Latest news with #Kasa
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Buzz Feed
The Tech Purchase That Made My Life 1,000 Times Easier
I don't remember exactly why I bought my first Kasa smart plug. According to my Amazon history, it was May 9, 2021, and I can't remember what I was doing then except spending lots of time at home. But I do know this: I don't want to remember life without one. Or 10. They're so good, so helpful, so useful, that now I have 10. Why did I go from zero to 10, and why should you? Turning every outlet in your home into one you can control by app or voice assistant opens up a world of possibilities. I have houseplants under grow lights in darker corners of my home, and can turn those on and off even if I'm halfway around the world. I can put them on a schedule when I travel, but still turn that schedule off if someone needs to stay in my apartment. I can leave an appliance running, and turn it off while running errands. I can use my smart plugs for Christmas lights, or to make it appear someone is home for safety. I have a bedroom air purifier set to turn on one hour before my usual bedtime and to turn off in the morning, right as my living room air purifier is scheduled to turn on (doing this with a coffee maker or fan is an absolute no-brainer). All this automation might sound complicated or technically intimidating, but I promise it's easier than you could dream possible. All you have to do is plug one in, push a button to connect it to your WiFi, add it to the phone app, and live your life. In the more than two years I've been using these every day, I've never had an issue with dropped connections or an inability to find WiFi. The Kasa app is straightforward, and if you prefer, you can simply use Alexa or Google Home instead (or both). (Amazon has a new and compact Alexa-enabling Echo Pop smart speaker, if you don't have a voice control system set up.) One thing I love most about the Kasa mini smart plugs is that if you only use one, it's small enough to leave the other socket in your outlet free without covering it up or making it impossible to plug something else in. Kasa also makes their smart plug in a weather-ready outdoor power cord form, which is great for Halloween displays, Christmas lights or landscape lighting, or as indoor power strips for which each outlet can be controlled individually (I have one of those, too, plugged in behind a piece of furniture I never want to move). The Kasa weather-resistant outdoor smart plug has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon. You can check out every type they offer. With the Kasa smart plug power strip, you can control each socket individually with your phone or voice. Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in an outdoor version for $17.99 and an indoor power strip for $43.99).
Tom's Guide
24-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Huge Amazon device sale for Memorial Day — 15 deals I recommend shopping
Memorial Day sales are here — and if you're looking to stock up on smart home essentials, Amazon has the deals just for you. Whether you're wanting to upgrade your streaming set up, go paperless when reading your favorite books or add some extra security to your space, Amazon's Memorial Day sale is offering unbeatable deals on its best-selling devices. From smart displays to security cameras, you really can't go wrong when purchasing these popular devices — especially now that they're up to 50% off. We're talking deals on Blink security cameras, Fire TV Sticks, Echo speakers, Kindles and more starting at just $8. Keep scrolling to check out all my favorite smart home picks from Amazon. Plus, don't miss our larger Amazon Memorial Day sales guide and our Amazon promo codes roundup. This Kasa Smart Light Bulb displays are conveniently compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. Adjust the brightness from 1% to 100%. You can even dim them for a DIY sunrise alarm, scheduling them to brighten in the morning gradually and slowly dim down after sunset to kickstart a sleeping routine. The standard Fire TV Stick is no more. It's now the Fire TV Stick HD and at just $19 it's a bargain. If you don't have a 4K television, it's the ideal choice offering access to all your favorite streaming services and a voice-controlled remote. We'd still advise most people to opt for the 4K Max model, but if you don't have a 4K TV this is the streaming stick for you. The Blink Mini 2 is Blink's new indoor and outdoor security camera. It's weatherproof and comes with several useful features like color night vision, person detection and an easy-to-use companion app. We noted in our Blink Mini 2 review that it didn't have the best sound quality, but if you want a cheap security camera with Alexa integration, you can't go wrong here. Amazon's compact smart speaker packs Alexa features into a space-saving design. The Echo Pop delivers clear audio for music and podcasts, while still handling all your usual voice commands. Good for nightstands or desks where space is tight, and the semi-sphere design looks cleaner than typical smart speakers. The new Fire TV Stick 4K (2024) sports an upgraded 1.7GHz quad-core processor that's 30% more powerful than the previous model. In our Amazon Fire TV stick 4K review, we praised its 4K video quality for a budget price. Features include Dolby Vision/HDR10/HDR10+/HLG support, Wi-Fi 6 support and a Live TV guide button on the remote. You also get Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos support to improve your streaming audio. This is one of the best streaming devices available. In our Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max review, we praised its snappy performance, 4K Ultra HD streaming at 60fps with HDR, WiFi 6 support and the included Alexa Voice Remote. Don't pass up the chance to get it at this price. At just $54, the best value Ring Video Doorbell got even better. The newest of Ring's doorbells has head-to-toe video and package detection. You can't replace its battery, but it's a fantastic option at this price. This bundle gets you a Blink Outdoor 4 Camera and a Blink Floodlight Mount for 50% off. This wireless setup runs entirely on battery so it can be placed on virtually any surface without existing floodlight wiring. It's perfect for use in dark areas like on a shed or the side of your home. The Kids edition of the Echo Show 5 includes 1 year of Amazon Kids Plus, a subscription service that provides access to kid-friendly shows, books, music and more. You can also use parental controls to manage how your children use the device. Otherwise, the Echo Show 5 Kids is a great smart display that lets you make video calls to approved contacts, get help with homework, watch videos and more. The Fire TV Soundbar is a great cheap option to boost your Fire TV's audio. It supports DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, plus Bluetooth connectivity so it won't hog a valuable HDMI port. There's no Dolby Atmos, but that's understandable at this low price. In our Amazon Fire TV Cube review, we loved this Fire TV device for its speedy performance and easy-to-use interface. It also comes with an Ethernet port, USB-A, and HDMI-in. It's the best Fire TV device yet, combining best-in-class speed with a new remote and an extra HDMI port for device jugglers. It's just tough to justify the extra cost versus the Fire TV Stick 4K Max for less than half the price. This Ring floodlight camera has a 1080p camera, two LED floodlights that deliver 2000 lumens, and a built-in 105-dB siren. Unlike the pricier Ring Floodlight Cam Pro, it lacks 5GHz Wi-Fi, HDR, and +3D Motion Detection, but will otherwise give you a good, clear image. And, it's $60 off its regular price! The Fire Max 11 tablet is the best Fire tablet you can buy. It has a bright 11-inch 2K (2000 x 1200) display, 2.2GHz octa-core Mediatek MT8188J CPU, 4GB RAM, and 8MP cameras on the front and back. USB-C charging and a MicroSD card slot are also included. In our Fire Max 11 review we called it Amazon's new top-tier Fire tablet. The Blink Outdoor 4 is one of the most popular models for keeping tabs on what's happening outside of the home. With this bundle, you'll get four fully wireless security cameras that shoot crisp 1080p video both inside and outdoors for up to two years straight. The security camera earned our Editor's Choice award and is one of the best home security cameras we've tested. The all-new Kindle Colorsoft is available in a bundle that includes the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB), a plant-based leather cover, and a wireless charging dock. By bundling these items together, you'll spend $40 less when compared to buying each item separately.
USA Today
23-05-2025
- USA Today
These smart gadgets can enhance your at-home experience
These smart gadgets can enhance your at-home experience Show Caption Hide Caption How to clean your phone, laptop safely Get the dirty fingerprints, crumbs and more off of your tech with these simple cleaning tips. Nearly 65 years ago, the popular animated sitcom "The Jetsons" burst onto the airwaves, giving us a glimpse into the future of smart homes and other high-tech gadgets. With visions of things such as flying cars and fully automated homes, these futuristic concepts seemed far-fetched at the time. A quarter-century into the new millennium, some of the devices seen in the series have found their way into our reality. As flying cars make their way to market and Waymo self-driving cars currently transport people in select U.S. cities, it's clear technology is rapidly evolving before our eyes. We've entered an era of readily available products and appliances that make home life a breeze, and often with a simple verbal command or touch on your smartphone. According to Parks Associates, a longstanding market research brand, 45 percent of households in the United States with internet have at least one smart home product and 18 percent of households have six or more. If you've been considering adding a few smart gadgets to your home, here's a curated list of some of the market's best products. From high-tech thermostats and AI-enabled refrigerators to colorful LED lights that work at your voice's command, these gadgets will certainly make your home feel more futuristic: Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Voted one of the best options on the market by "PCMag" and "The New York Times," this plug has the ability to take your regular gadgets from basic to smart with little to no effort. Plus, it's compatible with major home hubs like Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home. Have you ever dreamed of being able to control the fan in your room while you're sleeping, without having to do so manually? With smart plugs such as this, you can not only put most of your gadgets on a timer, but you can operate them via your smartphone or by voice as well. $41.99 for a four-pack, Ring Battery Doorbell Cam Long gone are the days of having to get up every time your doorbell rings or missing a delivery when you're not home. With the introduction of doorbell cameras, such as Ring's, we've entered a new era of home security and monitoring. This brand is loved because you can not only see who's at the door from a compatible device, but you can reply or set auto replies, too. You can even pair it with the Ring-branded security system that offers 24/7 professional monitoring as an add-on, giving added peace of mind even while away on vacation. $59.99, Google Nest Learning Thermostat Now in its fourth generation, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat has been a go-to for homeowners since launching more than a decade ago. Controlled manually or via the Google Home app on your smartphone, the device picks up on your preferred temperature settings over time and automatically adjusts even when you aren't home. With the help of AI, the newest iteration of the Adaptive Eco feature is also able to determine the right settings for optimal energy saving, which often means lower energy bills for you as well. $239.99, ROKU Plus Series Smart TV Smart televisions have truly revolutionized the game. ROKU's Plus Series is not only equipped with a QLED screen and preloaded with popular streaming platforms, but the TV can be controlled by your voice using the accompanying remote. This means you can play your favorite show by simply speaking, or even find the remote if it gets lost. The Plus Series models are compatible with most major smart home hubs such as Alexa and Google Home and can be paired with other ROKU-branded products, too. Starting at $398 for a 55-inch model, Philips A19 LED Smart Color-Changing Light Bulb The Phillips A19 LED bulb is reasonably priced and has a range of colors perfect for any mood. The light can be controlled via voice through your smart home hub, or you can activate it through the WiZ app from your smartphone. $12.97 for a 60-watt bulb, LG 16H Prime Home Backup Battery Though not 'smart' in the sense of the other products mentioned, home backup batteries are among the things you didn't know you needed, until you actually do. Essentially a new-age generator, these high-powered energy sources provide the necessary output to keep your home running, especially in the event of a power outage. This particular model is touted as being designed with the average homeowner's needs in mind, meaning it's not overly complicated to use, has just the right amount of power for everyday needs like running an air conditioner while also being affordable in comparison to similar models on the market. $3,999,
CNET
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- CNET
Amazon Deals of the Day: Keep Your Car Safe During Memorial Day Road Trips With a RedTiger Dash Cam Now Almost 50% Off
Amazon sells tons of products, with new ones arriving daily. The retail giant carries everything from home essentials to tech gear and wellness items. As much as it loves adding new products, Amazon also loves cutting prices. Deciding which deals are worth grabbing (and which aren't) is a full-time job -- our job, specifically. That's why we scope out the top deals for you. Today, we found the RedTiger F7N Pro dash cam down to it's lowest price ever, saving you over $80. We also found a two-pack of the Kasa smart plugs knocked down to just $12 each. And lastly, we spotted the ThermoMaven smart meat thermometer for almost 40% off. With Memorial Day practically here, many of us are planning out some road trips we might be taking this holiday weekend and even throughout the summer. Sure, we protect our homes when we leave with security cameras and smart locks but what about our cars? A dash cam is a great way to have video evidence, incase of an unfortunate accident. Redtiger makes some pretty affordable dash cams, and now the F7N Pro model is seeing an $81 discount. This dash cam deal is a solid find, as this model has a front and back camera with 4K resolution, plus a parking monitor and a built-in GPS. It's also equipped with night vision so if you're out at night, don't worry, the camera will still record everything you need. It even comes with a 64GB card so you can keep all the footage the camera records. Normally priced at $190, now's your chance to get one for $109, a record-low price. Amazon's Memorial Day sale is also slashing prices on smart home gear. This includes the TP-Link Kasa smart plugs, our favorite affordable smart plugs of 2025. These plugs let you control your power usage, saving you money on your energy bill. Through the app, you can create schedules, set timers, schedules and turn the plugs off and on. They make a great addition to your smart home devices, regardless of if you use Apple Home, Google Home or Alexa. These smart plugs do not require a hub either. Simply connect the plugs to your phone and you're good to go. A two-pack is normally $40 but right now you can grab the pack for just $24, netting each one for just 12 bucks. Plus, it's only $4 more than the record-low price we saw during Black Friday last year. If you're planning on having a barbecue or grilling this Memorial Day weekend, a meat thermometer should be an essential. Grilling or cooking your meat to the correct internal temperature will help you make sure the meat is safe to consume and it helps give you the best bite, too. The ThermoMaven wireless smart meat thermometer is a great choice. It is wireless and uses Bluetooth to send information and alerts to your phone. This meat thermometer has a pretty large range of 3,000 feet in unobstructed environments and 700 feet in obstructed environments. Plus, it has an LED screen so you can read the temp right on the thermometer or on your phone. Its accuracy is also NIST certified, so you know what you're reading is correct. Usually, it runs about $80, but you can save $30 right now, bringing it down to $50. With so many deals on Amazon, deciding which ones are worth your money can be difficult. But CNET combs through what the world's largest online retailer has to offer and gathers the best deals for you.
Buzz Feed
21-05-2025
- Buzz Feed
9 Home Security Products To Offer Peace Of Mind
When you're looking ahead to plan the itinerary for a trip, pack and make sure you're on the road in time, you should also take a moment to think about the home you're leaving behind. Keeping your place secure — and taking small steps to make outsiders think you're still home — can ward off possible intruders and protect your belongings or any pets that might still be in the house. From security cameras you can check on your phone to smart lights you can time to turn on at random moments, there are plenty of home security items that are easy to install and operate for peace of mind. Even better, a bunch of these smart devices can also provide major convenience when you do happen to be at home. Below, check out some of our picks so you're not worried about what you might return home to after your trip. A set of Kasa smart plugs to remotely control lights in the house Our readers — and editors! — love Kasa smart plugs for the convenience they provide: You can turn appliances and lights on and off remotely using a voice assistant or the Kasa app and you can set schedules so that you're not wasting energy. But they also come in hand for safety. Using the app's "away" feature, you can set the lights to turn on periodically at random times while you're away so it looks like someone is home. The smart plugs come in packs of three or four and are compatible with Alexa and Google review: "These Kasa products are so easy to set up and use. Download Kasa App. Plug them in and wait for the flashing light. Connect to wifi and that's it. I have 9 in my house for lamps upstairs and down and in my kids bedrooms so I can turn off whatever they didn't. Once connected, they can be moved from one outlet to another. I use these when on vacation or away over night to randomly turn on/off lights. I gave some to my mother and mother-in-law for their safety. I would recommend these to everyone. I also bought and wired outlets and light switches. I do not use with Alexa or Google so I cannot report on their ease of use." —taylor brownGet a four-pack from Amazon for $24.99 (also available in two other pack sizes). A Ring battery doorbell with a video camera A Ring video doorbell can help you stay informed of what's happening outside your place, from unexpected visitors to packages getting delivered (though if you're away for long, you should probably hold your mail so it doesn't pile up and make it clear to potential intruders that you're gone). The doorbell has a camera with head-to-toe video and lets you hear and speak to anyone who rings the bell from your phone. You'll also get alerts when motion is detected at your door. The Ring comes in two review: "I adore my Ring doorbell! I live alone in an apartment, and I appreciate that it notifies me anytime someone is walking by. This feature can be turned off, but I like it. Also, lots of cute preset "away" messages if someone rings it and you don't answer. The video quality is 10/10, the sound quality is easy to hear, and the motion detectors can be adjusted in terms of sensitivity. So far, I've had it mounted to my door for a month and the battery is still going strong. Lots of features and high quality materials." —Mara McDonaldGet it from Amazon for $54.99. A smart, keyless lock with a deadbolt If you don't already have a deadbolt on your front door, the added security it provides over a standard lock is worth it. Make things easier by choosing a smart, keyless deadbolt lock like this one: You can set a different user code for different members of the household (up to 20), create one-time codes for people who do need access while you're away (like maintenance workers) and eliminate the need for a key that an intruder could find and codes are also anti-peeping, meaning if you're wary that someone might be watching you enter the code for later reference, you can type random numbers before and after to throw them off. The lock auto-locks, takes just minutes to install and comes in three it from Amazon for $32.78+ (available in three colors). A fake rock to hide spare keys where intruders can't find them If the lock to your front door does require a key, you may keep a spare somewhere outside in case you lose yours. That's fine, but you'll want to get creative with where you hide it (in other words, don't just put it in the mailbox). This fake rock is hollow inside and the bottom slides shut to keep spare keys safe. Like a real rock, it can withstand harsh weather (though you'll probably want to put the key in a resealable bag first), and if your house has lots of other surrounding rocks or landscape, it can blend right review: "Got this to stash my house key for my pet sitters while I was away on a trip. Works great. It's a little obvious if you leave it out in plain sight so make sure you put it somewhere a little more hidden." —DannyGet it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in two styles). This gadget that can make your old blinds smart for remote control In addition to turning lights on and off periodically, you can also open and shut your blinds on occasion to add to the illusion that someone's home. Instead of replacing your blinds for smart ones, though, you can simply retrofit this little gadget to make your blinds able to be opened and shut using remote control. It works with most blinds that have a tilt wand — refer to the product images for more specific parameters. The blind tilt is powered by a solar panel that can charge it for up to eight months of continuous use, and reviewers say it's simple to review: "Works perfectly with blinds. This will be my 7th purchase. Have been using them over a year and they're awesome. Excellent for going on vacation and making it look like you're home. Works with Echo Show and responds to voice commands." —JimmyGet it from Amazon for $69.99. A pair of outdoor security cameras powered by solar energy While something like the Ring doorbell needs to be at the front of your house or apartment for obvious reasons, these outdoor solar cameras can be placed elsewhere on the outside of the house to give you a fuller view of the surroundings. The cameras are powered by solar panels you can install separately and run on just two hours of daily direct sunlight, so you never need to charge them. With the cameras, you can see live feeds on your phone, receive alerts of detected activity and use the built-in spotlight and alarm system to ward off intruders. Each camera's wide-angle lens has a 166-degree it from Amazon for $179.97+ (available in three styles). Plus these mini Blink indoor security cameras You don't just want to see what's happening outside your home while you're away — you'll want to be able to see if anything happens inside, too. These Blink mini cameras have 1080P video so you can get a clear view of your home. They're also equipped with motion detection, night vision and two-way audio so you can talk to pets or any visitors that might be at your place while you're gone. The cameras work with Alexa for remote control and connect via USB cables for easy installation. You can get them in black or two from Amazon for $49.99 (also available in other pack sizes). This programmable timer with a random "vacation mode" If having a ton of products that control all the devices in your home feels overwhelming, that's totally understandable. You can use this no-frills programmable timer that allows you to plug in up to two devices — say, a couple lamps you have right by the front window. The timer lets you set and automate programs for up to seven days. Choose the "vacation mode" for the timer to randomly turns connected lights on and off to make it look like someone's review: "This timer works well. The programming instructions seemed a bit overly detailed at first, but once I followed them step by step, the process became easier. I selected the random on/off timing function and plugged two table lamps into the timer, tested it a few nights before my out of town trip, and it worked perfectly. The random function varies the on/off time by 30 minutes. Your lamp(s) will most likely have an on/off switch or on/off pull chain. Remember to turn the lamp's switch (or pull chain) to the "on" position after plugging the lamp's power cord into the timer, so that the timer controls when the light will actually turn on or off." —AndiGet it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in five styles). The Ring Alarm Pro 8-piece security system The Ring Alarm Pro includes four contacts sensors for windows and doors, and will alert you through the Ring app if someone tries to open any of them. That's in addition to a motion detector, alarm range extender, base and keypad. The whole system is powered by WiFi and easy to install because the router is built in. The system is also compatible with Alexa for even more review: "I feel so much safer as a single mom with babies knowing when my doors and windows are being opened or when there's motion in my hallway or when I'm away with the kids has brought me such a peace of mind!! I had Maintence men coming into my apartment to complete work orders at 7am while I was in the shower!!!! And they just came right into the house! I had to get special approval to install this in my apartment but once they saw it doesn't prevent them from using their own keys they were okay with it!" —RhiannonGet it from Amazon for $299.99.
