Smart home automation grows more advanced and useful each day, with the ability to control features like the thermostat and oven in your home with the touch of a button or your own voice. After networking these options, you can take care of the most basic household tasks while you're away for reduced stress on vacation or at your job. Here are the ten best new smart home devices you should be on the lookout for if you want to automate your home.
Amazon's Echo
This personal voice assistant, called Alexa, can play your music using just your voce, call or message hands-free, answer questions, report traffic and weather, read audiobooks to you, as well as control your lights, fans, TVs and thermostats with connected devices. Alexa is the assistant that never sleeps, and if you ask her, she can amuse your entire family with her jokes.
Nest Protect
Smoke alarms can give confusing signals, especially when the only danger is a battery in need of changing. With Nest Protect, you can find out if there is a fire in your home when the smoke alarm goes off and where it is located. The device will even send an alert to your phone while you're away.
Whirlpool's Connected Wall Oven
Meal prep just got way more convenient, with this scan-to-cook technology as your assistant. Set the timer, start preheating and check in on your dish's status from the convenient Whirlpool app, and use the device's smart touchscreen feature for instant access to the settings you use most. You will also be notified if you left the oven on while you're away.
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
We've all had that scrambling, "oh-no" moment, when we realize that we left our keys inside of our locked home. Smart locks make that a memory of the past, with the ability to unlock your door from your phone, or even let guests and family members in remotely. These models will also notify you if the door is not closed all the way or if someone is trying to access the door while you are not home.
Ecobee4 Smart Thermostats
Reduce your utility bills with this smart thermostat, that can run a diagnostic check to examine whether each room in your home is reaching your desired heating and cooling temperature. The thermostat will also send you energy reports when you are away for the day.
Nest Cam
The Nest Cam shoots 24/7 HD video that can stream to your phone and show you what is happening both inside and outside of your home. This takes home security to the next level, especially if you want to check-in on your dog during a long work day or keep tabs on your home while you're on vacation.
C by GE Smart Lights
Control your lights with voice, touch, motion and more, with the ability to control from anywhere you are. GE smart light systems include smart bulbs, smart light switches and a smart power outlet for lamps. Never come home to a dark house again, with the ability to schedule your lights to turn on before you arrive.
Kohler Numi 2.0 Intelligent Toilet
Revamp your morning routine with the toilet that can play music for you while you shower and tell you the weather for the day. The Kohler smart home toilet can also change lighting and provide a heated seat and foot warmer. Did we mention it also has integrated personal cleansing options?
Arlo Video Doorbell
This smart video doorbell can show you exactly who is standing at your door, with the option to hear and speak to visitors at your door with two-way audio, or record messages to play when you are away. The device can also alert you when motion is detected and determine between people, packages, vehicles and animals, with an optional siren set to trigger if an intruder is trying to break into your home.
Insignia Wi-Fi Smart Plug and Belkin WeMo Wi-Fi Smart Plug
One of the most essential smart home devices is a smart plug, that easily lets you control the lights and appliances you plug into the outlet. With your smart phone, you can turn off lights and appliances while you are away at work. If you are just starting the home automation process, dip your toes into the water with this outlet and start building from there.
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