It’s that time of the year again… figuring out New Year’s Eve. There aren’t many things I dread more than trying to make plans for this holiday. The older I get, the more toxic NYE becomes, but … it still can be fun! We’ve all had bad NYEs, but don’t let those bad apples ruin your holiday.
Do you want to turn your home or apartment into a fancy, voice-controlled “Smart Home” but don’t know where to start? If that’s sounds like you, or if you’re just curious as to what all the hype is about with Amazon Echo and Google Home, then follow me as I dig up the most versatile and cost-effective options on the market right now.
Note: all of the devices and systems that I will be detailing will have a focus on ease of setup and low cost, so that means wireless (mostly) and no subscription fees. Let’s dig!
One of the best things about the modern internet is its ability to take a good idea and immediately dilute it to the point of demonetization. I remember looking at Photoshop in High School and thinking “Wow, this looks really cool. I wish the home version didn’t cost $800.” In hindsight, it’s understandable; when you fill a specific niche and are perceived as uncontested, you have the freedom to charge what you want. Fast forward to the modern day and the picture is significantly altered (pause for yucks or maybe weak smiles). Photoshop now has to deal with some serious competitors, a number of which are completely free. Coincidentally, I have some (mild) experience with a couple of them! Lucky you, friend.
It’s December, which means that houses across the world put up massive displays of lights so that Santa will have visibility to land on their roofs. It’s been a few years since I’ve decorated, and with all of the recent improvements in the realm of the Internet of Things, I’ve found myself going the tech route to show my holiday spirit.
