Previously I explained to you what smart home of the future 10 future technologies you will see in your home in 3 years 10 future technologies you will see in your home in 3 years What technology do the experts think you will have in your home? At the beginning of the decade? I'm going to walk you through a typical day in the smart home of the future. Read More Unfortunately, most of the technology I covered is still a few years away from being publicly available.
What can you do if you want your home to feel futuristic? right now ? Don't despair. You have options.
In this piece, I'll introduce you to seven inexpensive gadgets that will turn your abode into something that looks just like the Jetson's house.
While American restrooms still lag behind their high-tech Japanese counterparts, the gap is slowly narrowing.
You can further reduce separation (and reduce cross-contamination) by installing LAYKOR's Touchless Automatic Sensor Faucet. It will make your bathroom feel like the most elegant hotel in Midtown, NY.
The Smart Faucet 3 Reasons Your Next Faucet Should Be a Smart Faucet 3 Reasons Your Next Faucet Should Be a Smart Faucet People tend to think that smart faucets are naive and free. Is there really enough room for improvement to justify an upgrade? I'm here to convince you:yes! Read More According to the manufacturer, it will even save you money on your water bill.
There is a drawback. Using a sensor means the faucet does not have hot/cold controls. You can have cold water only or install a mixing valve under the sink.
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Staying with the hotel theme, you know you're in a posh establishment when all the exterior pathways and driveways have low-level ambient lighting. It's just feel luxurious.
Of course, you can connect similar lighting in your own home, but something is missing. What will really set you apart from your neighbors is installing a system that comes complete with an accompanying mobile app.
GE's Z-Wave wireless lighting control outdoor module does just that. When guests leave, you can surprise them with a simple tap on your smart device.
The module is compatible with all major smart home hubs. Battle of the Smart Home Hubs:What's Out There and What's Next? Battle of the Smart Home Hubs:What's Out There and What's Next? Read More, including SmartThings, Pulse, Wink, Honeywell, Connect and Iris.
GE Z-Wave Wireless Smart Lighting Control Outdoor Module, On/Off, Plug-in, Black, Hub Required, 12720, Works with Alexa GE Z-Wave Wireless Smart Lighting Control Outdoor Module, On/Off, Plug-in, Black, Hub Required, 12720, Works with Alexa in, black, Hub Required, 12720, Works with Alexa Buy now on Amazon
Opinion is divided on smart lighting. Is it an essential aspect of a smart home, or technology for the sake of it?
One of the criticisms often provoked by smart lighting detractors is the price. The market-leading Philips Hue system is expensive. Philips Smart Bulb alternatives to save money. Philips Hue Smart Bulb alternatives to save money. In this article, you'll learn about some of the less expensive alternatives to Philips Hue and see how they compare. Read More If you want to outfit your entire home, you may need to spend upwards of $1,000.
Fortunately, cheaper products are available. One option is the First Alert PIR725 motion detection light socket. It will automatically sense when someone enters or leaves a room, and turns lights on or off accordingly.
The sensor screws directly into existing light sockets and works with current light bulbs. It's one of the most cost-effective ways to bring your property into the 21st century.
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If you want to automate even more electrical items in your home, the Belkin WeMo Insight Switch is the way to go.
The switch plugs directly into your power outlet and connects to your Wi-Fi network. Your gadgets and appliances plug into the switch. It allows you to control any connected device from your smartphone.
The uses are almost endless. You can turn on your kettle from bed, wow visitors with instant music through your hifi, or instantly wake up your fans on a hot day.
The device's capabilities extend beyond simply turning things on and off. You'll get detailed reports on electrical usage for each socket, the ability to create schedules (you can have your kettle boil at the same time every morning), and even alert you when an appliance (like your washing machine) turns itself off.
Wemo Insight Smart Plug with energy monitoring, WiFi enabled, control your devices and manage energy costs from anywhere, works with Alexa and the Google Assistant Wemo Insight Smart Plug with energy monitoring, WiFi enabled, control your devices and manage energy costs from anywhere, works with Alexa and the Google Assistant Buy Now On Amazon $32.98
Let's go back to your bathroom. Aside from automatic faucets, what's another gadget that all expensive hotels and gyms have? A built-in shower speaker, of course!
But how can you get a built-in speaker without spending a fortune to rip open your walls and install a new shower? If you buy the MOHie KOHLER K-9245-CP 2.5 GPM Cordless Showerhead and Speaker, it's easy.
You don't need DIY skills. The fixture bolts directly to your existing shower arm.
The speaker uses Bluetooth to connect with devices up to 32 feet away. The speaker portion of the unit can be detached from the rest of the shower for easy recharging.
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By now, most of you will have heard of the Roomba floor cleaner. You can sweep, mop and vacuum without user intervention. Just place it on the ground and let it do its thing.
But how many of you have heard of the WINBOT W730 window cleaning robot? The premise is the same as Roomba, but instead of cleaning your floors, it cleans your windows.
It uses a suction system to attach to the glass, then uses sensors to clean each corner of the panel with its two cleaning pads and squeegee.
The robot is particularly useful if you have tall windows that are difficult to reach or if you want to clean the outside of a window that is not on the first floor.
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To add the finishing touches to your (reasonably cheap) futuristic smart home 6 Types of Home Automation You Can Really Afford 6 Types of Home Automation You Can Really Afford What's out of your budget? Smart homes aren't that expensive, and there are plenty of components the average homeowner can afford. Read More
The Curtain Call Electric Remote Control Shading System will work with any existing curtain that weighs less than 100 pounds. It will also sync with all common smart home hubs.
This item is the most expensive on this list, but it is money well spent. It'll look really cool when the lights automatically dim, the curtains automatically close, and a movie automatically starts playing, all thanks to a few taps on your phone.
If you are considering purchasing this item, make sure your shades are near a power source; you must plug in the rail for it to work..
I hope these seven smart home gadgets have made you realize that having a futuristic home is possible. Future Smart Home Trends and the Products You'll Use Future Smart Home Trends and the Products You'll Use It's time to jump into your time machine. You are about to find out what could be the biggest trends in the smart home industry in 2021 and the products you could be using. Read More
A quick Google search will reveal hundreds of similarly cheap products; You can find everything from automatic toilet flushes to smart trash cans.
Do you have any affordable smart home technology that has revolutionized your life? I would love to know. You can leave your tips and recommendations in the comment box below.
