Picture this: your alarm goes off. You stumble out of bed, not super excited to face the day. And guess what? Your coffee’s already brewing, the lights are already on, and your smart device is already giving you all the information you need to know about today’s traffic and the world’s news.
Sound like something out of a sci-fi movie? Well it can actually be your new reality, thanks to smart home devices!
Smart home devices are an amazing way to save time and energy around your house and with all the recent advances in technology, it’s never been easier. There are hundreds upon hundreds of smart home devices out there, in every category you could think of – everything from devices for keeping an eye on your home while you’re away to devices that allow you to play your favorite songs with a simple voice command.
One great thing about smart home devices is that most of them work automatically once you have them set up. This frees you to get your life going as soon as you hop out of bed (just as we pictured at the beginning of this blog post). Now you don’t have to manually search to see what the temperature is outside or sweep up spilled cereal – you can have smart home devices do all that for you. Just make sure you have strong WiFi coverage throughout your home and you should be good.
If all this sounds intriguing, check out these seven smart home devices that will make your life easier and more relaxing.
Device #1 – Self-cleaning smart vacuum cleaner
Say goodbye to gritty floors and dirty carpets with this handy little automated worker!
What it does: When you purchase a smart vacuum cleaner, you can program it for different types of flooring (carpeted versus hardwood, for instance). The smart vacuum will quickly clean up any crumbs or other messes it finds, leaving your hands free for more important tasks.
You can communicate with your smart vacuum through an app, letting it know when and where to clean. And when it’s running low on energy, this smart home device will return to its charging station.
Why it’s so great for your home: Sweeping and vacuuming floors the old-fashioned way is probably not your idea of fun (if it is, kudos to you!). A smart vacuum cleaner takes all of that bending down and sweeping out of your hands – in the most smooth, efficient way possible. If you have a large home or a lot of children/pets, this vacuum may be just the right smart home device for you.
Device #2 – Smart lock
This hands-free design will stymie burglars – and unwanted house guests!
What it does: A smart lock is a device that fits over your regular door lock and provides security and safety for your home in a high-tech way. While there is always the potential for system failure, glitches, and even hackers with your smart lock, it still can be a far more secure solution than a regular lock and key. You can usually program your smart lock via an app, setting permissions for who is allowed into your home and keeping an eye on who has been trying to get into your house.
In addition, you won’t have to fumble with a mess of keys anymore in order to gain access to your home – simply follow the instructions on the app and get into your sanctuary with ease.
Why it’s so great for your home: Many people still believe that a regular lock-and-key system is the best thing for their home. But if you’re worried about home security or if you’d simply like to take your house to the next level, a smart lock is worth looking into. It’s ease of access and heightened security all in one small package.
Device #3 – Smart light bulb
Turn your lights on and off with a simple voice command!
What it does: A smart light bulb is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of smart home devices. But the light bulb is one of humanity’s greatest inventions – now it’s been taken a step further.
With the smart light bulb, you can control options like brightness levels, the color of the light, and when the lights come on automatically. You can connect your bulb to voice command technology and be in total control of when the light shines – and when it doesn’t.
Why it’s so great for your home: If you like lying in bed for a while after your alarm wakes you up, then the smart light bulb could be great for you. Help yourself wake up by telling your light to turn on – all without having to move from the comfort of your bed. Or what if you get home late at night and you don’t want to stumble around in the dark, searching for the light switch? Just tell your smart light bulb to come on. It’s as simple as that.
Device #4 – Smart security camera
Keep tabs on your home security – even from a distance!
What it does: While some people might view having security cameras around your home as being too ‘Big Brother’, it’s actually a great option for many people. No longer are only the ultra-rich using security cameras around their home. You can install them too.
And by putting in some smart security cameras, you’ll be able to do so much more with your home’s security with just a few taps. Access your security feeds remotely to make sure everything is going well at home. And if there’s ever a security problem in your home (like a break-in), you’ll have video evidence for the police to look over.
Why it’s so great for your home: Better security means better peace of mind for you and the people you live with. A smart security camera is a great way to take your home safety seriously – and it’s easy as well.
Device #5 – Smart air conditioner
Maintain a comfortable temperature across your whole house – all without breaking a sweat!
What it does: Smart air conditioners allow you more fine-tuned options when it comes to keeping your home cool and refreshing. You can choose what temperature you want certain rooms in your home to be, turn on the air conditioning before you get home from a long vacation, and see information about air conditioning usage and other important factors – all from the comfort of your phone. With a smart air conditioner, you won’t have to worry about scorching summers ever again.
Why it’s so great for your home: Ease of use and comfortably cool temperatures combine to make smart air conditioners a great choice for your home. This is especially true if you live in a climate that is often hot or temperamental. Instead of having to constantly fiddle with the dials on your air conditioner, you can turn it on or off via an app. So easy!
Device #6 – Smart plugs and power strips
Turn power on and off with a simple voice command!
What it does: You might think that these smart home devices are actually going a little too far. How could smart plugs and power strips be useful? Well, you’d be surprised at how handy they are. You can use a smart plug to turn your most commonly used appliances on and off remotely.
If you’re in the kitchen, planning to curl your hair, you can get your hair wand heating up while you’re still loading the dishwasher. And if you’re away from home and you want to make it look as though the house is still occupied, you can use smart plugs to turn on the lights for you. If only Kevin had one of those in Home Alone!
Why it’s so great for your home: Though you might think you’d never use smart plugs, you’d be surprised by how useful you find them. And it gets even better with a smart power strip because you can control each individual outlet on the strip. Turn your appliances, lights, and electronic devices on and off with just a tap or two.
Device #7 – Smart doorbell
Who’s coming to dinner? Well…you don’t have to guess anymore!
What it does: Smart doorbells are a great innovation that go hand in hand, safety-wise, with smart security cameras and door locks. With a smart doorbell, you can see (via video stream) who’s at your door. Many smart doorbells also store video footage so they can almost work as a mini security camera. Check in on your front door through your phone and stay better informed about who comes to your house.
Why it’s so great for your home: Smart doorbells help you see just who is at your door without you having to get up and go check. This is really helpful if it’s a salesperson or someone else who you really don’t really want to see at the moment. Take back your home, your comfort, and your privacy with a smart doorbell.
