Quirky+GE Aros Smart Air Conditioner
Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5
The good: This is a capable air conditioner that boasts a fantastic design, clever smart features and a very reasonable asking price.
The bad: The otherwise flawless design is undercut by poorly thought out ventilation flaps, and some of the smart features didn’t work perfectly in our tests.
The cost: $263 to $320
The bottom line: For Nest-like cooling smarts in homes without central air, the Aros looks like an excellent option.
Belkin WeMo Insight Switch
Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5
The good: A smaller plastic housing and new power usage tracking on this switch bring greater visual appeal and usefulness to Belkin’s already winning entry-level smart power plug.
The bad: Setup remains a hassle, it’s still large enough to block adjacent outlets, and reliance on IFTTT for advanced programming functions means you’ll need to bounce between two apps to get the most out of the switch.
The cost: $60
The bottom line: Despite a few quirks, Belkin’s WeMo Insight Switch only improves on the simple, low-risk formula that made Belkin’s original programmable WeMo Switch so appealing as a home-automation starting point.
Connected by TCP Wireless LED Lighting Kit
Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5
The good: This budget-friendly LED lighting kit is a cinch to set up, and the app is easy to use as well. Each bulb gives off 800 lumens – more than Philips Hue or Insteon LED bulbs.
The bad: TCP doesn’t offer compatibility with cool Web services like IFTTT or new all-in-one hubs like Revolv, the way that Philips does.
The cost: $110 $114
The bottom line: For basic lighting automation needs, this TCP kit will do the job nicely – and it won’t break the bank. For more advanced features and controls, consider the competition, but be prepared to splurge.
Dropcam Pro
Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5
The good: The Pro improves on the image and two-way talk feature of the original Dropcam HD. It’s easy to use and set up, and you can view a video feed over the Internet or on your iOS or Android device with free Dropcam apps. Its new zoom/enhance feature works well; no service fee for basic live viewing; and the addition of Bluetooth makes setup easier and will allow you to connect optional home-monitoring accessories.
The bad: You may experience some lag with the video and audio, depending on the speed of your Internet service. PC-free setup isn’t available for Android devices. The camera isn’t weatherproof and can’t be placed outside.
The cost: $200 to $260
The bottom line: The Dropcam Pro dramatically improves on the company’s already impressive previous generation wireless home-monitoring camera.
These Cnet staff members contributed to this report: executive editors Rich Brown and David Carnoy, associate editors Ry Crist and Megan Wollerton, and senior editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, visit www.cnet.com.
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