Sensors

The Aqara FP300: A $50 mmWave Sensor That Actually Solves Presence Detection

Five sensors in 61 grams. The battery-powered Aqara FP300 combines mmWave presence detection with climate monitoring - and runs entirely local via Zigbee.

2026-02-226 min read

Smart Locks

The Aqara U400 Might Be the Best Matter Smart Lock You Can Buy in 2026

UWB hands-free unlocking, Matter over Thread, and on-device biometrics. The Aqara U400 sets a new bar for cloud-free smart locks at $269.99.

2026-02-226 min read

Lighting

Circadian Smart Recessed Lighting That Disappears: The Nanoleaf Essentials Matter Downlight

At $34.99 per fixture with CRI 90+, circadian automation, and Thread Router mesh networking, the Nanoleaf Essentials downlight makes whole-home tunable lighting practical.

2026-02-227 min read

Shading

Motorized Blinds in Dallas: How Smart Shades Cut Cooling Costs by 25%

SmartWings Zigbee shades start at $210 - a fraction of Lutron or Hunter Douglas - and the DOE says automated shading can cut cooling costs by 25%. Here is how we deploy them in DFW.

2026-02-227 min read