The Latest Smart Gadgets and Devices to Get for Your Home: A Guide
If you’re on a mission to make sure you have the most up-to-date home, don’t stop with decorating. Having the right smart gadgets can make all the difference, too.
Improve your home with a Smartwatch
The Apple Watch Series is the most advanced smartwatch the company has produced yet, and it includes a screen and speaker for phone calls, Siri and watch face customization, and a fast-charging battery that can last 18 hours.
If you’re in the market for an Apple Watch, or an Android Wear smartwatch, your options have vastly expanded. There are a host of other new smartwatch options, including the Fossil Q Explorist HR and the Samsung Galaxy Watch.
All of these smartwatches are all-day wearables, meaning they don’t require charging overnight. So you can really be in touch without having to worry about tangled wires. And because many of them have cellular connectivity, you can leave your phone at home without having to worry about not getting notifications.
Security System
These days you don’t have to be on vacation in another country to get a great vacation deal. With this in mind, investing in home security is a smart move, too.
Total Security: The Smart Deadbolt
This high-tech deadbolt is among the most advanced of its kind. It not only unlocks and locks the door from afar, it also has a built-in wi-fi camera and a speaker. The app lets you view video footage from the camera, which has night vision and sound monitoring.
It uses AI technology to learn your routines and habits, so if it’s been 30 minutes since you’ve last checked the door, it will unlock for you. It can also have an alarm system installed.
The Best Smart Doorbells
Have you ever used a smart doorbell? To know the whereabouts of a visitor in your home, you’ll need a smart doorbell. And the best ones on the market not only offer a reliable video connection but also the option to view the person on your TV or a tablet, even if you can’t be there to see them in person.
Smart doorbells can save you time—and you can add multiple doorbells for more security, depending on what you need. It’s especially helpful to have one or two in different areas of your house—home office, living room, kitchen, etc.—just in case someone drops by while you’re out.
Best Smart Home Lighting for a Complete Addition to Your Interior Design:
Wireless Alarm Systems
Zonbee Wi-Fi home alarm system, which is powered by Zon, is your new best friend. It helps you manage your home Wi-Fi connection to keep unwanted visitors at bay. For example, if you leave for the day, your device will mute your alarm and notify you of incoming calls and texts.
And if someone does get past the alarm and into your home, you’ll be notified via your smartphone. The door is opened by motion sensors, which sounds an alarm and sends a message to the local police department, who will be alerted to respond.
By now, you might be thinking that your home security system is plenty safe with your Zonbee. You’re not alone. The product has been the No. 1 best seller on Amazon since its launch in May of this year, which means the company clearly hits a chord.
Monitor Your Home from Anywhere
There are plenty of ways to keep tabs on your home from your smartphone—or from a nearby WiFi access point. But in a large house, or one with many rooms, these options aren’t always practical. If you’d prefer to keep an eye on your whole property, consider getting a two-in-one camera system—one that monitors and protects your front porch from unwanted visitors and one that serves as an outdoor security camera.
These security camera solutions keep things nice and simple. As long as you and the remote can communicate via Bluetooth, you’re free to stay inside and ignore the goings-on.
Lightbulbs and Locks
Lighting is often overlooked when it comes to smart technology, but these bulbs have been getting smarter over the years. That’s because the company’s bulbs change colors based on the time of day and your own preferences. The company’s bulbs are the only bulbs that sync with Apple’s HomeKit, too. It means they can communicate with smart locks made by August and locks made by other companies. Plus, they work with energy-saving lightbulbs.
Can’t you just picture your electrician installing smart locks? These days, you can buy a starter kit like this one from Lutron, which includes a power strip and the keys to set up the locks. Or you can buy smart plugs to control lights and appliances using your phone.
Conclusion
The array of smart home gadgets, devices and apps available is unlike anything we’ve seen before, and the result is overwhelming. You can spend an afternoon Googling smart home devices and products to find one that’s ideal for you.
But, the best way to tackle the smart home market is by implementing a handful of solutions at the right time. To do that, start with a great lighting system, complete with smart bulbs, shades and switches that have you covered. Then, do a smart TV install with a smart soundbar and a smart set-top box.
By taking it one step at a time, you’ll be prepared to continue and expand your smart home journey once your house is fully wired.
