jailoliv's stats
- Review count323
- Helpfulness votes445
- First reviewOctober 11, 2014
- Last reviewMay 3, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.4
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- Answer count7
- Helpfulness votes6
- First answerNovember 5, 2016
- Last answerDecember 11, 2017
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Showcase video adventures in Full HD with this 24.5-inch HP Omen gaming display. Its 144Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time let you play fast-action games seamlessly, and it has HDMI, DisplayPort and USB 3.0 ports for versatile connectivity. This HP Omen gaming display has a built-in headphone hook for easy organization.
Customer Rating
4
Very Good Performance
on June 22, 2017
Posted by: jailoliv
from Medford, OR
I have an HP Omen Desktop and my main complaint about it was that action games seemed to respond slow on the screen with some blur, especially during fast scenes. I blamed the graphics card until I tried this HP Omen 25 monitor. Lesson learned: a gaming computer also needs a good gaming monitor like this one that responds at 1 ms with a refresh rate of 144Hz. Images look good even in low lighting.
Nice to have two USB 3 ports. I used the DisplayPort which is the recommendation for Ultra high resolution but the included HDMI ports will do just do fine for the Omen 25 since it tops at 1080p.
One of the pros of this monitor is that it is AMD FreeSync compatible which makes games look even smoother and responsive but at the same time that feature only works with AMD graphics cards. My experience with a NVIDIA card was still very good but I know it could have been even better if it was AMD.
I installed the My Display Software from the CD and tried to use the calibration tool. Unfortunately, the software crashed every time. I ended up using NVIDIA tools to calibrate it as much as I could. Here's hoping HP will release an update soon.
Its stand cannot be adjusted to raise or lower it. I use a secondary monitor which is adjustable and I had to lower it against my will to match the height of the Omen 25. On the other hand, it can tilt which may be useful under some situations.
All the issues described above contributed to my 4-star rating but they are minor considering the affordability and the very good performance of this monitor. It is great for games and video editing up to 1080p.
My Best Buy number: 0555967896
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
6of 9voted this as helpful.
This is more than just a speaker - it's a journey. Starting from the very basic elements of sound and speakers, your children will build a deeper understanding as they move toward assembling their Speaker Cube. At every step, exploration is encouraged and curiosity is rewarded.
Customer Rating
5
Really Worth It!
on May 27, 2017
Posted by: jailoliv
from Medford, OR
I gave this BOSEbuild Speaker Cube to my 8-year-old daughter who was completely engaged the minute she opened the box. The only help she needed was to download the app on her iPad and pair the controller to Bluetooth. She went through the tutorial and put it together by herself with no support. That is, until my 17-year-old and I became engaged which happened when we realized how much fun she was having. I can't deny all of us had a blast playing with it and her.
It comes with a magnet and a coil which you attach to a controller which then interfaces with the iPad app. You can do experiments and learn about magnetic fields, frequency and so on. The coil can behave as a small rocket that is launched with the app and can be taped to any cardboard box or other objects which then become speakers. A few other things you can do with this coil and magnet. Pretty cool.
Then there is also the fun of building a real speaker cube - hence the name - with the included speaker, controller, plastic sides and templates to decorate. A truly magical moment to see my daughter enjoying so much something that she build herself while learning.
The built-in LED lights can change colors and dance to the sound of music with infinite number of customization that your child can do by themselves. It sounds very good too.
Much more than a toy and a learning tool. Even I learned that children and many teens can hear some high frequency sounds that none of the grown ups can. I was amazed that they could hear it even from another room while my wife and I could not hear it although it was in our hands and we all have good hearing.
An enjoyable project that was enough depth that she really learned something but shallow enough that she stayed engaged and very excited. Although its target is children, parents will enjoy playing too.
I highly recommend this product.
My Best Buy number: 0555967896
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Enjoy optimal sound clarity from the Pure Digital Drive system of these Audio-Technica wireless over-ear headphones. You can easily answer calls or control the volume with the built-in microphone and tap controls. These Audio-Technica wireless over-ear headphones hold a charge for up to 15 hours to get you through long playlists.
Customer Rating
3
Great Sound Quality with Flaws
on May 26, 2017
Posted by: jailoliv
from Medford, OR
PROS
. Excellent sound quality when playing lossless compression music wired or wireless.
. Extremely easy set up using Bluetooth/NFC or included USB cable
. Excellent mic for phone calls
. Excellent sound quality when playing lossless compression music wired or wireless.
. Extremely easy set up using Bluetooth/NFC or included USB cable
. Excellent mic for phone calls
CONS
. Volume button not intuitive although you quickly get used to it
. The included USB cable is the only one that works with the headphones. If you lose it, it seems you need to get a new one from Audio-Technica.
. Bluetooth connectivity range is poor.
. No active noise cancellation
. No protective case. Instead they give you a fabric pouch
. Volume button not intuitive although you quickly get used to it
. The included USB cable is the only one that works with the headphones. If you lose it, it seems you need to get a new one from Audio-Technica.
. Bluetooth connectivity range is poor.
. No active noise cancellation
. No protective case. Instead they give you a fabric pouch
Being an audiophile and somewhat hard to please when it comes to Bluetooth headphones or speakers, I was skeptical about Audio Technica ATH-DSR7BT. I wanted to be fair, so I downloaded a music with lossless compression to my PC after connecting the headphones using the included USB cable. I was very pleased with the quality which is what I would expect from wired quality headphoness. I then paired it to my PC Bluetooth and hardly could tell the difference. That was a nice an unexpected surprise because I had tried relatively good ones before but was not as happy as I was with the ATH-DSR7B. To achieve that, Audio-Technica uses their Pure Digital Drive system which keeps the audio signal digital without ever converting to analog.
Phone calls worked really well too. I could hear the other person clearly and equally important was that they could hear me flawlessly as well.
One thing that I missed was Active Noise Cancelling. Yes, that's a feature that usually affects the sound quality of any headphones when turned on but it would be nice to have that option for those moments that even the best music won't distract you from external noises. Also, for me these headphones were not very comfortable, just OK.
They worked very well with my iPhone 7 Plus as long as I had the phone with me all the time because it loses connectivity easily if it is not in the same room as you. And even in the same room, it breaks up too frequently. I am still trying to get used to the touch button used to play, pause, forward. In my opinion, it was not well thought out.
As you can see, I had a mix of great and poor experience. While I was extremely satisfied with the quality, especially when wired or with the phone in my pocket, I was disappointed with its losing connectivity a little too easily and for not having a noise canceling option. Not bad but I am not sure I would recommend it over high end models from competitors.
My Best Buy number: 0555967896
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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+3points
4of 5voted this as helpful.
Replace the keyboard of your Microsoft Surface Pro 7, 6, 5 or 4 with this silver Brydge keyboard. It conveniently lets you open the screen at your preferred viewing angle without a kickstand, and its backlit keys increase visibility in low light working environments. This Brydge keyboard is lightweight, so it doesn't add extra bulk to your device.
Customer Rating
5
As Good As it Gets
on May 16, 2017
Posted by: jailoliv
from Medford, OR
Microsoft Surface Pro has probably the best design for a Windows tablet by far but it does not work well on your lap when using MS standard keyboards built for it. Brydge 12.3 not only has a matching design but it can do what Microsoft's can't: once it's paired, the Surface really feels and looks like a laptop. It's so much more comfortable, especially on the lap. It's sturdy and high quality with excellent tactile feedback. The keys are spaced just right and even easier to type. The addition of back-lit keys makes it even better.
Paring it the first time took much longer than I expected for some reason but once it did, it worked perfectly without any lags. It does not feel loose at all and can hold the Surface as if it was really part of it. My wife actually thought I had purchased a new laptop. Even after she picked it up she had a hard time believing it was the Surface with the Brydge Keyboard. When closed, the Surface will hibernate just like a standard laptop and will wake up when opened.
I don't see myself using MS keyboards with the Surface anymore. My only complaint is that the righ/left "buttons" on the touch pad requires slightly more force than the one on MS keyboards but it is not a deal breaker. As a Surface Pro 3 owner, I would say that the only opportunity Brydge missed was that it didn't add place for the Surface pen. That would have made many of us extremely happier.
Many people probably would love if it had added some USB ports but then it wouldn't be paired via Bluetooth and would drain battery from the Surface. I don't think I was ever excited by a keyboard before but the Brydge 12.3 just got me talking about it just as I did when I first bought my Surface Pro. It is just that good in my opinion even with the addition of some weight and thickness. Highly recommended.
My Best Buy number: 0555967896
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+24points
24of 24voted this as helpful.
Take your tunes anywhere with this LifeProof AQUAPHONICS speaker. This floating waterproof device is submersible in up to 1m of water for 30 minutes, and it deflects damage from snow, ice and dirt. Pair this LifeProof AQUAPHONICS speaker with up to eight Bluetooth devices, and use the included dry box for storing keys and cards.
Customer Rating
3
Excellent for Outdoors, Average Otherwise
on May 13, 2017
Posted by: jailoliv
from Medford, OR
Lifeproof AQ10 does not disappoint when it comes to protection of elements such as water. You can safely drop it in the pool for instance or leave it in the rain or snow. It also has a good design and battery life is not bad. There are actually many things to like about it such as USB charge-out which is very convenient when you need to charge your phone while away from other power sources, built-in mic which I used during a phone call and was not disappointed, and controls that glow when your hands gets close to them at night. There is a dry box which seems to have been designed for very small phones and you should not expect to use it with an iPhone 7 or newer Galaxy of any size but you can store your in-ear headphone in it.
Taking it with you while you shower is a good experience since excellent sound quality is rarely a requirement under that circumstance but be aware that its acoustics is not that good under high volume. I would still recommend it for outdoors use, especially if you do that frequently and do not want to damage your portable speaker with humidity or dust. For peace of mind, it is unsurpassed. But if you are picky about sound quality and want a speaker that reflects that taste all the time, Lifeproof AQ10 is definitely not for you. That being said, a rugged speaker like this would be much more expensive if sound quality was any better and it is the reason why I recommend it despite my giving it only 3 stars.
My Best Buy number: 0555967896
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
ALLY is a Whole Home Wi-Fi System that delivers smart, safe, secure Wi-Fi controlled from your phone. The ALLY mobile app is equipped with advanced parental controls, including an online activity log, and alerts that can be sent when someone attempts to access a blocked site. ALLY also comes with built-in AVG security to protect your network devices from malware and harmful websites
Customer Rating
3
Great Hardware, Terrible iPhone App
on May 5, 2017
Posted by: jailoliv
from Medford, OR
First off, the Ally Plus range is nothing short of amazing. 4800+ square feet was easily covered with the extender and I never experienced more than 12% decrease in performance anywhere in the house with the router on the first floor and the extender on the second. That is many times better than any old school extender I ever owned. It does say that it can cover 15000 square ft which I see feasible although I would expect considerable degradation in performance in such a large area. However, I could not test it in an environment that large to tell how good it would actually do. So I will not be judging that but I was more than happy with what I experienced.
Advanced users can control how much power it should use - default is 100%, set DMZ, forward ports, set QoS and dynamic DNS just to name a few features network gurus love. If you use 4K streaming, it uses WMM which prioritizes multimedia such as video thus preventing constant buffering. It actually works.
Set up was not too easy even after following the instructions and using the required App on an iPhone 7plus. Set up failed multiple times and even after it was completed the app got stuck saying Ally (the router) was offline even though I was connected and could browse the internet. It still happens too often and you may need to turn off Wi-Fi on and off a few times. I ended up using only the web interface with my laptop after getting the access code from the app. The web page says the code is on the bottom of the device: it is not and you can change it after you log in. My other disappointments are: 1) you can't control the anti-malware function (AVG); 2) URL filtering affects everybody not just your children although you can work around that by setting up different networks for you and them; 3) Only 3 Ethernet ports were not enough for me.
In my opinion, the superb range and excellent performance make it a 5-star product, maybe among the best home router systems out there. But the shortcomings and the need of some serious software updates cannot warrant it more than 3 stars.
My Best Buy number: 0555967896
I would recommend this to a friend!
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-1point
1of 3voted this as helpful.
HP OMEN by HP Desktop: Power your productivity with this HP computer. The Intel Core i5 processor ensures applications launch and run as expected for frustration-free performance, and the 8GB of RAM supports business and personal multitasking. This HP computer includes a 1TB hard drive, letting you store hundreds of documents, pictures and application files.
Customer Rating
5
A Silent Rocket
on April 16, 2017
Posted by: jailoliv
Imagine the now retired NASA Space Shuttle taking off and reaching a super sonic speed minus the sound of the blasting rockets which you wouldn't be able to hear in space anyway. That's how it feels when you use this HP OMEN. The difference is that it makes no sound during takeoff either. It is always silent and cool even while I play Battlefield 1 with all its bells and whistles turned on.
The case looks great for a gaming PC and if you like to show off, the customizable ambient LED at the front which transitions from blue to red to green and everything else in between will certainly grab everybody's attention.
The included 1TB HDD is fast too although I would still recommend swapping it with an SSD and making it a secondary external drive just like I'm doing. 9 USB ports (5 USB 3.0 and 4 USB 2.0) is likely enough for your needs. Good to see that you can easily upgrade RAM since it uses only one expansion slot with the included 8GB.
Included are 3 HDMI, DVI and DP ports for up to 4K output and the most important thing for gaming: a good graphics card which in this system is a NVIDIA GeForce GTX1060 with 3GB DDR5. Of course there are games out there that will require an even higher end machine for maximum performance but if you are not an extreme hard core gamer, this is more than perfect.
It does work relatively well with Oculus Rift headset as it is but if you want to live in the Matrix without being aware of it, upgrading to i7 and NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti graphics card or at least GTX 1070 is the way to go. Just be prepared to spend a lot more.
Battlefield 1 played amazingly well in a 1080p monitor. Image was even more stunning on a 4K TV and it played well there too although at lower frames per second which is expected for any graphics card less powerful than a GTX 1080 or at least a 1070.
Things I didn't like about this system were:
- The keyboard and mouse. A machine like this one certainly deserved a wireless gaming mouse and keyboard. Since it is a very affordable while still decent gaming PC, you will probably have some cash left for that type of upgrade anyway.
- Apparently, only one internal SATA connector. You can't add a SSD without swapping the hard drive.
- The keyboard and mouse. A machine like this one certainly deserved a wireless gaming mouse and keyboard. Since it is a very affordable while still decent gaming PC, you will probably have some cash left for that type of upgrade anyway.
- Apparently, only one internal SATA connector. You can't add a SSD without swapping the hard drive.
Summary: A good performer and good looking and silent PC that you won't regret to own unless you have at least twice as much cash to spend on a higher end model and you are a hard core gamer at the same time.
My Best Buy number: 0555967896
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+17points
28of 39voted this as helpful.
Clean carpets, couches and stairs easily with this adaptable Dyson Ball Animal vacuum. Various attachments, including a tangle-free turbine tool, a multi-angle brush and a stair tool make pet hair removal quick and simple. The Dyson Ball Animal vacuum comes with a generous 35-foot cord, making it ideal for larger homes.
Customer Rating
5
Extreme Suction Power
on March 20, 2017
Posted by: jailoliv
Although this is not my favorite vacuum, I am really impressed by its powerful suction. I really don't believe there is any other out there that can beat this monster. I tried it in different surfaces and the results were impressive every single time. I like that it does not have and does not need any filters but it still beats all the others that I have tried before.
Due to the size of the ball-shaped motor, you will not be able to use it under beds unless you use the included adapters.
Why isn't it my favorite vacuum? It's because it is somewhat heavy. Not too heavy like some other brands I have tried, especially with this much power but I have a cord-free model that is very light and will still be the one I will use most often. However, the Ball Animal 2 will be my choice for heavy duty cleaning or twice a month. It actually picked up a lot of dirt on a carpet that I thought was very clean since I had just vacuumed it with the cord-free one. It felt as if it had magnets that attracted hair even when it was a couple of inches away. Better yet, there was no clogging. I hope it will continue to perform like that in the months to come.
Top quality, incredible suction (be careful with small toys and other items), easy to dispose of the dirt and good size canister which is something very important for such a powerful vacuum.
My Best Buy number: 0555967896
I would recommend this to a friend!
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2of 4voted this as helpful.
Take control of dynamic visual aids with this Logitech Spotlight presentation remote. Its intuitive three-button interface is ideal for pointing and navigating, and it provides versatile programmable functions via the Logitech Presentation app. This Logitech Spotlight presentation remote has a wireless range up to 100 ft. with Bluetooth Smart connectivity and USB receiver compatibility.
Customer Rating
5
Best Presentation Remote Ever?
on March 14, 2017
Posted by: jailoliv
Pros
Simple design and very comfortable
Can be used as a mouse in presentation mode
Acts like a pointer but much better
Excellent range
Simple design and very comfortable
Can be used as a mouse in presentation mode
Acts like a pointer but much better
Excellent range
Cons
Not good as a mouse in non-presentation mode
The forward button sometimes fails
Not good as a mouse in non-presentation mode
The forward button sometimes fails
I just used this for a training class and was very happy with it, especially the virtual pointer that feels more like a spotlight - hence the name I think - than a laser pointer. The people attending the class was amazed with it. The spotlight is produced by the software but it feels real. I almost regretted I used it just because there were almost more questions about it than about the content of the training. Luckily the training was about technology so it turned up being a good thing.
The most exciting part was that I was able to charge it from zero to full in about 30 seconds and it lasted the full 3.5 hours of presentation. That was really amazing. Logitec says it can last 3 hours but I believe you have to be pushing its buttons all the time.
The things I didn't like about it were:
. The "air" mouse function doesn't work very well outside presentations. But I'd rather use a mouse in that case anyway.
. The main and bigger button used to move forward required me to push it multiple times even while being at a short distance from my laptop. It happened just a few times and it could be my unit.
. You cannot use the main button to go to the previous slide. Being used to an Apple TV remote, I found myself pushing the right side of the button thinking I could go back that way. There is a dedicated smaller button to go to previous slides. It is just not as intuitive. Logitec should have implemented up/down/back/forward functions on the same button.
. The "air" mouse function doesn't work very well outside presentations. But I'd rather use a mouse in that case anyway.
. The main and bigger button used to move forward required me to push it multiple times even while being at a short distance from my laptop. It happened just a few times and it could be my unit.
. You cannot use the main button to go to the previous slide. Being used to an Apple TV remote, I found myself pushing the right side of the button thinking I could go back that way. There is a dedicated smaller button to go to previous slides. It is just not as intuitive. Logitec should have implemented up/down/back/forward functions on the same button.
Other features that I loved: very long range: I could walk the training room which is over 80 feet long and it still worked perfectly (it is supposed to reach 100 feet); motion sensor allows you to move the highlighting circle (or spotlight) and zoom in any area of the screen and it doesn't have to be running a presentation app to do that; you can customize the buttons; very comfortable.
Despite the few minor quirks mentioned above, I don't think there is anything better out there. It is almost revolutionary. Highly recommended.
My Best Buy number: 0555967896
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0of 0voted this as helpful.
Enjoy nonstop music while charging your iPhone with this Belkin Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar adapter. It keeps your iPhone 7 or 7 Plus fully functional while plugged in, and it's compatible with Apple MFi-certified cables and headphones. The 12W power pass-through of this Belkin Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar adapter provides optimal charging speed for compatible devices.
Customer Rating
4
Almost Perfect Solution
on January 14, 2017
Posted by: jailoliv
Apple failed miserably when they removed the 3.5mm headphone jack. The biggest failure is that you can't use a wired headphone and charge your device at the same time. If the idea was to use Bluetooth, they should have included such headphone with the iPhone 7. Otherwise, there should be two lightning connectors, one for the headphone and one for charging. But here comes Belkin with an almost perfect solution.
Charging and listening to music is now possible because RockStar adds that missing connector that Apple should have added. I could complain by the fact that it should have included an 3.5mm jack as well but I was happy that there was no static noise even while charging and listening to music at the same time. I just hope it lasts but it doesn't feel low quality.
PROS
. Compact
. No issues with not fitting when using a case
. No static noise
. Eliminates the need for a Bluetooth headphone which still cannot match the quality of wired ones.
. Compact
. No issues with not fitting when using a case
. No static noise
. Eliminates the need for a Bluetooth headphone which still cannot match the quality of wired ones.
CONS
. No 3.5mm jack for non-lightning headphones
. No 3.5mm jack for non-lightning headphones
My Best Buy number: 0555967896
I would recommend this to a friend!
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jailoliv's Answers
Brighten your day and night with this Philips Being Hue ceiling light. The dimming function lets you set an ambience for different moods, and it works with the Philips Hue dimmer switch and mobile app for versatile control. The ZigBee technology of this 32W Philips Being Hue ceiling lamp provides smooth, efficient interoperability with multiple Hue lighting units.
Does this hue light allow for multiple colors or just shades of white? And is it a bulb or the hue strip?
Showcase video adventures in Full HD with this 24.5-inch HP Omen gaming display. Its 144Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time let you play fast-action games seamlessly, and it has HDMI, DisplayPort and USB 3.0 ports for versatile connectivity. This HP Omen gaming display has a built-in headphone hook for easy organization.
Can this run 144hz without freesync ? I want this specially for dota 2 , I run a great pc 1070 gtx nvidia graphic card...Anyone any help or suggestion ?
Yes, it can. Open NVIDIA Control Panel, under Display click Change resolution, ignore the 1080p (native) under Ultra HD SD and scroll down to PC 1920x1080, click on it and change the Refresh rate to 144Hz.
6 years, 10 months ago
by
jailoliv
Listen to music on the go with these Sony wireless headphones. Their Bluetooth connectivity lets you stream music and take calls from compatible devices, and the built-in battery provides up to 9 hours of playback time on a single charge. Jam to your favorite tunes in comfort with the foldable, around-the-neck design of these Sony wireless headphones.
Do they vibrate when you receive a call?
Listen to music on the go with these Sony wireless headphones. Their Bluetooth connectivity lets you stream music and take calls from compatible devices, and the built-in battery provides up to 9 hours of playback time on a single charge. Jam to your favorite tunes in comfort with the foldable, around-the-neck design of these Sony wireless headphones.
Are they retractable?
Deliver your favorite playlist anywhere in your home with the Amazon Echo Dot voice-controlled device. Control most electric devices through voice activation, or schedule a ride with Uber and order a pizza. The Amazon Echo Dot voice-controlled device turns any home into a smart home with the Alexa app on a smartphone or tablet.
can i use the dot to make or receive phone calls from my mobile phone with bluetooth?
Alexa doesn't receive phone calls or read text messages. Unfortunately!
7 years, 6 months ago
by
jailoliv
Deliver your favorite playlist anywhere in your home with the Amazon Echo Dot voice-controlled device. Control most electric devices through voice activation, or schedule a ride with Uber and order a pizza. The Amazon Echo Dot voice-controlled device turns any home into a smart home with the Alexa app on a smartphone or tablet.
can the dot connect to bose radio to use its speakers?
I don't own Bose radio but it I connected it to Bose SoundTouch and it works great.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
jailoliv
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
If this works with Nest system will it work with Ecobee* system? I We decided against the Nest system due to the class action suits regarding house fires. I would love to add this to our home.
No not yet but I believe it will soon. As far as I know, for now it only supports Nest, SmartThings, Philips Hue and IFTTT.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
jailoliv