Smart home devices include all the objects in your home that can access the internet and communicate to send information back and forth to you and respond to your commands. This network of devices relies on the Internet of Things, or IoT. All these items work together to make your life easier through home automation.
1. Smart Speakers
Smart speakers like Amazon’s Echo or Google’s Home series use voice recognition tech to understand what you’re saying and then respond. Each device has a trigger word that lets it know you’re communicating with the device. For example, the Echo responds to being called Alexa.
Over the last several years, smart speakers are getting more advanced as they listen and process the information they hear from you. It’s all the way voice recognition works. You can connect it to other devices like plugs, additional speakers, and other household devices. Once you connect it, you can activate other devices to turn lights on and off, set the temperature, and more.
2. Smart Hubs
Smart hubs are basically the nerve center in your home automation. They bring all of the devices in the home together. Most devices have an app that you can access, but what you use depends on how and what devices you’re using in your home. Devices include speakers, plugs, air conditioners, thermostats, lights, cameras, and much more.
Hubs today are compatible with multiple voice protocols and can support Alexa, Google, and Bluetooth, and a variety of different things. You can also find hubs that provide a mesh Wi-Fi system to create a seamless network in your home. Mesh networks improve your connectivity from wherever you are inside. Having a home automation hub makes your life easier by letting you turn off your connected stove when you accidentally forget to turn it off before you leave.
3. Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are the easiest thing to install to begin the conversion to smart home devices. They are small adaptors that you plug into a regular outlet. You then connect the adaptor to your existing Wi-Fi network. After successfully connecting, you can control it through your smartphone or your smart hub.
Using a smart plug makes life easier because they allow you to control smaller devices as needed. They come in handy during the holidays, too, because you can plug in your lights and turn them on and off without having to get on your knees to plug them in every night. Since any ordinary device can be plugged into a smart plug, you can convert everything into something responsive with a plug that blends into the wall.
4. Smart Cameras and Monitors
A smart camera is the easiest way to keep an eye on your home when you’re not around. You can also use smart cameras to check in on kids that might be home alone. Settings also include a constant stream or for motion detection only. They only need Wi-Fi to connect to a network, making them incredibly easy to set up at your house.
You have outdoor camera options, too, and they are weather-resistant to rain and heat. Some are also battery-powered. Others connect directly to your electrical system. You can also find lights attached to these cameras that will come on like a typical motion-sensitive light, but instead of just the light, the camera also activates. Outdoor cameras also have night vision that is better quality than it used to be, so you can find a camera that will fit your needs.
5. Smart Security Systems
Smart security systems also include smart locks. You can unlock your house without even being there. These locks can also be set to lock and unlock remotely. If you’re away and need to let someone in the house, it’s useful. It also comes in handy if you forgot to lock the door on your way out.
Lots of smart security systems also have home monitoring done by round-the-clock services like Vivint. You can control the entire system from a touch screen panel on your wall, smartphone, or computer. Some security services can also install the whole system for you, so you don’t have to do anything until after it is ready.
You also have the option of going the DIY route with a home security system by Simplisafe. You can monitor everything yourself, or you can pay for a monthly plan that monitors everything for you. Flexibility is part of the whole kit by choosing this option.
A Few Last Words on Smart Home Devices
Smart devices can be a fantastic home improvement that is easy to do without much out-of-pocket cost, depending on where you start. Speakers are typical, to begin with, because you can do a lot with them. The next step up would be a smart home hub for more comprehensive home automation. If you want to start with a more inexpensive option, you can always start with smart plugs and gradually add other smart devices over time. A smart security system is also an excellent investment for your home and can help you feel safe and give you peace of mind.
