What if all your devices in your life, could connect you to the internet? Im not just talking about your smart phones. I’m talking everything you can think of; doorbells, clocks, speakers, lights, cameras, windows, window blinds, appliances, even cooking utensils.
It’s not science fiction, it’s the internet of Things (IoT) these smart home devices can communicate, send you information and take commands. Here are 4 Smart Home trends that are affordable and easy to install.
Amazon’s New 4th Generation Echo Dot
Our 1st pick for Smart Home Device is Amazon’s newest 4th Generation Echo Dot. Amazon just revealed their latest spherical smart speaker. The sleek, compact design delivers crisp vocals and balanced bass for full sound. You can voice control your entertainment, stream songs from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others. Play audiobooks and podcasts throughout your home with multi-room music.
Control your smart home device by voice control to turn on lights, adjust thermostats, and lock doors with compatible devices. Connect with others, call almost anyone hands-free. Instantly drop in on other rooms or announce to the whole house that dinner’s ready.
Designed to protect your privacy, the Echo is built with multiple layers of privacy protections and controls, including a microphone off button that electronically disconnects the microphones. The Echo Dot will cost you $49.99.
WiFi Smart Plugs
Our 2nd pick for Smart Home Device is really one of the simplest way to give your not so smart home a smart home boost, without spending a whole lot of money. Smart Wifi plug like the Gosund mini WiFi outlet, works with Alexa and Google Home.
There’s no hub required, simply plug in your regular fan, coffee maker, kitchen appliance, lights or nearly anything else into this nifty gadget and voila! you’ve got yourself a smart home device with voice control. You can remote control your home appliance from anywhere using your smart phone.
At just under $20, this Wifi smart plug is the most affordable on our list. It’s also the smallest. Pair that with your Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa voice control, and you’ve got a great option for your smart home.
Third on our affordable Smart Home device list is Blink for Home Security. Stay connected to what’s happening inside and outside your home with Amazon’s own Blink Home Security Systems. The Blink for Home Security Camera offers easy DIY setup, has customizable motion detection, and two-year battery life.
There is no contracts and can easily be used with your smart home devices. You can connect to your home security camera anywhere using the app. The best part is it starts at $79.99.
*Please note that this smart home device is not a “security system” it does not include alarms, sensors, or offer professional monitoring.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Last but not least on our Smart Home Device list is The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. With this keyless entry device you can remotely lock or unlock your door, check door status, grant and revoke guest keys, and see who’s coming and going. You can connect and control the lock from anywhere using the August app. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is easy to install. It fits over most existing deadbolt designs. And because it doesn’t replace the lock mechanism itself, you can still use your physical key.
No need to purchase any additional accessories to enable remote access, this model has Wi-Fi built in. Simply setup your lock with Wi-Fi in the app. Once it’s set up, you can control the locks from anywhere, you can also connect it to Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.
Another accessory included with the Wi-Fi Smart Lock model is the tiny open-close sensor. This lets the lock tell you if it’s locked or unlocked and lets you know if the door itself is open or closed. It’s the most complete product available on the market. This is the most costly on our list, at $229 on Amazon.
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