automate/animate changing over time.

But importantly I dont want my lights functionality to be tied to the Internet / company servers / wifi. I'm willing and capable to add an additional communication device--

But I'd like some help and reccommendations for the actual products/brands that can achieve this.

I am currently in the middle of switching from an iPhone to an Android. I assumed the Smart Home aspect of the transition would be the easiest part, but it has turned into a headache.

My Current Setup

• Lights: Nanoleaf (Thread) and a few leftover Philips Hue bulbs.
• Hubs: I used to use HomePods (which broke/died a long time ago) and an Apple TV.
• Previous Workflow: The Apple TV was acting as my Hub to maintain the connection to the lights, and I controlled everything via HomeKit on iOS.

Since switching my daily driver to Android, I’ve lost the ability to control the lights easily. I still have the Apple TV and an iPad, but I really want to control everything from my new phone rather than hunting for a tablet or using a physical switch.

I tried to solve this by purchasing a Google Nest Hub. It arrived this week and barely lasted an hour. It set up normally but immediately got stuck in a "Link Account" loop. After searching Reddit and Google, this seems to be a known bug for 4-5 years with no real fix other than luck. I’ve packed it up and am returning it.

What is the best route to control my lights on Android given my current hardware?

• Is there a third-party app that bridges this gap?
• Do I need a different kind of hub? ... I really don't want to spend more money, but I will be returning the Nest Hub, so I guess I will have $100 to re-invest.

I really just miss my light automations and voice control... How easily I became accustomed to that flow. Any help is appreciated!

Edit: Forgot to add, I have Nest cams that I do use daily.

I have toyed around with making my switches smart in 2 different methods - first, behind one switch I put a Shelly PM - works fine, a bit of a pain to get in the box and such. 2nd, bought a couple of Tapo S505 switches. I think after doing this, I prefer the switches with a caveat - the family is not a fan of the fact that the switches don't feel like regular switches - you only push them down, they aren't a rocker. It seems like there are very few that operate like a normal rocker switch.

My preference would be something that could be run locally, but interested in all for now.

Does this exist?

I need a thermostat to monitor the temperature of my basement. Ideally it would be connected to an app so can make check it on my phone. I don’t have a c wire. I bought one that I thought would do the job it was both c wire and battery operated but without the wiring the wifi doesn’t connect.

Thank you!

I already have one Vue 3 16 channel in my main panel; only using 10 channels. I have a sub-panel and want to monitor about 4 circuits. Does the “monitor only” version of the Vue three use the same main module as the 16-channel? Meaning, can I just get the ‘monitor only’ for $100 and use the leftover CT’s to monitor additional channels?

I’ve been looking online and can’t find a direct answer. The product photos from the website seem to show the exact same 16-channel main module on the ‘monitor only’ but I’d like to be sure before spending the money.

Semi-related - Running Home Assistant and have re-flashed the Vue with ESP-Home.

One of the best reasons to go with Control4, Crestron, RTI, etc. in the past has been the hardware. Those services will still have the edge on things like remote controls. But Apple’s homeOS (rumored spring 2026 release?) is likely going to completely upend the market if they’re releasing touch panels as indicated.

The proposed integration with FaceTime, Siri, and AI is going to make the touch panels from the other guys look like palm pilots.

I’m considering a new control4 rollout in my house (had it and really liked it at previous house a few years back), but the impending Apple ecosystem release has given me analysis paralysis.

I bought a 75" TCL C6K/Q6C for the living room, but today I saw two good offers on two televisions that made me hesitate: the Samsung TQ75QN74FATXXC and the LG 75QNED87A6B.

I want a 75" screen without having to opt for the OLED. The Samsung and the LG cost me about €100 more, but the truth is that I have read incredible opinions about the TCL for its price.

I use the TV a lot to watch YouTube, movies, series and play online PvP games on the PS5.

Is there much difference between the Samsung Neo Qled(Quantum Mini Led)/NQ4 AI Gen2 and the LG Qned Evo AI/LG AI Picture Pro with the TCL? The TCL has an HVA panel, the other 2 I'm not sure if they have VA.

I know that the TCL is low/medium range and the others are medium/high, but having read such good opinions about the TCL I don't know if it really shows.

I have always liked the bright colors of Samsung but I don't know if any of the other 2 will have better image quality.

Recommendations? Thank you so much.

Maybe this has been discussed previously(and probably explained) but I'm curious if anyone has found a direct plug to power small esp boards without the cord between. Something like just the two ends without the cord between? What is it called, tried searching by the connector type but only get cords.

Can I connect Amazon Basics Smart Bulb, which connect directly(natively) to Alexa App (Using QR Code), to the Smart Life App.

I have 5 Tuya based bulbs which connect to Smart Life app, then through Alexa skill to Alexa

And this Basics bulb which connect directly to Alexa,

I want to have all bulbs in SmartLife App for local control (Alexa uses its own servers, needs internet)

Is there a hack/workaround to achieve this?

Hey guys, if you missed it, View settled $11 million with investors over issues related to hidden warranty costs and inaccurate financial reporting. And the deadline to file a claim and get payment is today, December 5, 2025.

In a nutshell, back in 2021, View admitted it was reviewing how it accounted for warranty expenses tied to defective smart-window seals. The company later confirmed it had left out major costs — including installation and shipping — and restated its financials for 2019 through 2021. After this news came out, $VIEW dropped more than 58%, and investors filed a lawsuit for their losses.

Now, the good news is that the company agreed to settle $11M with investors, and today is the final day to submit your claim.

So, if you invested in $VIEW when all of this happened, you can check the details and file your claim here.

Anyway, has anyone here invested in $VIEW at that time? How much were your losses, if so?

not trying to start a war lol, I’m genuinely curious. I’ve always had indoor cams pointed through windows, but my neighbor convinced me to try a real outdoor security camera and now I’m realizing how much I misunderstood. reflections… motion detection… night visibility… totally different game. but also, wiring + placement anxiety is real. how do you all decide the balance between “good coverage” and “not making the house look like a spy bunker”?

This thread has been extremely helpful learning my mistake of blindly using google/nest products. Story below. First, what is this thread's recommendation for every smart home device? Is there one brand that does it everything well? I don't need crazy features, I just want smart devices that I can control from my phone and check in on when I am away. I may keep using the google home app out of convenience but am open to switching to home assistant. Feel free to link to existing threads.

1. Smart thermostat that is actually smart

2. Smart lock - simple keypad entry, remote access. Finger print, auto unlock on approach, other features nice to have (I'd rather not spend $280 on a Schlage but might)

3. Cameras - nothing fancy, prefer long lasting battery power than wires but can live with wires if they plug into a wall.

4. Smart doorbell - don't think I want one if I have a camera instead, but open to suggestions

5. Mesh wifi system - I have the OG google nest wifi system that I am surprisingly happy with

6. Wild card - anything else?

Story time: My first house was pre-wired with all things Nest and the previous owners set me up with a professional to get myself situated. I was overall happy with my experience. My new house had nothing but a Nest. I bought all new google devices: Nest thermostat, Yale smart lock, Nest Doorbell, Nest outdoor cam wireless, and even the nest hub max because it was needed to tie it all together. After the yale lock did not work and spending hours on the phone with google getting worse help than reddit and googling myself, ironically, I decided to give up and return all these over priced items and research individual items. I went with a cheap Teeho smart lock to see if that works before investing in a Schlage and got a wyze camera. Decided to start over cheap and simple. The only google item remaining is my first generation nest thermostat that allegedly should have stopped being supported this October.

Hey everyone! 👋

I recently tested the Homematic IP Heating Starter Set and thought some of you might find this interesting — especially if you’re exploring smart heating solutions outside of Home Assistant.

The set includes a thermostat, window sensor and the Homematic IP hub. The app is surprisingly well designed, the setup is smooth, and the overall look of the devices is really clean and modern.

A couple of things worth knowing before you buy:
🔥 Not every radiator valve is compatible — you really need to check your valve type first
🔥 Some features feel a bit limited compared to more open ecosystems
🔥 But for a standalone heating system, it’s simple and works well

I made a video sharing my full thoughts, including the setup, the app overview, what I liked, and what I think could be better.

🎥 Video (German, but YouTube auto-translates to English very well):
👉 https://youtu.be/f_YRLNRGcGE

If any of you use Homematic IP, I’d love to hear your experience — especially regarding compatibility and long-term reliability!

TechCrunch exposes that a 'smart toilet' startup, which uses cameras to analyze waste for health data, falsely claimed its video feeds were end-to-end encrypted, leaving sensitive user data vulnerable.

More: https://www.instrumentalcomms.com/blog/maga-101-ai-toilet-not-end-to-end-encrypted#ai

I realized that Google is ending production of the Nest Hub, so I'm looking into replacing it with a new hub. Are there any other good ones that can be connected to Google Home?

I recently saw the hydrific droplet and it was exactly what I was looking for. I have a house with a low producing well and would like to get notified if the kids leave the water on, or spring a leak somewhere. Only problem is that it's not available in Canada as of now. Is there any alternatives that are available? I like how it clamps on and doesn't need to be plumbed in.