"Honestly, my advice is always to be cautious about mixing too many brands in one system."
Yeah, I get the logic, but honestly, sticking to one ecosystem isn't always practical—or affordable. I've mixed brands plenty of times without major issues. My tip: look for products that openly support universal standards like Zigbee or Thread. They're usually more reliable and way easier to troubleshoot. Plus, less proprietary stuff means fewer devices ending up in landfills when companies stop supporting their gear... win-win for your wallet and the planet.
I totally agree about universal standards—makes life easier for sure. But even then, sometimes compatibility quirks pop up when you least expect it... trust me, been there!
"less proprietary stuff means fewer devices ending up in landfills"
Speaking of longevity, anyone had luck finding smart bathroom stuff that's actually moisture-proof long-term?
I've had decent luck with moisture-proofing smart gear by going for outdoor-rated devices. They're built to handle humidity and temp swings better. Still, nothing beats proper ventilation—tech alone won't save you from mold creeping in... learned that the hard way.