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Five years ago, I would have never imagined living in an age where I can preheat my oven on the way home from the grocery store or receive an alert that my son left the refrigerator open as we’re driving to school. We live in an age where innovation in technology continues to advance rapidly, changing the way we live in powerful ways. I remember seeing a film which featured a couple who lived in a “smart” home, and I found the concept fascinating and intriguing. So much so that I invested in a wifi-enabled thermostat, which granted me control over the temperature in my home with a touch of a button on my iPhone.
The smart phone has transformed the way we communicate, work, organize our time and live, which is why brands are looking at “smart technology” to make the normal everyday activities in our life seamless, manageable, and efficient. From smart keyless household entry to connected garage door openers, I’ve found that the number of smart home essentials available to families continues to rise as this wide open space is constantly changing and evolving.
While shopping the Electronics section at my local Walmart, I was pleasantly surprised to happen upon a small section devoted to the “smart home.” The selection of products is focused on 3 categories including Safety & Monitoring, Lighting & Convenience, and Environmental Control. What they all have in common is that they are wi-fi enabled and can be controlled through your smart phone or tablet.
So what’s trending this year for the connected home? Here are 5 Smart Home Essentials worth the investment!
1. Nest Thermostat: This “smart,” wi-fi enabled thermostat actually learns from you and your home based on the temperatures you prefer during the day and evening. If you’re eco-conscious, you can check energy history on the app to view your energy consumption and work to lower your usage (and your monthly bill!)
2. Belkin WeMo NetCam: If you’re looking for peace of mind while you’re traveling, or simply want to keep up with your kids’ babysitter, Belkin’s WeMo NetCam is an affordable, effective option. Simply place the device in the room you’d like to monitor and you’ll be able to record wild-angle video with sound. The free app will give you the option of saving any live video obtained to your smartphone or tablet. You will also be notified of any movement while you’re gone for additional peace of mind.
3. Kwikset Kevo Single-Cylinder Bluetooth Deadbolt: Using your smart phone as a key is probably one of the most brilliant ways I’ve seen a brand integrate safety and connectivity. No more locking my keys out of the car or losing them in the depths of my purse. Use the app to lock or unlock the door or use the Key Fob if you don’t have a smart phone. If you are hesitant to give a friend, family member, or babysitter, simply create temporary or permanent keys that can be deleted when their time is done.
4. MyQ Universal Smartphone Garage Door Opener: In the midst of the morning rush out of the house, I’ve been known to drive back to our home to ensure my flat iron wasn’t left on or my kitchen faucet isn’t running. If you have concerns whether you’ve locked your home or closed the garage door, you’ll love the MyQ Universal Smartphone Garage Door Opener. Using the free smart phone app, you’ll be alerted any time your garage door opens and if you forgot to close the garage door when you left your home.
5. Belkin WeMo Light Switch: Forget to turn your lights off when you left the house for work? Now you can program your lights to go on and off at a set time each day or simply turn them off from your cell phone.
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