Smart homes work better without Big Tech in the loop.

Imagine walking into your home, and with a single voice command or tap on your phone, the lights dim, your favorite playlist starts, and the thermostat adjusts to the perfect temperature, all without ...

Have you ever imagined a home that anticipates your every need—lights that adjust to your mood, a thermostat that syncs with the weather, or security systems that work seamlessly in the background?

Chris Wedel is a fan of all things tech and gadgets. Living in rural Kansas with his wife and two young boys makes finding ways to stay online tricky — not to mention making my homestead smarter.