The smart home market is still in its infancy, and like all new technology products, there have been more than a few growth spurts. Security concerns, compatibility, and the high cost of entry often continue to hurt a market looking to add adopters.
For a market in flux, here are some categories of smart home products worth avoiding, at least for now.
We've come a long way since people owned ice boxes. Even the most basic refrigerators on the market today feature automatic ice makers and a filtered water system that matches the traditional refrigerator/freezer combination.
Samsung's new Family Hub looks like something out of "The Jetsons." The smart refrigerator, which starts at around $5,500, features a Wi-Fi-enabled touchscreen that lets you manage your groceries, connect with your family, and entertain guests.
Even if cost isn't a factor, it's probably not the time to buy a smart fridge. In short, there are still many unknowns. What is the update cycle for a product like the Samsung Family Hub? What happens if the company stops supporting it?
An alternative solution :Instead of buying a smart fridge, mount a dedicated iPad to your device and load it with recipe apps. Add a wireless Bluetooth speaker and turn your guests to music from Apple Music, Spotify, or another service.
Natural disasters can cause all kinds of problems, including floods. Smart water sensors serve various purposes, from basement water monitoring to water leak detection. The biggest drawback of smart water sensors:Many rely on power and Wi-Fi to get the job done. What happens when the power goes out due to flooding?
Another approach :Smart water sensors are relatively inexpensive and provide peace of mind, especially when you are currently at home. However, when you're on the road, it's always a good idea to add a human element to the equation. Have a friend check your house after heavy rain.
The list of smart air conditioners already on the market is still relatively small. Samsung offers a series of smart wall units, which allow you to monitor and change power settings from anywhere. The window-based Frigidaire Gallery smart room air conditioner is also available in many places. It features Wi-Fi control, which allows you to control the room temperature anywhere, anytime from your smart device.
A better approach :Instead of buying one of these, we recommend that you convert your traditional air conditioning units into smart units. Are Smart Air Conditioners Really Smart? Are Smart Air Conditioners Really Smart? Now there are many smart air conditioners on the market. Should you spend your money on these? It's time to find out. Read more.
Sensibo turns any remote controlled air conditioner into a smart device, helping you reduce your energy consumption. The Tado Smart Thermostat controls your air conditioning (or heat) via infrared, just like your remote, and connects via your Wi-Fi to the Internet.
Already a Samsung SmartThings The coolest smart gadgets compatible with a SmartThings hub The coolest smart gadgets compatible with a SmartThings hub The SmartThings hub connects wirelessly with hundreds of compatible smart devices, allowing you to monitor, control and protect your home from anywhere in the world. Read more owner? You can control your air conditioner remotely with products like the GE Smart Wall Switch. With this switch, you can turn the lights on/off from your smart devices, and also activate the lights when certain events occur. For example, when someone opens a door or leaves a room. The switch also works well with ceiling fans, which can turn on/off depending on the room temperature.
For the most part, smart home security cameras serve a useful purpose. Practical uses for your home. Surveillance cameras. Practical uses for your home. Surveillance cameras. Home surveillance cameras are becoming more popular each year as technology improves and prices drop. Here are some practical uses for home security cameras, some of which may surprise you. Read More Most are now wireless, working with your home Wi-Fi network. Most capture HD video. And current generation cameras have been designed to look much better indoors and outdoors. Decorate Your Home With These 7 Stylish Security Cameras Decorate Your Home With These 7 Stylish Security Cameras The first generation home security cameras had many flaws, including connection issues and poor video quality. They were also pretty boring. Here are 7 stylish alternatives! Read more the house.
Our biggest concern about smart webcams is security. Companies like Alphabet's Nest and Samsung (with SmartThings Samsung SmartThings Security Flaw:What you need to know Samsung SmartThings Security Flaw:What you need to know. Flaws can undermine the security of smart home setups that use the SmartThings ecosystem. Learn more) They have addressed some major security issues in the past few months, which is something to consider before making a purchase.
A good rule of thumb Note:To get the most out of your home security camera, please make sure to update its firmware on a regular basis. By doing so, you can stay on top of future security flaws.
In addition to the usual home security systems, the smart home market is being flooded with smart cameras designed to monitor your pets or children. One of them is the PetCube 5 reasons why $149 to install smart wireless webcams in your home 5 reasons to install smart wireless webcams in your home Home security systems are expensive. Thanks to smartphones, however, lower-cost solutions are now available. Read More
A more practical solution. :Instead of spending the extra money on a pet or baby cam, use an all-in-one solution 5 Reasons to Install Smart Wireless Webcams in Your Home 5 Reasons to Install Smart Wireless Webcams in Your Home Security Systems at home are expensive. Thanks to smartphones, however, lower-cost solutions are now available. Read more . The $199 Withings Home, for example, works anywhere in the home and includes pet and baby camera features. In other words, you can continue to use it long after your child has grown.
If you're looking for a connected home control panel, you're tempted by Umbrella, which promises to replace conventional electrical switches to provide an impressive list of smart home control features. These include day and night cameras, noise-canceling microphones, stereo speakers, motion and environmental sensors, and more.
Unfortunately, Umbrella and similar products are expensive. When it's finally released, the Umbrela is expected to cost $500, while a "mini" Panel without a camera will cost $300.
A much less expensive alternative: Install a control panel and upgrade your plugs and switches with Z-Wave or ZigBee devices.
Are you the type of person who needs a little encouragement to drink more water? You're almost certainly not alone based on the number of smart water bottles that have invaded the consumer market in recent years.
Smart water products from Hydrate, Seed and MyHydrate promise to keep you better hydrated. Unfortunately, they all come with the same fatal flaw. What happens when you leave your smart water bottle at home?
A better solution :Get rid of expensive smart water bottles and use a free water consumption app on your smartphone instead. Waterlogged, My Water Balance and Water Tracker are just three of the many solutions available on the App Store. Best of all:you can drink your water from any cup you want.
The smart home market continues to evolve as it adjusts to initial hiccups and expected growth woes. While some great smart home products are already available, others aren't quite ready for primetime yet and should be avoided.
What smart home products do you recommend now?
