Elevate Your Home With These Smart Tech Ideas
Creating a home that works better and harder for you is getting easier by the day. Feel safer, simplify daily tasks and save energy with these smart tech solutions.
You don't have to work in IT to boost the smart tech in your home. These gadgets are quick and easy to install and most connect to your phone or tablet so that you have control over what's happening in your home when you're there or away.
Start smarting up your home with these devices that amp up your security, help with your daily to-do list and even have energy-saving and therefore, wallet-friendly, benefits.
Feel safe in your home with an easy-to-install security system — no tools required. The Essentials pack includes a base, keypad, motion sensor for the main entry of your home and three entry sensors for doors and windows. The system has 24/7 monitoring with no contracts.
Control your lights with your voice — turn them on and off, dim to the right brightness and change to the right shade of warm or cool. This kit gets you started with four bulbs and the Philips Hue Hub that controls up to 50 Hue lights. The app allows you to remotely switch on your lights when you're away from home, and also has four preset modes to start your day out energized and relax in the evening.
Keeping your floors free of dirt and debris has never been easier. Robot vacuums allow you to tackle the rest of your to-do list while they take care of your hardwoods, tile, rugs and carpet. This model does a complete cleanup job by automatically emptying itself for up to 60 days. While the pricier model has some beneficial bells and whistles, the more affordable iRobot Roomba 675 is also a great budget-friendly option. You just have to manually empty the vacuum after each use.
Take control of any of your electronics from your phone or with voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Simply add this plug to your existing outlet; their compact size allows you to stack them. Use Away Mode to make it look like your home when you're not for added security.
Check in on your furry friends with this camera that sends a livestream video to your phone. The 160-degree wide-angle view lets you see an entire space, and the barking sensor alerts your phone when it detects barking. When they're on their best behavior, toss them a treat straight from the device.
Simplify managing your home temperature with a smart thermostat. Not only does the thermostat help you save energy with its Eco modes, but it also monitors your heating and cooling systems for problems. With auto-schedules, it learns the temperatures you like and learns to program the house to your comfort.
Boost your home's entry with a smart lock that easily attaches to your existing deadlock. No more searching for your keys while carrying in the groceries. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock gives you multiple keyless options, including voice-activated locking and an auto-unlock feature that detects when you arrive home, as well as locks the door when you leave. Additionally, if you need to let friends or family in when you're not home, you can quickly send them a secure key. Biometric verification gives you extra security.
This all-in-one device connects to most of your smart devices, allowing you control everything with a simple, "Alexa." Stream music, listen to the news, ask questions, set alarms, make phone calls and more. For added security, set up the free Guard app to get mobile alerts if your Echo detects a smoke alarm or glass breaking while you're away.