Alexa, is it time to make life better by investing in smart devices?

Nowadays, when technology is rapidly improving, it is important to take advantage of these gadgets and implement them into our daily lives. Smart devices such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri are all designed to improve our quality of life and simplify tasks. However, if conversing with inanimate objects is not your cup of tea, fear not, as various types of smart devices with different purposes will intrigue you.

Voice-enabled systems

Electronic voice-controlled devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri are compatible with many home gadgets. Investing in a smart home ecosystem like this will allow you to control various smart objects around the house. All these objects are connected through high-quality wireless internet to provide high performance. They can perform simpler tasks and mimic conversation. For example, you can ask your smart device for the weather, set a timer, save your grocery list, or even have it play a song.

Adding endless advantages, you can set reminders and listen to news updates. Besides these tasks, they can control other devices around the house if connected to them, such as dimming lights and much more.

Smart Thermostat

A variety of WiFi-based smart thermostats allow you to control your home’s heating & air conditioning system using an app or your voice. Different thermostats have different features, including reading the ambient temperature of whichever room it’s in and adjusting accordingly. Certain unique features can include playing music when connected to a voice-enabled system; however, don’t be disheartened if the sound quality isn’t all that great. Some smart thermostats even come with individual room sensors to keep track of the temperature in various rooms. One great example of a smart thermostat is the Ecobee smart thermostat, which has several interesting features and is supported by Amazon, Google, and Apple products.

Smart Lights

Installing smart lights in your home is a brilliant way to ditch the traditional light bulbs and opt for something more fun and money-saving. These smart lights come in different tones and hues, in fact there’s a whole spectrum of colors available when selecting your light. They also come in a wide range of prices, so you can choose which setup suits your budget. Schedule your lights to change at specific times from the supported application or routine on your smart home devices. This is a great way to add mood and security to your home.

Smart Door Locks

Smart door locks are an added protection to your family and home. These can be controlled with your phone or even used with GPS proximity features to unlock the door when you are near. This is a great option for people interested in getting rid of their key system or adding extra protection or access, as it is much more secure. One brand that makes a wide array of smart locks is August. These devices fit onto your existing deadbolt and allow you to continue using your old key while adding the benefits of a smarter lock. This is, of course, only one of many smart locks on the market, each offering its twist on the device.

Smart Cameras

Smart camera systems add an extra layer of protection and safety (even more so when combined with smart locks and other devices). They come in a wide price range and have various functions from manufacturer to manufacturer. The most advanced versions contain many useful features, such as a built-in siren to ward off intruders, and can be controlled through the web or smartphone. Majority of smart cameras on the market have good resolution, in fact some high-end smart cameras even have a 4k although majority still stream in 720p or 1080p. In the Arlo SmartCamera range, their devices have a 160-degree field of view, night vision, and even two-way audio. Other smart features include automatic zooming and motion tracking. Like all the other smart devices we’ve discussed here, there are many different versions from numerous manufacturers, so look around and find the one that works best for you and your family.

Smart DoorBell

Do you ever not want to get up to see who is at the door? Smart doorbells, such as notifications when people walk past the camera, can make this a reality. The most compelling feature of this device is its facial recognition, which the owner sets up. Once you start tagging your most common visitors, the app, over time, will recognize them and alert you when they are at your door. Nest Hello is a good example of this device with multiple built-in features to provide added safety.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. The world of smart electronics is vast and seemingly never-ending. From outdoor temperature sensors that help set your smart thermostat to automatic blinds that raise and lower based on the sun’s position, the world of ‘smart’ is bringing our world to life and, most importantly, putting new ways of keeping our family safe at our fingertips. To learn more about using smart devices, stay tuned to the Buckeye Northwest Realty blog, as we cover everything related to rentals, homes, and families.

Buckeye Northwest Realty provides houses for rent in Toledo, Ohio, and the surrounding areas. To learn more about houses for rent, contact us today!