The Internet has changed how we do business…not just with little things like social media and email, but even in the way our day-to-day lives are conducted inside our homes. Enter the era of the “smart home” where wires are quickly being traded for a seamless connection of remote-control capabilities, even from the other side of the globe. Here’s a sampling of some available components and advances in technology if you’re looking to ditch the wires in you home.
The hub. At the center of today’s wireless home experience is the “hub.” This device acts as the central location at which all of the home’s smart products connect. The hub allows you to control individual devices and also allows them to work together when possible. A hub can also be integrated with a speaker device such as Amazon’s Echo Dot, enabling voice control of devices as well as access from a smartphone or tablet.
Heating & cooling. Gone are the days of getting off the sofa to adjust the temperature when your winter blanket isn’t quite enough. Now a few taps on your smartphone or tablet can put the temperature right where you want it. The ability to check your home’s temperature and then turn the heat or A/C on before heading home from the office is no longer just a wish. The Google Nest is a popular option in this department and is a good place to start when looking for comparable devices.
Security. Devices like the Ring video doorbell not only allow you to view and converse with whoever is at your door from anywhere in the world, but they also record incidents happening outside your door based on motion activation. These videos are uploaded to a cloud server where you can choose to view them yourself or allow them to be part of a neighborhood network of cameras, viewable by others in your area.
Lighting. Want to have your lights turn on at home at a set time? Will you feel better if it looks like you’re home when you’re really on vacation? Or would you just like to be able to dim the lights remotely by using your voice or smartphone? Smart switches such as the C-Start motion sensing dimmer by GE help you do just that. This device offers the added benefit of allowing you to conserve energy by having lights turn on and off based on motion sensing.
Extras. Smart locks are becoming more and more popular, as they allow keyless entry and remote locking and unlocking (for those times when you leave home and wonder if you remembered to lock the door behind you.) They also let you track who’s entering and exiting your home with digital access “keys” that can be given to anyone you wish (think pet sitters or out-of-town relatives) and can be revoked at the push of a button. This short list of some basic smart devices wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the existence of smart coffee makers that allow you to start your morning coffee by voice command without leaving the comfort of your bed!
Wireless Home Tip:
Before you buy, research the compatibility of your devices with your smart home hub to ensure you have the most seamless experience.
