As the maintainer of an open source Qt application, I’ve run into a common problem: Windows users often get blocked by security warnings because the software isn’t digitally signed. The cost of a code signing certificate can be prohibitive, but there’s a fantastic alternative — the Microsoft Store. By submitting your app to the Store, Microsoft signs it for you, eliminating trust warnings and giving users a clean, familiar installation experience.
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I’m excited to share a significant new feature in Thingino: two-way audio support!
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The Schlage Encode Plus is a powerful smart lock that integrates seamlessly with Apple HomeKit. However, Home Assistant lacks native support for this lock. Fortunately, by leveraging HomeKit Actions, the Home Assistant HomeKit bridge, and automations, we can achieve a reliable bidirectional sync—while keeping Apple Home Key functionality and Thread battery life benefits intact.
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What began as a fun experiment to stream my aquarium footage on a Raspberry Pi soon evolved into a full-blown exploration of smart home security. From simple motion JPEG streams to AI-driven object detection, this is the story of my journey to a custom NVR setup powered by cutting-edge tools like Frigate, Scrypted, and Home Assistant.
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When I moved to Texas and started setting up my smart home, I encountered a specific challenge: a combination switch in my kitchen controlled two separate lights. One of the lights was too bright, so I needed a dimmer solution. The issue? The existing tan-colored switch was built into the tile backsplash, and replacing it with a larger two-gang box wasn’t an option. It had to be hackable, open-source, retain the same look, and be smart—all while keeping my wife happy with it. After some research, I found a way to meet these requirements using the Tuya FS-05R dimmer switch, ESPHome, and a little ingenuity. This post walks you through the process.
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