What Is a Smart Device?
Is the device electronic?
Can it connect to another device using one of the wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, 3/4G, Bluetooth or HFC?
- Is it interactive?
If the answer is yes’ to the above it certainly sounds like it is a smart device. If you look throughout your home today, 2018, you probably have several smart gadgets already. If not, it’s time to upgrade. These devices make your life so much easier. Let’s have a look at five (5) smart gadgets that will turn your old home into a new look, modern home.
- Entertainment Goes Smart
One of the most popular electronic smart devices is the Smart TV. The Smart TV is one which can be connected to the internet using primarily a Wi-Fi network connection, facilitates the streaming of media, access to the internet through browsers, as well as entertainment applications, on-demand video and internet music stations. The use of the Smart TV has changed the way you watch TV. You have access to so much more content; the display quality is usually very high including HDTV and 3-D and the experience is even better than going to the movies.
Not only has it improved the experience of watching sports and movies at home, you can communicate using applications like Skpe and playing online games on one is an awesome experience.
- Electric Fireplace
The best electric fireplaces have become one of the latest fads in home décor. They come in many different designs to match the personal taste of the homeowner – stand alone or recessed in the wall – whatever you want. Many models also come with very attractive flames’ with different colors which may be changed to match the particular mood. While most of the best electric fireplace models come with remote control to adjust the temperature, the piece de resistance, for me, are those that can be controlled using the mobile phone app, turning your fireplace into a smart device. Why come home to a cold home? Leaving work? Turn on your electric fireplace remotely and warm the home to your desired temperature…all from your phone.
- Security Camera Systems
A security camera system has become a must have’ in many homes. But these are not like the cameras of the past. Here are some of the current features available:
- The installation is wireless. Multiple cameras may be connected. You need:
- a) A Wi-Fi network.
- b) A power source for the cameras.
- The camera is digital with high resolution/picture quality.
iii. Easy to install.
- Controlled and accessed from your smartphone. Some models also have the feature that is motion activated. When motion is detected a text or other communication is sent your phone advising you. You may then use the app on your phone to view and see what happening at home. Many now also come the voice feature; if a stranger is seen on the premises you can actually speak to the person. The sound quality is so clear they are not aware that no one is home.
This camera system is a must if your home is left empty during the day, or your young children are left home with a Nanny or if you have packages delivered to your door. Protect yourself and property.
- The Smart Refrigerator
Isn’t this just cool. The fridge that does the following:
- a) Connects to your Wi-Fi network
- b) Comes with apps that you may or may not need.
- c) Has built-in cameras so you can view what is in the fridge
- d) You can tag items in the fridge on the calendar (app) so you know when to replace.
- e) Build your shopping list.
- f) And suppose you have forgotten what you need, and you are at the supermarket, just use the app on your smartphone to view
What is in the fridge.
In addition to all of that it does all the efficient cooling that a normal fridge does. This fridge, in your kitchen, will leave no doubt that your home qualifies as smart’.
- Robotic Vacuum with Wi-fi Connectivity
Not many of us like to clean house, so why not get the robotic vacuum? There are several brands and models on the market which:
- Use your smartphone to schedule the cleaning of your home.
- Cleans the space mapped out.
- Runs for approximately 2 hours until it requires recharging.
- Automatically recharges, then continues cleaning until the space is completed.
- Do you think more than one pass may be required to get the desired clean? Schedule that.
Summary
These are but a few of the smart gadgets that a homeowner may yearn for to improve convenient, efficiency, safety and just have fun. Of course, there are so many other gadgets available. Have fun looking while you update your home. And if you like outdoor like travelling instead of home, don’t worry you may check out the 10 best fire pit reviews 2018
