Smart Home Technology can save you time, energy, and money, and it’s something the entire family can use, and do, together. But the deluge of new products and devices can be a tad overwhelming. If you’d like to make your home smarter, check out these gizmos to get you going.
Go Hands-Free with a Voice Assistant
If you want to listen to music, dim lights, turn up the temperature or more, your own voice is the answer. A smart speaker lets you play music by using voice commands. And if you have a larger home, consider getting more than one and expanding your system so you can use voice in different areas and rooms. There are many smart home products that work with voice assistant speakers these days, including thermostats and security systems. They even make smart light bulbs that will make your old-school light fixture respond to your Alexa commands. Just make sure you check the box to make sure what you’re buying is compatible with what you already have (i.e. Google Assistant or Alexa) or you might find that you’re just talking to yourself.
Smart Plug
You can turn almost any existing fixture or appliance into a smart home device with a “smart plug.” Just plug the gadget into your existing sockets, download the app to help seal the deal, and voila! All your pre-smart coffeemakers and ceiling fans are now connected with your Wi Fi network. And if you want it all to be hands-free, make sure the smart plug you purchase supports your existing home voice assistant.
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