If you decide that you want to make your life easier and buy a smart device, there are a lot of aspects to consider before deciding which one suits your needs. It can be an overwhelming process but we’ve got you covered, do not worry.
Our lives can become more efficient by having a smart and connected home. What we all could use is a guide mapping out the most popular options people are using to improve the connectivity levels inside their homes. And the gateway product is, of course…
1. Voice Assistants
Voice assistants have been in the spotlight in the last few years, and most of us heard of Google Assistant, Siri, or Amazon Alexa. Many of us have even used them.
Voice assistants started as a feature for our smartphones, but companies started developing these technologies a lot more. With today’s increasing focus on artificial intelligence, it was inevitable that voice assistants would become more integrated into every aspect of our lives. This integration has been made possible through the development of smart home devices such as speakers, thermostats, and security systems. These devices are capable of being controlled by voice commands, and with the help of AI (artificial intelligence), they are able to understand more complex commands and anticipate user needs.
We’ve got many options for voice assistants out there, but Google Assistant takes the lead on this. It is increasingly growing in popularity, having a two-way communication feature and being compatible with almost any other smart device you can buy. Indeed, Amazon Alexa tops it in terms of pairable devices, but Google Assistant shines on the rest of the aspects. Since its launch, Google Assistant has been able to do a lot of things that Amazon Alexa can't do, such as ask follow-up questions, understand context, and remember conversations. It also has a larger library of third-party apps and integrations, as well as a more natural-sounding voice.
Google’s AI assistant (artificial intelligence) is remarkable in terms of the accuracy of answers, and combined with the factors mentioned above - you understand why it’s a must-buy if you want a voice assistant for your home. Not to mention that you can even customize the assistant’s voice to tailor it to your preferences, while also having some fun.
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2. Smart Vacuum Cleaners
Let’s face it – we all have days when we procrastinate cleaning our floors. Especially with a classic vacuum. So, might as well invest in a robot vacuum - as it’s a life and time saver!
We can think of robot vacuum cleaners as little pets with a twist. They have increased utility and lack of cuddliness. They are still amazing at taking tasks off your hands, and some higher-priced options even discharge the dust themselves. Furthermore, robot vacuums are also great because they are programmable and can be set to clean on a schedule, so you don't have to worry about it. They are also much more efficient at cleaning, so it takes less time to get the job done. Plus, they are often much quieter than traditional vacuums, so you don't have to worry about waking anyone up while you clean.
One device that got our attention is the Roborock S7 MaxV, and the reasons for that might surprise you as well. This smart vacuum cleaner is embedded with a LIDAR mapping system that enables it to map your home and learn the best routes to take in order to never hit a piece of furniture. It also has 3D sensors and cameras that scan the floor in real time to avoid any unexpected obstacles that might stop it from doing its job.
A nice aspect of this robot vacuum that got us interested was the option to use the cameras integrated inside it to look around your house when you are away. Not to mention that you can even speak with it through the speakers. So let’s say you catch your dog doing something silly when you are at work. Guess what? You can easily reach him with the help of your vacuum. But remember - it’s a pricy product.
3. Smart Displays
Smart displays are incredibly convenient and provide a variety of functionalities that make our lives way easier. They can be used for a wide range of tasks, from controlling other devices in the house to watching videos, guides and even making calls. Smart displays can also be great additions to a kitchen, providing guidance and making cooking easier for amateur cooks.
Amazon’s Echo Show 10 gets the job done perfectly. Its display can rotate to a full 360 degrees making the big display always available for you to see. For the kitchen, it’s perfect! You can follow a recipe way easier now. The Echo Show 10's rotating display allows you to keep up with what you're cooking without having to constantly move around the kitchen. It also allows for greater flexibility for multitasking, allowing you to easily switch between tasks such as checking a recipe and then quickly calling a family member for help. All of this makes it a great choice for a smart-house companion.
4. Smart Light Bulbs
Aren’t you tired of the same old problem we face when we make ourselves comfortable in bed and quickly need to get up because we forgot to switch off the light? There is a good reason why smart light bulbs were invented. So there’s no wonder why there’s such high demand for them. Take it from us! It is not laziness to get help in our day-to-day lives. Smart light bulbs are neither expensive nor hard to use. It’s basically a plug-and-play device.
If you can, we suggest grabbing the ones from Wyze because of a variety of reasons. It can be very bright, but it can also create a very dim light environment. And that’s not all! It can also switch nuances of light. The best part? All of these work with an easy-to-use app or by directly asking your home voice assistant to do it for you. That’s what you call efficiency.
In addition, the Wyze bulbs provide energy efficiency by consuming less electricity than traditional bulbs, while still providing the same amount of brightness. This helps to reduce your electricity costs over time, while still providing the same level of light. Furthermore, the Wyze bulbs are extremely simple to install and maintain, requiring no extra wiring or complex setup, which makes them ideal for those who are looking for a quick and easy way to upgrade their lighting.
5. Smart Cameras and Security Systems
Now, let’s tackle one essential aspect of smart homes -– security. Outdoor and indoor cameras that can connect to the internet and, therefore are accessible through your phone, represent a really useful solution to keeping your home under control. You might also get them for better prices than other security options out there.
One example that is budget-friendly is also coming from Wyze – the same guys that do the lightbulbs above. With their Cam v3, you get a lot of features that could satisfy almost everyone. It offers 1080p videos with color night vision and can be used both indoors and outdoors. So, for a price below 50$, you get voice control, storage in the cloud, a function called intelligent motion, and also sound detection. Isn’t this amazing?
Smart home technology has come a long way in the past few years, making it easier and more affordable than ever to make your home more secure and efficient. So, what are you waiting for? Go for it - you will thank us later.