SmartHome Automation and the 5 Gadgets you Need

We all have dreamed of the day when in George Jetson style all the devices in your life could connect to the internet. No im  just talking about computers and smartphones, but everything: clocks, speakers, lights, door bells, cameras, windows, window blinds, hot water heaters, appliances, cooking utensils. All of it.  Then we need those devices to communicate to each other, send you information, and take your commands. It’s not science fiction or a crazy 60’s cartoon,  it’s the Internet of Things (IoT) and SmartHome Automation, and it’s glorious.

SmartHome Automation is exactly what it sounds like: digitally enabling everything from window shades to pet feeders—with a simple push of a button or a shout of your voice. Some activities, like setting up a lamp to turn on and off at your whim, are really cheap and easy. Then we have things like advanced surveillance cameras that are a bit trickier and require a more serious investment of time and money.

Lets take a Look at some of the latest and greatest in home automation.

1. iCamera Keep Pro

The iCamera Keep Pro from iSmartAlarm ($199.99) is a full-featured home security camera that not only works as a standalone device, but can be incorporated into an iSmartAlarm DIY security system. The camera is full of useful features including a powerful 1080p image sensor, motion and sound detection, mechanical pan and tilt, time-lapse and event-triggered video recording, and a motion-tracking feature that allows the camera to follow a person around the room. Throw in free cloud storage, an SD card slot for local storage, and support for IFTTT integration, and you’ve got a killer indoor security cam.

2.Phillips HUE

One thing that you might want to do as soon as you decide to make your home a smart home is switch out the light bulbs – something easier said than done considering how many different options out there. Of them all, however, we think the best smart light bulbs are Philips Hue range of smart bulbs.

If you opt for Philips Hue bulbs, you will need to get the Philips Bridge, which is kind of like a hub for your lights. The advantage, however, is reliability, and the fact that the system is compatible with a range of different standards and home control systems including Apple HomeKit, Nest and Samsung SmartThings.

3. iHome ISP5 Control Smart Plug

While there are great smart replacements for many devices, a much simpler option is simply using connected plugs in your power outlets. Doing so will give any device that plugs into a power outlet basic smart features like the ability to turn the device on and off, or the ability to monitor the device’s power usage.

There are quite a few smart plugs out there (seriously, so many), but the best is the iHome ISP5 Control Smart Plug. It’s Wi-Fi enabled, and works with HomeKit, Nest and Wink – so it should play nice with your other smart home devices.

4. The Wink Hub 2

One device to rule them all, the Wink Hub 2 works with devices that use Z-Wave, Zigbee, Lutron Clear Connect, Kidde, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. It is also for the future. That includes just about everything in the smart home spectrum, from Philips Hue lighting and the Netgear Arlo camera, to Google Home. It’s the most reliable, widely supported hub we’ve tested.

5.Haiku Home L Series 52-inch Indoor/Outdoor WiFi Enabled White Ceiling Fan with LED Light

This smart ceiling fan is compatible with Alexa for a fully voice-controlled cooling system. It has been specially tested to ensure that it won’t rattle, click, or wobble and features an integrated LED light. Easily control settings via the included remote or mobile app. Add in a smart Thermostat and just tell your house what temperature it should be. Nice.

The Final SmartHome Automation Thought

We have gone over and over this a dozen times, SmartHome Automation functionality is the kitchen remodel of the 21st century. All these devices are relatively inexpensive but can really boost the value of your home. Besides the value they can great increase your enjoyment by making your life easier and much more relaxing. Try not to relax with the Hues orange glow light setting after supper, I dare you.