Smart Home Posts

Are you just starting to get into home automation, and you’re looking for some guidance on how to get started with your smart home? Or, maybe you’re a home automation pro looking for some cool tricks or some inspiration for your next project.

Either way, you’ve come to the right place.

Hi, I’m Nathan Kinkead. Here at KinkeadTech.com, I’ve documented much of my own journey for the automated home so that I can hopefully help others out there who are trying to do the same thing.

I’ved used the Vera Z-Wave home automation system used to be the best bang for your buck in my opinion.  Since then, I’ve switched to Samsung SmartThings and am having a lot of fun with that.

I am also a big fan of Kodi (formerly XBMC), I’m a hardcore Android user, and I’m an Xbox One gamer. Be sure to check out several of my home automation posts where I have built integration between all of these things to tie them all together!  Z-Wave + Kodi + Android + Xbox One = Awesome.

If you have any question or would like some help with your particular situation, be sure to leave a comment or hit up the community forum. Thanks!

Ring Video Doorbell: 4 Things You Really Need to Know

Ring Video Doorbell 2
In this post, I'll share 4 important things that everyone should know about the Ring Video Doorbell whether you're a new owner or considering buying one.Continue reading Ring Video Doorbell: 4 Things You Really Need to Know

SmartThings Now Works Without Internet (Local Processing)

Samsung just released a SmartThings update that finally supports local processing of Smart Home Monitor and most Z-Wave and Zigbee lights and switches.Continue reading SmartThings Now Works Without Internet (Local Processing)

Smart Home Tip: Motion Sensing Lights Only When It’s Dark

How to use a multisensor with SmartThings to automatically turn on lights when you walk through a room, but only when they're needed.Continue reading Smart Home Tip: Motion Sensing Lights Only When It’s Dark

Ecovacs Deebot M80 Pro Robot Vacuum Review

See how one of Amazon's more highly rated and least expensive robot vacuums, Ecovacs Deebot M80 Pro, fared compared to the industry standard iRobot Roomba.Continue reading Ecovacs Deebot M80 Pro Robot Vacuum Review

Cameras That Work Best With Samsung SmartThings Hub

In this post, I'll show you which cameras work best with the Samsung SmartThings hub, and what you can do with these smart cameras. My favorite is...Continue reading Cameras That Work Best With Samsung SmartThings Hub

Google Home Can Go Shopping For You

Google Home has a new feature... it can go shopping for you. You can ask your Google Assistant to buy something and it will order it for you.Continue reading Google Home Can Go Shopping For You

Hey Google, Turn On the Xbox – Google Home, IFTTT, Harmony Integration

In this tutorial, I'm going to tell you how to control a Logitech Harmony Home Hub to turn on your Xbox by simply speaking a command to Google Home.Continue reading Hey Google, Turn On the Xbox – Google Home, IFTTT, Harmony Integration

Samsung SmartThings vs Vera – Why I Switched

I've used Vera home automation hub extensively in the past, recently switched to Samsung SmartThings hub, and love it!  Here's why.Continue reading Samsung SmartThings vs Vera – Why I Switched

How to Make a Drop Down TV Lift System

Learn how to install a TV lift system to conceal your TV when not in use to save space or to improve the look of your home and add that wow factor.Continue reading How to Make a Drop Down TV Lift System

Z-Wave Motor Control – Motorized Window and Skylight Openers

In most of the smart homes today, AZ actuators are used as home automation gadgets on windows to aid in their vertical and horizontal movement. The Z-Wave motor control is a new gadget used in systems that are automatized in domestic applications such as motorized window openers. Z-Wave can be used as an interface to control […]Continue reading Z-Wave Motor Control – Motorized Window and Skylight Openers