Glenn's real-world smart home

Gear I Use
& Products to Explore.

This page clearly separates the products I use in my own home, other compatible equipment, and premium products I have not personally used. Browse by status, purpose, or manufacturer.

Three ways to browse

Find gear your way.

Start with my exact setup, shop by what the device does, or jump straight to the manufacturers you already trust.

Clearly separated

Gear I Use, Other Equipment & Premium Options

Browse 32 products I personally use, 12 other products, and 9 premium products to explore. Premium items are not products I personally use. Every card includes the exact ASIN, compatibility, notes, and a direct Amazon link.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Product photos are loaded remotely from Amazon or the product manufacturer when available; this site does not store those remote images. A device-category icon appears automatically if an image cannot be loaded. Click any thumbnail or “Shop on Amazon” link to view the exact Amazon listing.

Shop by need

Browse by Gear Type

Useful when you know what problem you're solving but haven't chosen a brand yet.

Brands in this guide

Browse by Manufacturer

Choose a manufacturer to see its products, clearly labeled as gear I use, other equipment, or a premium product to explore.

Beyond off-the-shelf gear

Special Automations & Integrations

The interesting stuff happens when Apple Home becomes a system rather than a pile of individual gadgets.

My Special Automation

Gas Fireplace Control

The TV xStream Voice Fireplace Switch (B07N9BCJRW) is the low-voltage relay in my gas fireplace setup. It works through a compatible smart plug rather than acting as a standalone HomeKit accessory.

Compatible Smart PlugLow-Voltage RelayFireplace Control
See My Fireplace Relay In Gear I Use

Full routine details to follow: the exact smart plug, trigger, operating conditions, and shutdown safeguards.

This is a setup overview, not a wiring tutorial. Any installation must follow the fireplace manufacturer’s instructions and preserve its safety protections.

My Special Automation

Smart Garage Door

My setup includes the Meross Smart Garage Door Opener Remote (B084Z5QZR2). A separate automation at 11:00 p.m. closes the garage door in case I have forgotten, alongside turning off the evening lights and locking the doors.

11:00 p.m.Nightly RoutineGarage Door Closes
See My Garage Controller In Gear I Use

The rest of my special garage routine is being documented, including its triggers, conditions, and safety checks.

Check controller compatibility with your opener. Keep the garage door’s safety sensors and manufacturer protections intact.

See the complete system

How the gear works together.

Explore my real-world Apple Home setup to see how the hubs, bridges, sensors, lighting, climate devices, cameras, and connected accessories fit together.

View My Setup