Do you remember the best, state-of-the-art home tech from when you were a child? Maybe it was the next-door neighbor who had a central vacuum system throughout their house, where a hose could be found behind a tiny flap in each room, ready to clean up dust or any messes. To a 5-year-old mind, this ‘smart house’ was amazing.
Since that central vacuum, home technology has continued to grow and develop. There are some incredibly advanced options available on the market. If you consider yourself a techie and love following the newest releases in smart phones and tablets, wearable tech, TVs, smart home speakers or gaming systems, you might be interested in learning about the latest technology for your home!
The Latest in Security Upgrades
There is a doorbell with a built-in HD video camera, microphone, and speaker. This tech allows you to check your phone to see who is knocking at your door, whether you are upstairs or out of town. Available from Nest or SkyBell HD.
Terrific Temperature Control
There are smart thermostats that allow you to remotely control the temperature in your home’s rooms and detect hot or cold spots. Options from Nest or Ecobee.
For the Pet-Parent in All of Us
If you want to check on your furry friend when you are away from home, you can install a pet camera. Some even allow you to talk to your pet through your phone app or dispense a treat to your dog or cat!
Wi-Fi Connected Appliances
Samsung makes an oven with wi-fi connectivity that allows you to adjust its temperature from your smart phone. They also make refrigerators with front facing touch screens and built-in cameras that allow you to see inside from your smartphone, so you always know what to buy when you’re at the grocery store!
Smart Lighting
The Drift Lightbulb has a setting that will slowly fade the bulb from on to off over the span of 37 minutes, which they say is the time of an average sunset. Also available from Phillips are Hue smart lights, a series of lighting options that allow you to turn your smart light bulbs on or off, dim, change their color or have an outdoor bulb range for patio mood lighting.
The Ultimate Spa Experience
Try a smart bathtub! This tub acts as a Bluetooth speaker to play your favorite songs when empty. When filled with water, the music creates ripples through the water, enhancing your relaxation.
An Automated Lawn Service
Robotic vacuum cleaners have been around for years, but have you seen a robotic lawn mower? These lawn mowers use smart shock sensor technology to avoid obstacles in your yard and returns to its charging base when it is done mowing or senses rain!
Air Quality Control
With spring’s arrival, many people start to think about their allergies and indoor air quality. In addition to voice or app-activated air conditioners, there are now smart air purifiers that help remove airborne allergens, mold, bacteria, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at the molecular level, from room to room.
Wake Up to the Smell of Coffee. Every Morning, Right on Time.
With a smart coffee maker, all you need to do is fill the water and whole or ground coffee beans, then set the app for whatever time you want your coffee to start brewing. If a latte is more your thing, smart espresso machines are available as well. Be aware though, adding the bean grinder, milk frother, and a variety of 18 different drink options can increase the price tag.
Smart Fitness Equipment
No, they won’t do the work out for you, but the trend toward smart, in-home fitness machines could help keep you motivated! A Peloton bike or treadmill or the Mirror have subscriptions that allow you to attend virtual classes with a real instructor in the comfort of your own home.
While none of these products are necessities, they sure can make your home, and your life, a bit more convenient and fun. As apps become more and more common in our daily lives, from mobile banking to food delivery, home tech will continue to follow this trend. Is there any smart home tech that you are looking forward to seeing in the future?
