This page provides information on smart home technology accessibility resources.
Click below to learn more about each topic.
- General Smart Home Resources
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Smart Homes Made Simple — A guide to smart home technology to meet your goals. Designed for people with disabilities and older adults. Created by Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF), one of the Wireless RERC’s partners.
Guide to Smart Home Devices & Tech — Consumer Reports tests a variety of smart home devices, including smart speakers, smart TVs, wireless security cameras, video doorbells, smart thermostats, and smart locks, with more product categories in the works. Their guide can help you find the best products for your needs with information on installation, setup, voice control, and automation.
- Amazon Smart Home Toolbox
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Amazon Smart Device Compatibility Page — An overview of the accessories that are compatible with Amazon Alexa smart home devices.
Amazon General Smart Home Page — An interactive overview of the Alexa smart home to learn how to start and expand your smart home.
Amazon Alexa Smart Home Terminology — Glossary of Alexa vocabulary and terms to help give more intuitive control.
Amazon Alexa Smart Home App Support — Information on how to download and use the Alexa app.
- Apple HomeKit Toolbox
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Apple Smart Device Compatibility Page — An overview of the accessories that are compatible with the Apple Home app.
Apple General Smart Home Page — An interactive overview of the Apple Home app.
Apple Home Smart Home Terminology — Glossary of Apple Home app vocabulary and key terms to help give more intuitive control.
Apple Smart Home App Support — A how-to on adding an accessory to the Apple Home app and organizing by room or zone to control different areas of your home.
- Google Home Toolbox
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Google Smart Device Compatibility Page — An overview of the accessories that are compatible with the Google Nest.
Google Home App — An overview of the Google Home app.
Google Nest Smart Home Terminology — Glossary of vocabulary and key terms for developing Google smart home Actions.
Google Nest Support — Information on Google Nest products, services, and privacy.
- Matter Toolbox
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Matter
Matter — the Smart Home Interoperability Standard is designed to simplify the smart home experience, from purchase, to set up, to use.
Matter: Making the Smart Home a More Connected, Comfortable, and Helpful Place — A short video from the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) about how Matter is making devices simpler and more consistent to set up.
Matter FAQ — A comprehensive list of the most frequently asked questions about Matter by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA).
Consumer Reports’ Matter Overview — A helpful guide to understanding what Matter is, what the benefits of Matter are, which types of smart home devices will work with Matter (including if your existing smart home devices will), and more.
Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) Library of Certified Products — A collection of certified products by Connectivity Standards Alliance. To find Matter-certified products, select "Matter” under Program Type. Keep in mind that some products may be certified for Matter but not yet available on the market.
Thread
Thread — Thread is a low-power wireless mesh networking protocol based on the Internet Protocol (IP). It is designed to securely and reliably connect devices around the home without relying on a home internet connection or Wi-Fi. Thread provides a dedicated network that gets stronger with wider coverage as more Thread devices are added.
Eve’s Thread Explainer — An approachable explainer on Thread networks—from what a Thread network is, to getting started and enjoying!