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Innovative home technology is quickly taking over homes everywhere, and once you see what it can do, it’s easy to see why. According to IHS Markit, approximately 161 million smart home systems were sold between 2010 and 2016. Those sales are predicted to hit as much as 475 million by 2020. You’ve got a vast range of choices when choosing which devices to install almost anything can be automated, such as lighting, heating, security, television, and even appliances. But no one likes to waste their money, so here’s what we think are the smart home devices that are worth it.
Amazon EchoAmazon Echo
Since it was first launched in 2015, the Amazon Echo has quickly captured the public imagination. The small cylindrical device serves as voice control, smart home control, and personal assistant. AI intelligence, known as “Alexa,” can provide information on many different things through voice control. Just ask her what you want, and she’s relaying weather information, traffic reports, adding events to your calendar, playing music, etc. As more smart home technology comes out, they can be increasingly paired with Alexia to increase your range of control. It’s probably the coolest smart home device and will make you feel like you’ve moved into the future.
Nest Learning ThermostatNest Learning Thermostat
Nest thermostats were some of the first smart-home technologies to come out when first released in 2011. It’s now in the third-generation model and is more reliable and faster than ever before. Using your smartphone, you can easily adjust the temperature at any time. But what makes it great is that it learns what your preferred temperature is at different times of the day and automatically adjusts without you having to update it. There are also many savings to be made from it, as much as 11% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills. Check out the company’s white paper to learn more about its financial benefits.
Philips Hue Smart LightingPhilips Hue Smart Lighting
Like a smart thermostat, smart light bulbs allow you to control the lighting throughout your home remotely. You can set them to turn on only when you get home, so you don’t have to walk through a dark house. You’ll also never have to worry again about going out and leaving the lights on. But this can also be useful to make any burglars think there’s someone home. Depending on your mood, they can even be set to dim to any level needed. Let’s not forget either the cost benefits of a reduced electrical bill.
Vivint Doorbell CameraVivint Doorbell Camera
It’s having total control of your home security that gets a lot of people interested in smart devices. But why go for any smart camera when you can have one that functions as a doorbell also. You can quickly bring up a video feed of your main point of entry whenever you hear a strange noise or knock late at night. It also comes with audio, so you can even speak directly to anyone there through your smartphone.