Hello World! Welcome Friends! Looking to improve the functionality of your home? If so, you would be wise to prioritize automation. Automation not only expands the scope of what a home can do but it also allows for greater convenience.
Interested in automating your home? You’re going to need to buy some smart gadgets.
Wondering what’s available out there? Then read on. The following products will go a long way in making your home a smart house.
Amazon Echo
A good way to start building your smart home is by purchasing a smart speaker. Smart speakers operate based on voice commands, playing music, turning on television programs, reading the news, and performing a variety of other useful tasks.
While there are all sorts of smart speakers on the market today, the most popular (and more affordable) has to be the Amazon Echo. Available in a number of sizes, it serves as a terrific central operating system.
The smallest version of the Echo (the Dot) can be purchased for under $50 and is often on sale for as low as $25. So, if you’re looking to automate on a budget, it would be right up your alley.
Some other smart speakers that are available include the Google Home, the Apple HomePod, and the Bose SoundLink.
Samsung SmartThings Light Bulb
Wouldn’t it be cool to turn your lights off with a voice command? With the use of the Samsung SmartThings Light Bulb, you can.
This light bulb offers a number of different features. Not only is it capable of providing different dimmer settings, but it’s also capable of turning off and on at pre-selected times.
When combined with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Bixby, it can be controlled entirely by voice. When not being controlled by voice, it can instead be controlled from a smartphone.
Note, this is far from the only smart light bulb in existence. There are plenty of options out there, some of which can change color.
So, before buying your first bulb, you’re advised to scour the internet for other options. While the SmartThings light bulb is a superb product, it might not meet all of your specifications.
EcoBee 4 Thermostat
Looking to save money on cooling and heating? If so, you should consider buying the EcoBee 4 thermostat. This is a smart thermostat that can be operated remotely (via smartphone) and that can be programmed to adjust temperatures automatically throughout each day.
How exactly does the EcoBee 4 save you money on heating and cooling? By only providing heat and cold when it’s absolutely needed.
For instance, let’s say that it’s winter and that you’re at work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Because you’re not home during these hours, you don’t need your house to be as warm as you would if you actually were home.
A smart thermostat can accommodate this situation, as it can be programmed to reduce your home’s temperature during your work hours and increase your home’s temperature during your non-work hours. Because it will prevent your furnace from producing unnecessary heat, it will ultimately save money on energy bills.
Note, the EcoBee 4 is only one of many smart thermostats that are available. Some other options include the Google Nest, the Emerson Sensi Touch, and the Honeywell Home.
Google Nest Hello
Another smart device you might consider buying is the Google Nest Hello. This is a smart doorbell that visually records the area directly in front of it. It syncs up to smartphones, allowing its users to see who has been or who is currently at their doorway.
Not only does the Hello provide a 24/7 live stream, but it also sends alerts to its users’ phones, informing them as to whether their doorbells have been rung or whether there’s someone standing in front of their door. If you fear that someone might break into your house, this device will allow you to monitor the situation.
While the Hello is the most popular smart doorbell on the market, it’s far from the only one. Some other options include the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro and the Ring Video Doorbell 2.
August Smart Lock Pro
Hoping to automate your home’s security entities? If so, you should consider buying the August Smart Lock Pro. The premier smart lock on the market today, it’s easy to install and simple to program.
The August Smart Lock Pro is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Want to lock or unlock your front door from a remote location? Just give Alexa or Assistant the word and it will be done.
Make note, though, that this is only one of the many smart locks available on the market today. Some other options include the Schlage Encode, the Google Nest Yale Lock, and the Kwikset Kevo.
Arlo Ultra
Looking to install a surveillance camera on your property? If so, you can’t go wrong with the Arlo Ultra. The top smart surveillance camera on the market today, it’s loaded with useful features.
Not only does this camera zoom in automatically, but it also detects motion and provides color-based night vision. Recording in 4K, it streams to a corresponding smartphone 24/7.
Looking for other high-quality smart surveillance cameras? Some other intriguing options include the Google Nest Cam, the Amazon Cloud Cam, and the Logitech Circle 2, to name just a few.
Need More Help in Building a Smart House?
While the products reviewed above will go a long way in establishing your home as a smart house, they are truly only the tip of the iceberg. In truth, there are a number of other options available as well, all of which could have a seismic effect on your home’s performance and functionality.
Need more help in building a smart house? Our website has the information you need. Check out our other articles now!
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Toodles,
I need some touch screen gloves – it’s a real pain constantly taking gloves off to answer the phone or play the many games on my phone!
The Amazon echo is what I need. It is hard to choose what I need to buy from so many options. This shortlist is good I have to say.