Converting a home into a smart home requires investing in modern devices like voice-controlled speakers, lighting systems, and Wi-Fi thermostats. These devices work with each other to automate daily tasks and make life comfortable and convenient. Most of them also connect with a smartphone to remotely control various aspects of the home, such as appliances, ambient temperature, and home security. Moreover, they enhance the aesthetics of the interior with their sleek, minimalist designs.
Home Lighting Systems
One of the most popular smart devices for convenience is a lighting system. Unlike regular lights, smart lights can be controlled using a hub or an app, so one does not need to walk up to a switch to turn them on or off. One can also change the color scheme of the light based on different moods and ambiances, such as work, relaxation, and entertainment. This feature allows homeowners to experiment with various decor moods without redoing their interior decor or walls. In addition, such lights have motion-sensing features that cause them to switch on or off wherever someone walks in or out of a room. While this may seem like an unnecessary feature, it helps save energy and improve home security. Smart lights can even be programmed to synchronize with household routines. For example, the lights can be set in such a way that they automatically begin to dim close to bedtime.
Voice-controlled Speakers
Investing in voice assistant integration can be a good idea when planning home tech upgrades. Most voice assistants are available in the form of voice-controlled speakers. These speakers are usually sleek and compact and are designed to fit into counters, shelves, and walls, thus seamlessly blending in with the home decor. Sometimes, they are set up in such a way that they are practically invisible, allowing everyone to enjoy sound without visible tech. One can use smart speakers for easy access to news, music, and information. But that’s only their most basic feature. Smart speakers can also work as smart hubs to control other smart devices like thermostats and lights.
Wi-Fi Thermostats
Climate control gadgets like Wi-Fi thermostats allow homeowners to change the ambient temperature of the house without pressing a physical button. One can change the indoor temperature from anywhere by simply downloading and using an app on their smartphone or tablet. This makes it possible to cool or warm the house even before stepping in after a long day at work. A smart Wi-Fi thermostat is programmed to learn the routines and habits of the house’s residents and accordingly make automatic adjustments to the temperature. These changes are made based on the residents’ daily schedule as well as the current season and outdoor temperature. Many smart thermostats also track the overall energy usage of the house, doubling up as energy-monitoring devices. With elegant and minimalistic designs, they can easily fit into modern interiors.
Smart Cameras
Those looking to enhance home security can start by installing smart security cameras. These cameras can be fixed near the driveway and front yard to monitor entry and exit. They record live footage and transmit the feed to one’s smartphone or tablet so that one can monitor their house while away. The cameras can also be installed indoors to work as baby or pet monitors. Smart cameras usually have wide-angle lenses with motion-sensing alerts and night vision. They look minimalist and sleek and can be fixed on a shelf or wall to blend in with the rest of the home decor. Some models can be integrated with other smart home security tools like smart locks to secure the house completely using a single app.
Smart Leak and Motion Detectors
These devices notify homeowners about open windows and doors, leaks, and movement around the house. Leak detectors are particularly useful as they can prevent water damage. The gadgets are discreet and small so they can be placed on the walls, under the sink, and by the door without disrupting the overall home decor. Some are designed to be integrated into smart lighting systems, so the lights automatically turn on whenever motion is detected.
Smart Home Hubs
A smart hub helps link all smart devices, such as lights, speakers, and cameras, so they can be controlled using just one app or voice assistant. Most hubs are compact, sleek, and compatible with a wide range of devices, making them suitable to streamline all the smart tech in the house. Since there is centralized control, smart hubs can simplify everyday life without the need to have multiple apps. In addition, it eliminates the need to fix too many control panels, remotes, and switches around the house.
Smart Kitchen Appliances
Using advanced sensors and Wi-Fi technology, smart kitchen appliances make cooking and storing food easy. For example, smart fridges track temperatures in real time, check expiration dates, and tell users what’s stored inside without requiring them to open the door. This helps save electricity and simplifies the grocery shopping process. In addition, smart stovetops and ovens have precision heating and features like recipe guidance with connected apps.
