by Sydney Stone
We all need a little help getting through our daily routines. Any type of product or service that makes our lives a little easier or more efficient is a good thing.
Now that we’re living in an always-connected society, there are a lot of “things” in the Internet of Things that can make our days run smoother. Smart phones, smart cars and smart homes surround us with technology that can save us time, save us money, and even help save the environment.
Let’s take a look at 10 smart home devices that you may encounter as you go through a typical day.
1. Nespresso Expert Espresso Machine
You can’t start your day without coffee, can you? Nespresso’s Expert Espresso Machine acts as your in-house barista.
Thanks to the built-in Bluetooth technology, you can “order” your cup-o-joe from the comfort of your bed and have it waiting for you by the time you get to the kitchen.
2. Amazon Echo
While you’re enjoying that fresh cup of smartly prepared coffee, you might want to listen to the news of the day, your “wake-up” playlist, or a motivational podcast. You can do all of this simply by talking to Alexa with the Amazon Echo.
You can even ask Alexa to let you know what’s on your calendar for the day and get a weather report before you head out the door.
3. Pelaton Personal Cycling Studio
When it comes to your morning workout, why would you waste time driving to a crowded gym when you could simply hop on a Pelaton bike in the comfort of your own (smart) home?
The Wi-Fi-enabled setup allows you join live streaming sessions and ride along with others in the class. You can also select previously recorded classes if you prefer to work your way up to real-time rides.
Pelaton keeps track of all your stats so you can stay motivated by celebrating your successes.
4. MirrorVue Smart Touch Mirror
Now it’s time to get ready for the day. And what better way to check out your selfie than in the MirrorVue Smart Touch Mirror? You can check your social media feeds, get stock updates, or watch last night’s game highlights while combing your hair or applying your makeup.
MirrorVue accesses your Wi-Fi so that you can surf the web from any room in your home where you choose to install the mirror.
5. SimpliSafe
Now that you’re ready to leave for the day, make sure your home is protected with the SimpliSafe smart home security system. There’s a reason CNET has awarded SimpliSafe with its Editor’s Choice award for home security, not once, but twice!
SimpliSafe is the first out-of-the-box full security system that requires no expensive installation process. You simply plug in the base station, place the sensors around your house, and it’s ready.
SimpliSafe provides 24/7 monitoring for $14.99 per month with no contract required.
6. Furbo Treat-Tossing Dog Camera
Feeling guilty about leaving Fido at home by himself? Not with the Furbo Dog Camera. The AI-enhanced camera lets you know when your dog is active, barking, or in the mood to video chat with you. You can even dispense a treat for your dog using the mobile app.
An added bonus? Built-in memory stores your video-chats and images, so you can reply Fido’s greatest hits whenever you want.
7. Ring Doorbell Camera
If you ever find yourself sitting at work wondering if that package you ordered got delivered or if the kids are home from school, the Ring Doorbell Camera has got you covered.
With its motion activated camera, Ring alerts you on your mobile app whenever anyone comes to your front door. Built-in two-way audio allows you to speak to the person or persons and record any shady characters so that you can provide high-definition video to the police or neighborhood watch group.
8. Samsung’s Family Hubä Refrigerator
So, you’ve made it through the workday and you’re about to stop by the grocery store on the way home. But you forgot your list. No worries! You can just call your refrigerator.
With Samsung’s new Family Hubä smart refrigerator, you can access your shopping list or check to see what you need by using the built-in cameras which you can access from your smart phone.
At home, you can add items to your shopping list by simply speaking to the refrigerator. Plus, the 21.5-inch touch-screen monitor allows you to look up recipes and watch how-to videos while you cook.
9. BeON Home Smart Lighting System
You’ve fought rush-hour traffic and you’re almost home. It’s dark. You pull into your driveway, and with one click of a remote, your house lights up to welcome you home.
BeON Home is a revolutionary lighting system featuring smart bulb technology that records your usual routine of turning lights on and off, and then replays this sequence when you are out of town, giving would-be burglars the impression that someone is always home.
The remote control key fob allows you to turn on your lights when you come home at night, so you never again have to worry about fumbling for your house keys in the dark.
10. Samsung SmartThings Hub
If you’re going to live in a smart home with all these smart devices, you need a central hub to control all of them. That’s where the Samsung SmartThings Hub comes in.
With SmartThings, you can use your smartphone as a remote control for your thermostat, lighting, security system, and all your other smart appliances. This is much easier than having to go in and access each individual app for each different smart device.
Conclusion
Technology is making everything smarter. It’s also increasing our quality of life by giving us more free time to spend with family and friends or to spend learning new things. The important thing to remember is to actually take some of this extra time and “disconnect.” Don’t waste it staring into your smart phone.
Because that’s just dumb.
Sydney Stone | freelance writer & editor 