Gadget Guru

T3’s resident tech expert is here with more unsurpassable advice.

Q AJIT MANJREKAR

Can I hide my smart home kit?

A The invasion of slightly glossy white plastic is upon us, and it does not match Mrs. Guru’s aesthetic sensibilities. As soon as something new is introduced into the living room, there’s a complaint: “That plastic obelisk does not match the coffee table”, or “What does that do and why is it beeping all the time?”

This is understandable, but unfortunately, not all tech can be stored neatly away. Try tucking your router away, for example, and you’ll kill the Wi-Fi signal. Put an LED-packed gaming PC in a box and you’ll cook it. The and some kit simply can’t be hidden otherwise it won’t work – sensors and cameras need to be in view because that’s kind of the point. Every good router, though, should have a setting to disable the gaudy lights. This is particularly true of mesh setups like Netgear’s Orbi (prices vary) or the D-link Cover. These also give you a bit of breathing room in terms of signal, as you can feasibly tuck a module or two away without too much coverage loss.

Consider reconfiguring your smart lineup and attaching more traditional devices to smart plugs like Eve’s HomeKitonly Energy or the minuscule Eufy Smart Plug. Try vinyl wraps to blend your kit in with the rest of the room. Or keep an eye on the Mui Smart Wood Block for a stylish, more minimalist approach to smart home gear. GaGu would check its viability with Mrs. Guru, but she’s just spotted his new robot butler, so now isn’t the best time.

Q KERON SINGH

How can I make better chips?