With the arrival of 2020, the future is now. Self-driving cars are hitting the road and lunch deliveries can be scheduled via app. Smart technology is making a place for itself inside the home, too.
Many features in our homes are now controllable by voice or phone. We predict this decade will take smart home tech mainstream and our personal environments will become more personalized than ever before. Smart devices are available for:
- Doorbells
- Thermostats
- Security systems & Sensors
- Lighting
- Outlets
- Refrigerators
- Coffee Makers
- Slow Cookers
- Televisions
- Vacuums
- Speakers
- Printers
- Sprinklers
- Door Locks
- the list goes on!
Today’s convenient smart home gadgets are able to make our homes more comfortable and functional thanks to wi-fi, internet of things (iot), tracking and home automation. Smart home technology can manage all sorts of practicalities, from home security to indoor temperature control. Below, we take a look at some of the best smart home devices of the new year, and dive into the ways you can incorporate them into your home improvement wishlist this year.
Lockly Vision Smart Lock/Video Doorbell
Lockly Vision steps up typical home security gadgets by combining the functionalities of smart locks and video doorbells into one easy-to-use device. Video streams to your smartphone, and footage can be recorded and stored. The lock is compatible with most smart home systems, connects via your home’s wifi, and offers a multitude of door unlocking options so you and your guests are never left out in the cold. Smart door locks, especially remote controlled systems, give you peace of mind as a part of your smart home security.
Lockly Vision is scheduled to be available for preorders within the first quarter of 2020. It will sell for $399. The smart security device is an excellent option if you have a big household, frequently receive packages, or have concerns about the security of your property.
Philips Hue Lights
Philips Hue smart lighting systems have a variety of bulbs and accessories that make it possible to personalize and perfect your home’s lighting. Finally, you can achieve just the right level of dimness when watching a movie, or create a cool and spirited ambiance for your house parties.
Aside from aesthetics, Phillips Hue lighting can also be automated to detect when rooms are being unused, turn on/off via voice controls, and even help you wake up or unwind. Several different starter kits are available at $70+.
Awair Glow C Air Quality Monitor
The Awair Glow C Air Quality Monitor gives you a sleek and compact device for analyzing and optimizing your home’s air quality. The Glow C tracks volatile organic compounds (aka VOCs: toxic airborne pollutants), as well as temperature and humidity. When synced with other home devices like fans and humidifiers, the app-controlled Glow C can automatically make adjustments once it sees your air quality changing.
The Glow C has the potential to make a big difference in the health of your household. Poor indoor air quality can cause headaches, dizziness, respiratory problems, frequent colds and put you at risk for more serious illnesses. Additionally, this tiny device doubles as a handy smart plug, giving you even more functionality beyond its main use. It’s available for $85.
Kohler Moxie Smart Showerhead
Whether you’re a busy professional or a carefree shower-singer, the Kohler Moxie smart showerhead has something for you. Smart speakers are nothing new, but smart speakers in the shower? This device allows you to complete daily tasks like checking your e-mails or the weather, as well as listening to your favorite music while you’re in the shower. With the help of Moxie, you’ll can make showering a more efficient use of your time or simply more enjoyable.
The Kohler Moxie is available with different options, from $110-$220. The removable smart speaker can be charged via USB, and even taken on-the-go.
Google Nest Smart Thermostat
Google Nest has a whole home automation system of smart house devices designed to work together to achieve optimal home automation. These include locks, doorbells, cameras, alarm systems, smoke detectors, and a smart thermostat. The last of these items is practically standard on new homes today. It’s perfect if you’re tired of having to manually adjust your thermostat, or interested in home energy-savings, since its AI is programmed to learn your preferences and adjust the temperature throughout the day accordingly.
By using the Learning Thermostat to automatically control the temperature in your home, you can potentially save you between 10%-15% on cooling and heating energy bills throughout the year. This gadget is available for $249.
Amazon Echo
Want a single device that you can use to control all of your home automation devices? You’ll need a smart home hub. Do you simply want the fun of talking to a robot? It can do that too. Either way, the Amazon Echo and Amazon Alexa is now tried and true in homes across Seattle and the country. There’s very little this compact device can’t help you with.
Compatible with over 60,000 smart home devices, the Amazon Echo has double the functionality of its closest competitors, allowing you to manage your entire smart home ecosystem with voice commands. Due to it’s reach and compatibility, many consider it the best smart home device out there. There are a number of different options available for this voice assistant, but the most basic model (Echo Dot) currently sells for just $35.
If you’re planning to make some home upgrades this year, we highly recommend considering the installation of smart home devices to make your home a more leisurely place to live. And if you’ve got a big project in mind, such as a modern bathroom renovation or a completely new build, we’re here to help and tell you about your options for integrating technology.
Reach out to our team! Let’s start imagining your new, improved smart home.
