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smart gadgets

When you think of a smart home, it’s not unusual to picture a voice-controlled house or a home fitted with sensors to pick up your every move. From drawing curtains to informing you who’s on the front door, a smart home is all about introducing you to a life of convenience. Technology has expanded rapidly. You are now entering an era where smart assistants like Alexa and Google assist you with house management.

So if you’re intrigued with having a tech-savvy household that can make life much more fun and convenient, there is a lot you can do. To build a smart home, you need the right gear. Once you install everything, you’re ready to live in your new home. Here are some ways you can transform your living space into a more futuristic one:

Switch Over To Tech-Friendly Security

The lock and key system are now outdated. This conventional form of security was not only easy to break into but was not the best measure to protect your house. Smart security is a multi-layered process that involves more than changing the lock on your door. It is a comprehensive spread measure that allows you to change the gate on your driveway to introduce surveillance cameras in front of your house. Places like Leeds are criminal hubs. In 2021, it was reported for every 1,000 people, almost 150 thefts had occurred.

So it’s understandable why you want to shut yourself out from society. By investing in electric gates Leeds citizens can prevent unwarranted entries. The controls also allow you to manage your gate without going down and opening it each time physically. Your house needs protection. Installing smart locks helps you forego the need for a lock and key, offering you keycards and Bluetooth-connected keys to open your front door. Certain doorbells also come with a camera. So if an intruder or an unwanted person somehow makes it through your gate and onto your front porch, you can handle them without accidentally opening your door.

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Get Vacuum Cleaners and A Roomba

Cleaning your house is part of good home upkeeping. But playing Cinderella every day can get exhausting. Sweeping requires a good amount of stamina, and if you have pets, you may have to clean up every day. By purchasing a Roomba and vacuum cleaner, you can make cleaning a practical measure chore. Roombas analyze the surface area in which it has to go across. It maps out all obstacles like furniture and begins the process of brushing with a vacuum to clean your space. Your only responsibility lies in cleaning the filter and putting the device up for a charge. But when it comes to everyday cleaning, a Roomba can help you there.

Modern vacuum cleaners are also now Bluetooth-connected, with a touch screen. Some companies like Dyson also manufacture vacuums with a front light to help you navigate and see if you have dust on your floor. The control panel allows you to control suction power so you don’t end up damaging your floors. You can also choose the setting you wish to clean in. Are you looking for a quick sweep or want to deep clean?

Better Air Monitoring

An HVAC system is integral to your smart home. While you can’t afford an elaborate design, the current air monitoring must be accurate. Ac units and heaters have gas in them. Carbon monoxide is abundant in heaters and can accumulate with time. Since it is an odorless gas, you have no way of knowing how much of it is around you without an air sensor.

This can be dangerous and may lead to a fatal outcome. However, some companies produce smart sensors that can keep tabs on the air quality around you. If there is a buildup of any lethal gas, you will be alerted with a loud beeping noise or informed through an application that you need to ventilate your house. Sometimes you may accidentally leave the gas knob turned on. This can lead to flammable gas, which smells strong and can ignite with a single spark. An air monitor in the kitchen can inform you about this buildup.

Get Into The Habit Of Smart Light Bulbs

Electricity can get expensive. It can also be bothersome if you have bulbs operating on one voltage without any option of getting dim or brighter. Within a household, you need different types of lights. If you’re in the mood to have a romantic dinner, the lights should be dim. But if you are reading, the bulbs need to be bright. Smart light bulbs are your one-stop solution to your lifestyle needs. Smart light bulbs get connected to your phone. They may have an additional application that you have to install to access the control panel.

Some lights also respond to music, causing them to strobe or change colors with the tune. Smart light bulbs also help you save money. Since you’re controlling the amount of power these bulbs should consume and require minimum voltage, you pay a lot less for your monthly utility bills.

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Use Smart Assistants

Smart assistants are artificial intelligence-powered devices that respond to voice commands. Companies like Apple, Amazon, and Google have their version of smart assistants which have become increasingly popular with the rise of mobile app development. You may know them as Siri, Echo, and Alexa. The purpose of this gear is to assist you with everyday tasks. So instead of making individual reminders, the smart assistant can do your work for you. They can remind you of your chores, arrange a call for you, answer search engine queries, and control your house’s accessories.

These can include lighting, appliances like the tv, and a sound system. Companies like Apple offer you a home widget that allows you to sync every smart device to your phone, extending to Siri. So if you wish to turn off a light or turn on a device, you have to say the words and watch the magic happen.

Final Thoughts

Technology has always been a game-changer, especially when it comes to helping us change our lifestyles. If you like going digital, you can transform your space into a technology haven with a few simple steps. You can introduce a lucrative security system that can protect your house by investing in smart security. Cleaning has never been easier than with a Roomba and vacuum. Air monitoring is also an essential feature of a smart home. Toxic gases can build up anytime, and regulating them is pivotal for easy breathing. Finally, start using smart assistants for everyday work. These devices facilitate your simple tasks without you breaking a sweat.

The smart home market is ever-expanding and opening up exciting new opportunities for modern homeowners. Namely, as technology advances by leaps and bounds, we are in a position to make our living environments more awesome, functional, and safe. Then again, all products are not created equal and you want to avoid gimmicks and subpar gadgets. Instead, focus on those that add real value to your home and upgrade your daily life. To help you in your search, we compiled a list of amazing gadgets based on our tests and existing reviews.  

Amazon Echo (2nd generation)

Smart home speakers such as Echo are popping up in homes and offices across the globe. The second generation of Amazon’s flagship is smaller, cheaper, and simply better than its predecessor. It is capable of playing music, setting alarms, producing weather reports, managing shopping lists, making calls, controlling other smart technology devices, etc. All of this you can do hands-free, using just your voice. After all, this enhanced speaker contains seven microphones, a Dolby processing unit, as well as 360-degree, omnidirectional audio.

iSmart Alarm

The next product on our list is one of the best home DIY security systems currently in the market. It is actually an eight-piece set that comes with two window sensors, alarm hub, two door sensors, a motion sensor, and two keychain remotes. Those who go for a pricier, premium package also get an HD security camera. The system includes customizable settings, integration with an app that tracks everything, and app- or keychain-enabled controls. Users can also choose to receive notifications via email, text and phone calls.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro

This one is more than just a wireless doorbell. It is also a smart video product that seamlessly connects to your smartphone. Yes, that means you can have conversations with your visitors without having to get up and stop what you are doing. Besides, you get a product that doubles as a security camera. Did I mention that recorded videos are stored via cloud and that with an optional accessory receiver, you can hear the doorbell anywhere in your home? The only bummer to speak of is the price tag. Here is the list of some of the best wireless doorbell products.

 

Ecobee4

Programmable thermostats enable homeowners to improve heating and cooling patterns and save a lot of money in the long run. Ecobee4 is a standout product that pays for itself after less than two years. It has a user-friendly responsive display and remote-control functions. Advanced sensors analyze occupancy and temperature to automatically determine the most optimal modes. There are a bunch of smart integrations, but I would say that one killer feature is a built-in Alexa speaker. This means you can control it via voice or smartphone app.

Philips Hue White LED Starter Kit

Philips Hue White is a soft light bulb you can manipulate remotely. Namely, smart controls are intuitive, a dedicated app automates the whole experience, and there is also support for Hue’s well-connected platform. What is more, you can easily add extras to your setup if you wish it so: Hue Dimmer Switch, Hue Tap, Hue Motion Sensor, etc. The product is compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The right ambience for your mood is just a few taps or voice commands away.

August Smart Lock

Smart locks have revolutionized home security and August is certainly worth your while. The interface is simple and easy to put to good use. You do not have to replace your keys, which is utterly convenient. There are auto-locks and auto-unlock features that really make your life easier. Moreover, you can count on the smooth HomeKit, Alexa, Siri, and Nest integrations. The app experience is solid and the components are well-made and sturdy. Just bear in mind that there is no alarm included in the package.

Play it smart

In this day and age, the market is flooded with cutting-edge gadgets and smart devices. They span nearly every room and automate various home systems and features. Thus, they give you a chance to be in full control of your environment. Try to stick to devices that are easy to install and use, as well as those that speak to your inner “techie”. So, it is time to comb through the internet, and embark on your own shopping adventure. Put together an intricate framework for a high-tech, 21st century home.