Dare we say it? The ‘C’ word! Look away now if it’s still too early for you because today’s post is going to focus on smart home Christmas gift ideas. So if you’re not sure what to buy the gadget/DIY lover in your family this year, keep reading, we’ve got a great little round-up of smart home devices to give you some food for thought.
Smart Plugs
If you’re not sure if smart devices are for you, start with something simple like a smart power switch. These ingenious devices basically turn an ordinary power outlet into a smart one which can be controlled by an app or even your voice.
Smart plugs are a great way to dip your toe and see if the whole smart revolution is for you. The best part of all is that they can be picked up pretty cheap and you don’t need to buy a whole new bunch of appliances to go with them – simply use your existing ones.
In addition to being able to turn your appliances on and off, smart plugs also enable you to see how much power a particular appliance is using. Very hand if your energy bills have been creeping up and you’re not sure why!?
Smart Lighting
Forget dimmer switches. While they serve a meaningful purpose, the future of lighting is brighter (and smarter) than ever before.
Smart lighting can again be controlled by your voice and/or an app. Smart lighting start kits are very affordable and the bulbs they come with fit into ordinary light sockets, which means you don’t have to do a big overhaul of your wiring.
The lights can be set to come on automatically at certain times or on-demand, which is very useful if you want to switch them on while you’re on your way from work.
Smart Heating
Smart thermostats can be programmed to turn your heating on and off depending on all manner of criteria you provide. For example, when you leave for work the thermostat will turn your heating down or off. When you return, it will ramp it up again a little.
Most amazing of all is that some smart thermostats actually have built-in Artificial Intelligence (AI), which enables them to recognise your daily routines and heat your home automatically and accordingly.
Smart Security
Whether it’s a smart security camera that instantly notifies your smartphone if there’s anything untoward happening at your house, or a smart smoke alarm that does the same, smart security devices can be worth their weight in gold.
Imaging being able to watch a live feed from your home on your smartphone while you’re at work. It’s an excellent way to keep an eye on your home and your pets – win-win!
Smart Bathing
Did you know that there are now even smart baths available? That’s right! You can now fill your tub while you’re on your way from work using an app on your phone. But that’s not all! You can also control the depth and temperature of the water too.
What better way to be greeted after a long day at work than with a bath ready and waiting for you when you arrive home, plus your favourite tunes being played on your smart home speaker.
Have you got any smart devices in your home already? How do you get on with them? Are they a huge help or leave a lot to be desired? We’d love to hear your comments…
