4 Must-Have Smart-Home Devices
Get up to speed on the latest home tech from voice activation and automated security to wireless power
Life was supposed to get easier as smart devices became readily available, but the reality seems to be that wading through the information about what’s worth adopting – and what’s not – is time-consuming and confusing. To help you make the best choices, here are 4 of the latest innovations that are simple to use and will benefit your lifestyle – be it through time savings, convenience, or productivity.
Photo from Digital Door Locks
2. Digital door locks
Home security has not evolved for years; in fact, losing the keys is still a monthly ritual for many of us. So it may come as a surprise that fingerprint scanning door locks and smartphone tap-to-unlock access options are available now at hardware and DIY shops.
Imagine if entering your home was as easy as holding your phone to the door, or placing your finger on a small panel. Digital door locks offer flexibility – up to 100 fingerprints per lock – and greater security, triggering an alarm or alerting you on your mobile if multiple incorrect attempts are made to enter. They often come with DIY installation too, and if the fear of being locked out still haunts you, some models offer a backup key option.
Verdict: Keyless entry options are now a very reasonable replacement for your standard deadlock.
Here’s how to secure your smart home devices
2. Digital door locks
Home security has not evolved for years; in fact, losing the keys is still a monthly ritual for many of us. So it may come as a surprise that fingerprint scanning door locks and smartphone tap-to-unlock access options are available now at hardware and DIY shops.
Imagine if entering your home was as easy as holding your phone to the door, or placing your finger on a small panel. Digital door locks offer flexibility – up to 100 fingerprints per lock – and greater security, triggering an alarm or alerting you on your mobile if multiple incorrect attempts are made to enter. They often come with DIY installation too, and if the fear of being locked out still haunts you, some models offer a backup key option.
Verdict: Keyless entry options are now a very reasonable replacement for your standard deadlock.
Here’s how to secure your smart home devices
Photo from Ring
3. Clever lighting
If you thought you needed wiring to set up a series of motion-sensor lights or a new indoor/outdoor security camera, you’re living in the dark ages.
Wireless security lights have units that operate wirelessly thanks to a built-in rechargeable battery. While motion-activated lights are nothing new, there are now smartphone apps that, when linked to hardware, act as home intercoms and allow you to see, hear and speak to guests who arrive at your door.
Verdict: If good security is something you need and you want to monitor your system regularly, the latest features are a steal.
Learn all about new lighting technology
3. Clever lighting
If you thought you needed wiring to set up a series of motion-sensor lights or a new indoor/outdoor security camera, you’re living in the dark ages.
Wireless security lights have units that operate wirelessly thanks to a built-in rechargeable battery. While motion-activated lights are nothing new, there are now smartphone apps that, when linked to hardware, act as home intercoms and allow you to see, hear and speak to guests who arrive at your door.
Verdict: If good security is something you need and you want to monitor your system regularly, the latest features are a steal.
Learn all about new lighting technology
4. Wireless phone chargers
If you own an electric toothbrush, you may have already had cord-free charging in your home for some time. Wireless energy transfer works via coils of alternating currents and what, for our purposes, is best described as magic.
Recent improvements in wireless charging mean you can now purchase pads (basically a thin disc) for ₹1500 and over, that you can leave on your desk or bedside table. All you have to do is drop your phone and then wait… two to five hours.
Verdict: This purchase is worthwhile if you value drop-and-go convenience highly. The more affordable options will not charge your phone fast, so here’s some advice: Look for one that can handle high-speed charging. Now, if only you could find your phone…
Read more:
Hi-Tech Living: What Are Smart Homes?
Tell us:
Do you use and recommend any of these products? We’d love to hear what you think. Please share your experience with fellow readers in the Comments below.
If you own an electric toothbrush, you may have already had cord-free charging in your home for some time. Wireless energy transfer works via coils of alternating currents and what, for our purposes, is best described as magic.
Recent improvements in wireless charging mean you can now purchase pads (basically a thin disc) for ₹1500 and over, that you can leave on your desk or bedside table. All you have to do is drop your phone and then wait… two to five hours.
Verdict: This purchase is worthwhile if you value drop-and-go convenience highly. The more affordable options will not charge your phone fast, so here’s some advice: Look for one that can handle high-speed charging. Now, if only you could find your phone…
Read more:
Hi-Tech Living: What Are Smart Homes?
Tell us:
Do you use and recommend any of these products? We’d love to hear what you think. Please share your experience with fellow readers in the Comments below.
1. Voice-activated assistants
The smartphones most of us use have become clever at recognising and acting on our voice commands. In fact, voice is seen as the next big thing for tech companies to conquer.
The ‘assistant’ you choose is likely to be determined by brand of smartphone you have; for example, you’d likely choose a HomePod for Apple iPhones, and Google Home for Android phones. Other unattached assistants, such as those by Sonos and Amazon, offer options that are not tied to any brand but can communicate with a variety of third-party services such as Spotify, smart TVs and connected appliances.
However, these assistants go beyond playing music and now-a-days answer increasingly complex questions; what started with adding reminders to your calendar and getting the weather has evolved to include responses to questions such as where to eat, where to shop or what’s the latest news. In addition they can take actions such as turning the television on to a particular channel, finding a movie, or switching off the lights. Some of these are even able to find and read out recipes for you as you cook.
Verdict: If you can get used to the idea of talking to an inanimate cylinder, the assistants can change your life. If, on the other hand, you don’t enjoy speaking commands to a machine, the novelty could wear thin quickly.