INTRODUCTION:
Home automation is precisely what it sounds like: automating the capability to control all the objects around the house—from window shades to even pet feeders— merely with a simple push of a button (or in some cases, a voice command). Some of these activities, such as setting up a lamp to turn on and off at your notion, are basic and comparatively low-cost. Whereas others, such as innovative surveillance cameras, might involve more investment of time as well as money.
What would happen if all the devices in your life could connect to the Internet? Not only computers and smartphones, but I mean everything: speakers, clocks, lights, doors, cameras, windows, hot water heaters, appliances, cooking utensils, you can name it. What if these devices can all interconnect, send you information, and receive your commands? It's not any sort of science fiction; but it's called the Internet of Things (IoT), and it's a major component of home automation and smart homes.
There are a variety of smart home product categories, so you can regulate everything from lights and temperature to even critical locks and security in your home. Here's a brief review of the best products we've tested for each and every room of the house.
Editor’s Pick
Hubs & Controllers:
Amazon Echo and Echo Dot
The Echo at Amazon which costs $179.99 is a Bluetooth speaker powered by Alexa (Amazon's convenient voice assistant). Alexa is working with some smart home devices, in addition with If This Then That (IFTTT) to control sufficiently of others via "recipes" that you can generate yourself. It'll require some work, but you can make use of Alexa to control the majority of the gadgets in your house merely by the sound of your voice. If you previously have a favorite speaker, the low-priced Echo Dot ($49.99 at Amazon) can be connected to it and add Alexa functionality and features.
Wink Hub 2
The Wink Hub 2 functions with devices that make use of ZigBee, Z-Wave, Lutron Clear Connect, Kidde, Bluetooth and most importantly, Wi-Fi. That comprises nearly everything in the smart home range, from the Philips Hue lighting and the Netgear Arlo camera, to even Google Home. It's the most consistent, broadly supported hub that we've tested.
Logitech Harmony Elite
If you don't like talking too much and desire controlling things the old fashioned way that is by pushing buttons, then The Logitech Harmony Elite ($298.00 at Walmart.com) is the ultimate universal remote for you: it controls much more than only TV and stereo. This costly element connects with the comprised Harmony Home Hub to control every other Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Z-Wave, or infrared device in your house.
Surveillance Cameras:
I control Networks Piper
The Piper ($279.99 at Amazon) is an indoor surveillance camera that you can view remotely from any Android or iOS device, and it’s picture-perfect for keeping a close eye on the house, the pets, or even the baby. But it's not just for that. It also acts as a Z-Wave controller, skilled of providing you household control over household gadgets regardless of where you are. And the camera is quite outstanding, with digital pan, tilt, and zoom functions, in addition, sharp night vision and two-way audio are also encompassed with it so that you can communicate with anyone who is under your watch.
LG Smart Security Wireless Camera LHC5200WI (With ADT Canopy)
Indoor Wi-Fi security cameras propose a cost-effective way for keeping tabs on your home while you're gone, but unless they're paired with a complete security system, it's up to you to supervise activities and instantly call the authorities in case of a break-in. So, make use of the LG Smart Security Wireless Camera ($199.99 at Amazon) , an indoor Wi-Fi camera that provides you 24/7 monitoring via ADT's Canopy service. This camera is perfect for renters, apartment dwellers, and most importantly, homeowners who desire professional monitoring without having to pledge to a contract or make payment for professional installation.
Nest Cam Outdoor
The Nest Cam Outdoor ($193.38 at Amazon) is basically the same camera as its prevalent Indoor model which is available at a price of $173.19 at Amazon, but encompasses a weatherproof enclosure and power cord. It uses Wi-Fi to direct a full-time video signal (up to 1080p) that you can monitor via the Web or mobile apps. It also provides warnings for motion (in zones you set) or audio. If you Pay for the Nest Aware subscription and you'll receive days of video stored online that convert into clips that you can watch whenever you like.
Locks and Home Security Systems:
August Smart Lock HomeKit Enabled
Apple HomeKit-enabled Smart Lock$229.00 at Amazon stands over your current deadbolt switch to provide connectivity for your door. It communicates via Bluetooth with your smartphone, providing quick access to you or guests. The modern version integrates firmly with Apple devices, but still has sustenance from other services like IFTTT.
Vivint
Vivint was previously working under the brand name of APX Alarm Security Solutions, but now has a nice little name to go along with growing beyond security into home automation. The Vivint Smart Home system ($49.99 at Vivint), includes subscription-based remote monitoring by professionals that costs for $39.99 to $49.99 per month. If you need expert installation and an extra secure surveillance, then undoubtedly, Vivint is an excellent choice for you. It can also be controlled with the Amazon Echo.
SimpliSafe Home Security System
If you want a DIY approach to improve your home security, be sure to check out the SimpliSafe system($259.95 at SimpliSafe). Despite the lack of camera, it is worth its reasonable prices and monthly monitoring of a varied range of sensors. It originates in many different packages, or you can modify your own so you can have exactly what's good for your home.
Heating and Cooling:
Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Generation):
The Nest Learning Thermostat($246.99 at Amazon) has integrated Wi-Fi so you can control the temperature of your room from your phone, tablet, or PC. This state-of-the-art generation also possesses a greater display and a few more sensors than its forerunners, in addition to geofencing sustenance and a furnace monitor as well.
Ecobee3 Smart WiFi Thermostat
The Ecobee3 Smart WiFi Thermostat($257.98 at Amazon) is one more sophisticated device that you can control remotely. It's not reliant on only monitoring home temperature from one fixed position—it also checks various sensors in multiple rooms.
Lighting:
Philips Hue Bulbs
Do you desire complete wireless authority over the lights in your home? The Philips Hue line brings this with bulbs that allow you to control not only the intensity of the light, but also the color. Although it can get expensive, but the Hue ecosystem has been in the market for enough time that it functions with almost every other system out there, from Alexa, to IFTTT, to Siri (using the Philips Hue Bridge 2.0). Moreover, if you are not interested in colorful lights but still need that unbelievable granular control over an all-white bulb then Philips provides the Hue White approaching in at a reduced price, at least for smart bulbs.
Cooking:
Anova Culinary Precision Cooker Wi-Fi
If you're involved in sous vide cooking—where food wrapped in plastic is absorbed in a hot bath to cook to precision—then definitely you need an immersion circulator to get on track. The Anova Culinary Precision Cooker$198.13 at Amazon make use of Wi-Fi connectivity so you can control it from anyplace, even while you're not home. A large dial permits you to set the chosen temperature to within a tenth of a degree, display demonstrates the set and the current water temperature, and an innovative app keeps you reported of the cooking process in every step of the way. It makes cooking sous vide a simple and pleasant experience.
Char-Broil Digital Electric Smoker with SmartChef Technology
When you think about smoking ribs or other meats in your backyard, you've naturally got two choices, charcoal or gas, and none of them is perfect. It's conceivable that the Char-Broil Digital Electric Smoker ($255.65 at Amazon) is, on account of the reason that you can control the temperature remotely, through the use of apps for iOS or Android. Just wait for the app to notify you whenever the food is ready. Residing inside is 725 square inches of cooking space on four chrome racks that are convenient to clean.
Perfect Bake Pro
The Perfect Bake Pro ($99.99 at Amazon) elimiates the guess work and the risk when baking. It is a baking scale associated with an app to assist newbies (and seasoned bakers alike) to make everything just right when it comes to kitchen chemistry. Just observe the app as the scale measures each and everything you add. Unless you can’t tell salt from sugar, you're possibly going to be just fine.
Cleaning:
Neato Botvac Connected
Robot vacuums are keener than ever. Neato's Botvac Connected ($629.99 at Amazon) offers a laser-guided navigation system and its U-shape design means that it can get into tight crooks and against walls in a distinct way that circular robots can't. It also possesses a built-in Wi-Fi for app control with your smartphone, so you can switch it on regardless of where you are and return to a clean home.
iRobot Braava Jet 240
We all know that a vacuuming robot just isn't enough these days. You will surely want your floors mopped clean as well? iRobot's comparatively inexpensive Braava Jet 240 ($162.55 at Amazon) will provide you with exactly that. It's compact, quiet, and picture-perfect for apartment dwellers without a lot of floor space or a lack of time to clean it when they get home. Basically, it sprays a jet of water to clean deep, and can also perform damp sweeping, like a Swiffer.
Health and Fitness:
QardioBase Smart Scale
Spreading your smart home into making you healthier makes good sense. For a wide variety of purposes such as tracking fat, BMI, water, muscle mass, bone composition, and even pregnancy, you will find the QardioBase Smart Scale ($129.99 at Amazon) perfect. It shares the information that it reads with a smartphone app for your convenient access. Moreover, it just looks great.
Outdoor:
Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller Generation 2
The second-generation Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller ($223.01 at Amazon) provides you total control over eight or 16 zones depending on the piece that you get, encompassed with a master valve terminal for systems that may have one. For example, it won't water the lawn if it's raining, and you can even turn it on and off simply with your phone. Moreover, it integrates with many other services and devices like Amazon's Alexa, IFTTT, and Nest products.
Robomow RS622
Robot lawn mowers aren’t inexpensive, but they certainly come in handy. You should check out the Robomow RS622 ($1,699.00 at Amazon) or one of its siblings for diverse sized lawns. This model is excellent for handling up to 23,000 square feet—after you go through the procedure of setting up a perimeter to allow the mower to go on its automatic cutting pattern. Its twin two-season cutting blades spin at a speed of 4,000 rpm, mulching grass back into the soil thus removing the need for cleaning up or dumping bags of grass.
Want to see what a smart home looks like? Click on the video here:
Embed this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i73n-LTXPIM
Conclusion:
Home technology is continuously moving, always refining, always promising to deliver ease and convenience to our lives. The question is, can you benefit from this new smart home technology?
