“Alexa, do my laundry, go to the grocery store, pick up my kids, and cook me dinner.” Wouldn’t that be so nice? In today’s society and with today’s technology, there are so many gadgets we can buy to make our homes totally automated. I personally love the idea of walking around my house and not having to lift a finger while my Alexa plays the soundtrack to my life, my Apple Watch tracks the calories I’ve burned, and my smart plugs turn on and off automatically. If that sounds good to you, keep reading! We’ve compiled a list of the best products to animate your home — and the best part is, you don’t have to be a tech genius to use them!
Alexa/ Google Home
Some amazing advances in tech are making it super easy to pair your appliance with your Google Home or your Alexa. This pairing allows you to turn on the lights, adjust the temperature, or lock your door with a voice command! All of these products are compatible with either Google Home or Alexa.
I own both of these and I can’t really tell too much of a difference, but I do know that I love them both so much. While these are great to have anywhere, I know I’m using them for their base purposes — alarms and music. But if you do a little bit of research, and I’m talking a 10 minute YouTube video, you’ll realize how much this tech can actually do. The countertop versions that look like small iPads can even show you recipes step by step, tell you the weather or play games with you! I’ve been meaning to invest in smart lights so that the second I walk into my room, I can simply say, “Alexa, turn the lights on.”
Lights
LIFX Mini White — Pairs with Alexa and Google
These light bulbs have Wi-Fi in them. Crazy, right?? But you just have to download the app, connect it to Wi-Fi, and you’re good to go! The lights can be dimmed and set to coordinate with the lighting of the day, the space, and the mood.
Philips Hue — Pairs with Alexa and Google
These smart LED lights will make your life way easier. Use your phone or tablet to set the mood for any time of day. Choose from 16 million colors and shades of light for the perfect ambiance!
Door Locks
Yale Assure Lock Touchscreen — Pairs with Alexa and Google
This smart lock lets you lock your door from your phone, Alexa, or Google device, so no more getting up to see if the door is locked. You also are allowed to customize different passcodes for different people, so you don’t have to make a copy of your key!
August Smart Lock and Connect Wi-Fi Bridge — Pairs with Alexa
This lock comes with its own app, so you can control all the settings of your door from wherever you are! This lock also has a Door Sense, so it will tell you if your door is closed or open. It also senses when you’re coming and unlocks automatically when you arrive.
Temperature
Ecobee SmartThermostat — Pairs with Alexa
This smart thermostat is brilliant. It can detect your presence in a room and adjust accordingly, while it will preserve energy when you’re away and lower the temperature. This also has an app, so you can adjust from your phone or from your Alexa anytime you want!
Google Nest Thermostat — Pairs with Google
This thermostat learns from you! It learns from your schedule and programs itself to save you energy. It will also send you an alert when something seems a bit off in your energy usage.
Plugs
Amazon Smart Plug — Pairs with Alexa
You can set a schedule on these plugs, or just simply tell Alexa to turn them on! Easy to set up, no smart home hub required!
Smart Plug– compatible with Google and Alexa
These plugs also come with a remote control, if you want to turn them on and off. They also can be accessed through an app, and of course, your smart home. You can set a timer on these and set them up easily!
Doorbells
Ring Doorbell 3 –– Pairs with Alexa
This doorbell lets you see everyone who comes to your door with a 1080p HD video. You can also hear them and speak to them, all from your phone, tablet, or computer! You’ll receive a notification on your phone when it senses movement. You can pair it with your Alexa to talk to your front door too!
Arlo Essential Video Doorbell –– Pairs with Google and Alexa
With this doorbell you’ll get an alert when someone is at your door, so you can know exactly when that Amazon package is coming with all your new tech gadgets! No hub is required and it can connect directly to Wi-Fi.
Security Cameras
Blink Outdoor Security Camera –– Pairs with Alexa
This security camera will help you monitor your home in the day or night time. Built to withstand the elements and with a long battery life, this security camera will keep you safe! You can also talk to it through your Alexa or your smartphone!
Netatmo Smart Outdoor Security Camera — Pairs with Alexa and Google
You’ll receive instant alerts when someone is outside of your house with this security camera. You can also choose when you get alerted — such as where movement occurs and if it’s an animal or a person. This security camera also has full video footage that you can access on your iPhone.
Which of these home automation ideas do you use in your home? Let us know in the comments below!
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