Smart Home

An interesting article in The New York Times this morning talks about problems some home buyers have had with Internet of Things devices installed by previous owners ("Unwanted Connection: Who Has Control of Your Smart Home?"). While there is some guidance out there, it isn't typically part of the closing process to make sure control of such devices is transferred to a new owner at closing.

Overall, I like the IoT and using wi-fi to control things in the house. They're easier to set up and manage than traditional timers for lights, and you can check-in on things while away. Most of what we have is not hardwired in and will likely leave with us, but there are a few things that will stay. Those are noted here in the interest of not forgetting something ... (this list will be updated as necessary)

• Nest thermostat
• Nest Protect smoke detectors (not hardwired, but still) on each floor
• Kasa wi-fi light switch in the basement (for the light above the back door)

The portable devices include multiple wi-fi enabled plugs (not hardwired), the string lights under the deck, the leak detectors in the basement and kitchen, color-changing LEDs in Q's room, and several Alexa-enabled devices (Dot, Echo, Glow, ...). And then there's the SmartDry device that made our "dumb" dryer smart ... at least until the company decided to end support, effectively bricking it.