We can control almost anything with our mobile devices today. Home automation has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Technology has advanced in leaps and bounds. Sophisticated computers, smartphones, mobile-controlled home security and Outdoor home stereo systems, and drones with cameras are all devices with impressive technology.
In this article, we will see how gadgets have changed home automation. But before that, let us stress that you must get hold of a top-notch internet connection. After all, a significant chunk of home automation devices including the ones mentioned below often depends on the internet. And not just any internet connection but one that allows for fast speeds. In case you do not have such a connection, we would recommend opting for Xfinity’s connection as it allows for quality connectivity at affordable prices. For more information, click on https://www.localcabledeals.com/xfinity/internet.
That said, let us move back to the home automation gadgets you should make use of:
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs
One of the more popular ones currently on the market is the Philips Hue Smart Bulbs. They do what regular ones can’t. For one, they can change color. That’s right. They change to any color you want even matching the tones in a photo that you upload with Hue’s iOS app. You can control these wireless LED bulbs in the entire house with Echo, adjusting the lights and temperature of the room. They can even be scheduled to turn on and off from your smartphone, contributing towards saving you money. Not only that, check this out – they can even be synced with music! Sound-and-light party anyone?
Other companies are also making smart bulbs such as LIFX and Belkin. However, we chose to emphasize the Philips Hue ones as they truly stand out in terms of quality.
Google Nest Hub
Google Nest Hub shows your voice commands, and works seamlessly with Google-supported smart home cameras as well as video doorbells to display their camera feeds onscreen. Google didn’t include a video camera on the Hub like Amazon has on its smaller Echo Show due to certain privacy concerns. However, if you want video for chatting, you can find a few third-party options. Even without that, the Nest Hub is the best smart display on the market.
Samsung SmartThings Hub
With the ability to control lights, locks, plugs, thermostats, cameras, and speakers right from your smartphone Samsung SmartThings Hub integrates with all other electronics in your home. You can even control electronic devices of different brands with SmartThings including smart thermostats, Wi-Fi routers, lightbulbs, and security devices. SmartThings Hub comes with a wall mount with full access to smart devices connected to it through SmartThings IOS or Android app.
The Hub has added more to its lineup with a SmartThings Wi-Fi plug, SmartThings Lightbulb, and a SmartThings Cam with probably more to come. Compatible smart devices can perform various actions like turning on or off when you walk in or out of a room and you can give voice commands to the wall hub or app.
Amazon Echo Dot
Although Google Home Mini and Amazon Echo Dot are at parity, the latter pips it because of its audio-out jack. Both are Bluetooth devices but only Echo Dot can connect to a standard wired speaker setup. For audiophiles, it gives you an easy, cheap way to add Alexa-based smarts to your existing speaker hardware.
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini
With so many smart plugs on the market, TP-Link Kasa Mini is the best so far. With only a single outlet that connects to your Wi-Fi, you can program the plug with its app to turn on or off on a schedule or based on your location. You can even activate it with Google Assistant and Alexa.
It’s cheap, easy to install and you can toggle power on and off remotely.
Ecobee SmartThermostat
Ecobee SmartThermostat is a Wi-Fi-based thermostat that uses an app or voice to control heating and air conditioning. It comes with a remote temperature sensor in the box with the thermostat. No matter which room you’re in Ecobee will adjust the thermostat as needed. It can even adjust the temperature in another room by switching over to the remote sensor. To maximize the benefits of a smart thermostat, be sure to schedule annual heating and air conditioning maintenance services.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article would have given you a better idea of the home automation technology installation and how you can take advantage of the phenomenon.