automation
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Home Assistant's 2026.11 update is packed with features and a brand new Marketplace
As Home Assistant users, we’re spoiled by the project’s clockwork release cycle that sees a new major release arrive every…
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Node-RED is used to create escape rooms—here's why I use it for my smart home
Node-RED is a visual programming tool that allows you to create complex automations without having to write code. It can…
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I gave my smart home a snooze button so it stops fighting me
I’m a firm believer that the perfect smart home should work almost completely automatically, without any need for pushing buttons,…
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Connecting Excel to these 4 tools saved me from doing the busywork myself
Excel already has plenty of jobs. It organizes information, crunches numbers, and keeps track of things, but there comes a…
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5 hidden ESP32 project costs I forgot when I bought the cheap board
An ESP32 development board can cost just a few dollars, making it a popular choice for DIY projects such as…
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Home Assistant makes more sense when you set up these 5 plugins
One of the best things about Home Assistant is how customizable it is. Instead of installing a huge piece of…
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5 ways flashing existing smart home devices makes ESP32 projects easier
I put off trying ESP32 projects for a long time because I assumed they would be complicated and time-consuming, and…
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I put NFC tags on my appliances so I could stop searching for their manuals
I have a lot of appliance manuals that I’ve collected over the years. They rarely need looking at, but when…
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5 powerful smart home automations that require nothing but a motion sensor
Motion sensors are popular smart home devices. They’re relatively cheap and simple to set up, but often people only use…
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I hate smart home appliances, so I built these Home Assistant automations instead
Overpriced home appliances with lackluster smarts are a pet peeve of mine. I’d never upgrade a perfectly functioning fridge or…