Originally posted on https://www.rtcelectronics.ca/cutting-edge-smart-home-solutions/
In 2019, smart home devices are more useful and comprehensive than ever. Your home automation system offers a sense of convenience. From controlling window shades to turning on a lamp, everything happens with the push of a button or a voice command. Today, the scenario is a little different. Home automation is something more than asking Alexa for a news update or to speed up a podcast. You can use smart systems to grill chicken at your next beach party or to turn off the lights in your bedroom while you’re in the kitchen.
In this blog post, we have curated a list of the four best smart home gadgets that will change the way you live your life. However, before you stock up your shopping cart with any of these latest devices, make sure that they’re compatible with your smartphone, tablet or any other smart speaker.
The Best Smart Home Systems of 2019
- Amazon Echo (2nd Gen)
For the last few years, Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant has been an active member of millions of families across the globe. From answering questions and turning on smart lights to ordering things on Amazon, it has made our lives easier in several ways.
The second-generation Echo is better than the original. It’s compact, stylish, affordable, and has an improved audio system. With the Google Home and Apple HomePod giving tough competition to the Echo speaker family, Amazon is constantly upgrading its Alexa. The new Echo connects with your Amazon account, and performs more advanced tasks like ordering food online and controlling other smart home devices. It’s also visually appealing and comes with a fabric cover in different shades of grey – dark, medium and light.
Key Takeaway points
- Brand New Look
- Advanced Alexa Features
- Low Price
- Philips Hue
Imagine being able to transform your study room to a home theatre with one click on your smartphone. With Philips Hue, discover the magic of a smart lighting system. With a whole range of lights, switches, apps and sensors, your lighting possibilities are endless. You can either string them up for a party look and adjust the brightness, or change the colours and set timers for more dramatic surroundings. What’s more, you can control all this from the Philips Hue app on your smartphone (both Android and iOS). Being compatible with some of the best smart home gadgets like the Apple HomeKit, Nest and Samsung SmartThings, the Philips Hue won’t disappoint you as an all-in-one intelligent lighting solution.
Key Takeaway points
- Easy light customization with voice and Philips Hue app
- Sync lights with music, movies and games
- Automatic alarm clock program
- Nest Learning Thermostat
Nest was among the first companies to introduce an intelligent heating system for the home. The Wi-Fi-enabled Nest Learning Thermostat can cut down your home’s energy consumption by as much as 10% and thus, save you money. Instead of simply adjusting to a pre-set temperature, it gradually learns and adapts to your individual preferences. For example, if you repeatedly turn down the heat at night, the Nest will automatically start doing so after a certain time. It can also function on the “Away” mode when you’re at work or somewhere else. Best of all, you can monitor and control everything with a tap on your smartphone, including daily reports that show details of how you’re consuming energy.
Key Takeaway points
- Intelligent energy conservation
- Smart app control
- Automatic temperature scheduler
- Safety alerts
- SkyBell HD
SkyBell HD is a different take on a smart home security system. It is an advanced video doorbell that allows you to hear, see and speak to the guest at your door, no matter where you are. This advanced version of the original SkyBell Video Doorbell, captures highly detailed video at 1080p and comes with colour night vision. It streamlines with several third-party smart home gadgets, and has free cloud storage for previously recorded videos.
Key Takeaway points
- Up to 1080p HD video and 5x zoom
- Motion sensor for additional security
- Multiple user facility
- Two-way audio system
Building your smart home can be as simple as fitting a smart speaker in your bedroom, or as complex as installing an automatic heating system, which are built around sensors and alarms. Depending on your need and convenience, you can personalize it to match your unique lifestyle.