The skeptic's guide to smart home gadgets

Before you buy any "smart" gadgets, make sure they're not dumb. This holiday season, a third of Americans plan to buy a smart home device, according to the Consumer Technology Association. The trick is figuring out which ones are worth the cost, trouble and inevitable security risks. I've been in those weeds. After reviewing dozens of smart home products, I've learned to be skeptical of any gadget that feels like a Star Trek prop--and a little paranoid about things that are listening, watching or collecting data.