Marlon Buchanan's Blog, page 6

SofaBaton X1S: Replace Your Harmony Remote

For a long time I was looking for the perfect universal remote. I saw universal remotes as the key to usability for my family and visitors as my home theater systems became

Why Learning AI For Personal Use Matters Now

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword reserved for tech experts and Silicon Valley innovators. It has permeated almost every aspect of our daily lives, from the smart home devices

Meross MSS315 Energy Monitoring Smart Plug Review

Smart plugs are the entry point for many people creating a smart home. Also, veteran smart homeowners employ smart plugs for various functions including energy management and remote operation of appliances, lamps,

7 Great Choices for OPNsense Hardware

OPNsense is great router software that is gaining in popularity. I run pfSense, but if I were building a router from scratch today, I might go with OPNsense because it is a

Decoding the Jargon: A Beginner’s Guide to Smart Home Terms

Have you ever been stumped by smart home terms? Here at HomeTechHacker, we aim to make technology simple. So, this article starts with the basics. In this article, we present common terms

The Art of DIY Home Network Troubleshooting

Navigating the complexities of home networks can be a daunting task for many, especially with the proliferation of devices and technologies in our homes. From sluggish internet connections to perplexing Wi-Fi dead

The Psychology of Cybersecurity: Understanding the Human Element

I write about cybersecurity frequently on this blog. All of us need to learn good personal cybersecurity practices. I have championed tools and services to help protect you from cybercriminals. However, despite

10 DIY Shelly Relay Projects You Should Try

The Shelly relay is the most versatile device in my smart home toolbox. But, how many things can you do with it around the smart home? The answer is more things than

Shelly Mini Gen3 Reviews: How Do They Compare?

Shelly is my favorite smart home product producer. You can build an entire smart home using only Shelly products. My favorite Shelly products are their smart relays, including the Shelly 1 and

The Evolution Of My Home Assistant Setup

I’ve been happily using Home Assistant for over five years now. And, although I keep somewhat up to date on Home Assistant alternatives, I haven’t seen the need to switch platforms. However,