Nowadays, it feels as if the whole world is travelling at the speed of life. Destination? Automation. It’s true because it rhymes.
All the joking aside, everything is becoming smarter – our phones, watches, computers, security systems, kitchens, rooms and thermostats. With all that on the rise, perhaps you also find yourself thinking about getting some kind of smart home installation
What’s a smart device?
It’s an electronic device that is typically connected to other networks or devices via wireless protocols. They can be controlled by apps, and their primary function is to interact with the user – that’s why we call them “smart”. To a certain extent, they’re imitating our behaviour to best adapt to our needs.
Let’s take a look at some of the hottest gadgets that can make your life much easier.
Smart Plug
For anyone looking for a home automation solution on a budget, this is a Holy Grail. While it definitely has its shortcomings and disadvantages, it makes up for it with the surprisingly high number of features and functions, portability, affordability and easy installation. Once plugged in, a smart plug allows you to control lamps or fans with an app installed on your smartphone. You can turn things on and off remotely. It improves overall safety, as you’re better equipped to fight off all the fire hazards at your home. Oh, and make sure you get one that can be integrated with your smartphone – some plugs are compatible only with Apple products.
Smart doorbell
You’re cooking a fancy feast, have your hands full, and you suddenly hear the doorbell ringing. Someone’s at the door. What can you do? If you’re one of the lucky owners of a smart doorbell, you can simply ask Alexa for the live feed. If you’re not at home and expecting a delivery – you can set up a notification on your smart doorbell when it comes. And it’s just about convenience, but also safety. It can replace an entire home safety system. Works great with iPhones as well as Androids. Plus, it’s battery-powered, so there’s no need for complicated hard wiring.
Smart thermostat
You have no idea how much being able to adjust the temperature in your room with just a simple tap in a dedicated app can change your life. Or better yet – with a voice command. It’ll help you save energy, and feel more comfortable, plus you can literally do it “on the go” – no need to stop watching your favourite Netflix show, cooking dinner or having a chat with your friends or loved ones. It offers many great features, like air quality sensors – super useful, especially for someone with allergies.
Smart fridge
We saved the best – and most expensive – for the last. Yes, we know. Sounds a little too extravagant, just non-essential. Well, perhaps, but it offers so many unbelievably practical functionalities that we couldn’t help ourselves. What functionalities you ask? How about being able to see what’s inside your fridge when you’re at work with a Peek-a-Boo feature? And compiling your shopping list? And playing music? Or even watching TV? Yes, depending on the model, it can do all those things. Now you get it, right? We do realize for some people it may be an absurd purchase, but for a busy family, it can be a true life-changer.
Other options
There are literally hundreds of different smart home devices you might want to look into. The thing is, we tried to focus on those you can quickly and easily set up on your own. For other, more complicated installations, it’s always better to call an expert – they’re not that hard to find. Google what you’re looking for and add your location at the end of the query (e.g., based in Kent? type in home automation kent; based in California? type in smart home installation california). This little trick will definitely help you quickly find what you’re looking for.
