In an age where technology and innovation have become integral aspects of our daily lives, our homes are not to be left behind and smart homes employ cutting-edge technology to enhance convenience, security, and efficiency.
In this blog, we’ll explore just a few of the incredible devices that transform ordinary homes into hubs of intelligence. It’s time to leverage smart home technology to automate your house and make it more liveable (and more fun).
How do smart homes work?
At the heart of every smart home is connectivity. Devices within the home are interconnected, enabling them to communicate and share information. This connectivity is typically established through wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, that allow smart devices to communicate with each other and with a central control system.
For that reason, if you’re going to smart-ify your home, you’ll need a super fast home nbn plan that’s fast and reliable enough to support all your devices. Look for options with higher speed (how fast will depend on how many users and other devices are online) and a strong connection from a trustworthy ISP.
In September 2023, a Statista survey conducted among 10,022 Americans revealed that 40% of individuals aged 18 to 29 owned smart home devices focused on building safety and security. The data, gathered by Alexander Kunst, highlights the growing ownership of such devices among younger age groups in the US.
Ok so now that we know that smart devices are popular, what are some of the coolest on the market right now?
Cool smart devices
Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats are the heart of any intelligent home. These devices give you precise control over your home's temperature, learning your preferences and adjusting accordingly. You can program them remotely, saving on energy bills while ensuring a toasty or cool atmosphere when you arrive home.
Voice assistants
Say hello to your digital butler. Voice assistants respond to your every command, playing your favourite music, ordering groceries, answering questions, or even dimming the lights. Their intuitive nature makes you feel like you're living in a sci-fi movie, where your home caters to your needs, and all you need to do is speak.
Popular voice assistants include Amazon's Alexa, Apple's Siri, Google Assistant, and Microsoft's Cortana.
Smart locks
Bid farewell to traditional keys and embrace smart locks. These locks allow you to control and monitor your home's security remotely. Whether you're granting access to a guest or checking if you locked the door, you're just a smartphone app away from ultimate peace of mind.
Smart lighting
Smart lights are usually the first things people think of for a smart home. With smart lighting systems, you can adjust the brightness, color, and mood with a touch or a voice command. Transform your living room into a cinema, create a romantic atmosphere in your dining area, or simulate sunrise in your bedroom – it's all at your fingertips.
Smart cameras
Whether you want to keep an eye on your furry friends when you’re out or monitor your property, smart cameras offer round-the-clock surveillance. They send alerts to your phone when they detect unusual activity, and you can even talk through them remotely, adding an extra layer of security to your home.
Smart blinds
Smart blinds give you control over natural light, ensuring the perfect balance between illumination and privacy. Program them to open in the morning to wake you with the sun and close automatically at night, or adjust them remotely as the weather changes. It's a subtle yet transformative addition to your smart home.
Smart sensors
Smart sensors are the unsung heroes of a smart home. These devices detect motion, humidity, temperature, and more. They trigger actions like turning on the lights when you enter a room or adjusting the thermostat based on the weather outside. It's all about making your home responsive to your needs.
Smart refrigerators
No more forgetting your grocery list at home. Smart refrigerators come equipped with cameras that let you check the contents of your fridge from your phone. You can also create shopping lists, find recipes based on what's inside, and even order groceries online.
Smart smoke detectors
Safety is paramount, and smart smoke detectors take it to the next level. These devices not only sound an alarm to save your life if you’re at home, but also send alerts to your phone when they detect smoke or high levels of carbon monoxide. It's an invaluable addition to protect your home and loved ones.
Smart shower
Enjoy a rejuvenating shower with a smart shower system. It allows you to pre-set your preferred water temperature, so you never step into a too-hot or too-cold shower again. Just start it from your smartphone and wait for the perfect warmth.
Smart mirror
The bathroom mirror can be more than just a reflection; it can become your information hub. Smart mirrors can display the time, weather, news and even your fitness stats while you get ready in the morning. Way to make your morning routine super efficient!
Smart vacuum cleaners
Robotic vacuum cleaners are a blessing for those who dislike cleaning. You can program them to clean on a schedule, or just hit go from your smartphone when you notice the floor needs a clean. Tell them which areas to vacuum, which areas not to touch and how many laps to do in the room. These devices navigate your home, vacuuming up dirt and debris, all while you relax on the couch or even when you're away. Then they return to their dock to recharge, ready for their next mission.
Smart pet feeders
For the pet lovers among us, smart pet feeders offer a convenient way to ensure your furry friends are well fed. You can schedule meals, dispense food remotely and even talk to your pets via a built-in camera and speaker.
Smart coffee makers
Start your day right with a freshly brewed cup of coffee from your smartphone. Smart coffee makers let you customise your brew, schedule it in advance and even receive notifications when your coffee is ready. That’s mornings done right.
Smart wine cellars
Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the convenience of smart wine cellars. These devices maintain the perfect conditions for your wine collection, allowing you to monitor and adjust the temperature and humidity remotely.
Smart fitness mirrors
Achieve your fitness goals with the help of a smart fitness mirror. These mirrors display workout routines and provide real-time feedback as you exercise. It's like having a personal trainer right in your home.
Create your smart home
It’s easy to begin building your dream smart home. Start with a good nbn connection and start adding devices, beginning with the ones that will have the most impact on your life. You can also start with smart plugs, nifty devices that make your existing devices smart.
Smart plugs enable you to control the power supply to any plugged-in gadget through your smartphone. Turn off the coffee maker you forgot before leaving home or schedule the air purifier to start when the pollution levels rise – smart plugs put you in charge.
These cool devices are at the forefront of the smart home revolution, making everyday life more convenient, efficient, and enjoyable.The possibilities for a smart home are endless – so why wait? Dive into the world of smart technology and transform your house into a haven of innovation and comfort.
Marshall Thurlow is the Director and Founder of Orion Marketing Pty Ltd. He is a digital marketer with expertise in SEO, website design, content marketing and project management. With over 15 years of experience spanning government, not-for-profit and the private sector, he is well equipped to lead teams to success.
