They were right about many of the smart home technologies we’ll have in the future. But with the market flooded with gadgets, it’s hard to distinguish which smart home devices are worth the investment. Today, we’ve sifted through the different smart home devices to bring you the 8 that you’ll only need. Better pull up that Christmas wish list!
8. Smart Speakers and Displays
Smart speakers are more than just for playing music, as they can now be a connected home. There are also advancements in AI with voice assistants that can understand context for more natural conversational commands. The best part is probably the smart display, which serves as the visual command center, where it shows the feed from your video doorbell when someone rings.
7. Smart Air Quality Monitors
Did you know that you can inhale pollution even if you’re inside your home? A smart air quality monitor is a guardian for your respiratory health. It’s a device that tracks harmful pollutants from cleaning supplies, allergens, and dust that affect the lungs. The best part? It monitors your air quality in real time so you can easily identify the source of the pollutants to improve your sleep quality and your respiratory health.
6. Smart Locks
Yup, forgetting your house keys is a universal frustration, and even placing a spare in your front door is a dangerous risk. But with a smart lock, you can control who has access to your home and when. That means you can give temporary access to a dog walker or even a visiting family member by tapping on your phone. Many models feature fingerprint recognition for instant access and an auto-lock function. There’s also a detailed activity log for you to review.
5. Robot Vacuums
Robot vacuum cleaners can save you hours by reducing your cleaning time. But of course, they go beyond saving you time as they feature advanced navigation systems that map your home, avoid obstacles, and empty their dustbins. Some premium kinds even feature a “Pet Owner Official Promise” to avoid solid pet waste.
4. Smart Lighting
Smart light bulbs can adjust their color temperature throughout the day so they can mimic the natural cycle of the sun. This helps regulate the circadian rhythm of your body, promoting alertness during the day and relaxation in the evening for better sleep and mood. These LED smart bulbs also consume less energy than traditional ones and can actually reduce the energy cost.
3. Smart Plugs
Smart plugs feature energy monitoring that can tell you how much electricity your device is consuming. By having a smart plug that identifies electricity, you get to identify the devices you don’t even use on a day-to-day basis, like older TVs and coffee makers. Yup, it’s definitely a smart gadget that pays for itself.
2. Video Doorbells
For added home security, consider installing a video doorbell. They record anyone who approaches your home, especially those committing package theft. It also features motion-activated recording and two-way talk features to allow you to interact with delivery drivers. Just think of it as your digital doorman that never sleeps.
1. Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is a tech gadget with major brands like Nest and Ecobee. They help save annual heating and cooling bills by using a learning algorithm to understand the pattern of your household. Its smart detectors can see when you’re away, so it adjusts the temperature. They also feature a wireless sensor to be placed in different rooms for consistency in temperatures and to avoid heating or cooling an empty space.