Best Smart Home Upgrades of 2018

Your own house is getting more intelligent. It doesn’t matter how old your property is, the technology if today is introducing new ways to combine devices with your daily routine. The rise of smart devices makes everyone’s lives easier whether you’re updating your home office equipment or your security system.

It’s implied that smart tech is intelligent, but is it actually useful? Not all of the marketed tech devices you see on the big screen or scrolling through social media are useful in real life. That’s why this guide cuts through the noise to show you the best upgrades you’ll actually want in 2018. Keep reading to discover the best smart home upgrades of today.

1. Picture-Perfect Doorbells

Your doorbell isn’t doing you any favors. It leaves you second-guessing if you weren’t expecting anyone, and it becomes a problem when your neighbor won’t stop trying to sell you something. It’s time to update your doorbell with smart technology with a built-in HD camera doorbell. Some of these intelligent doorbells are becoming a standard feature in homes today, and you’ll wonder why they took so long to hit the market.

The most popular smart doorbell is the Nest Hello Doorbell. Its built-in HD video camera lets you get a glimpse of who’s waiting behind the door. There’s even a built-in microphone so you can talk to the person knocking. The microphone also works through an app on your phone, and you can speak through it even when you’re away from home. No more abandoned deliveries or unwanted visitors.

2. A Home Assistant

While you don’t always want to have someone around helping you with your grocery lists and shopping, sometimes you do need an extra hand. That’s why hands-free technology like the Amazon Echo and Google Assistant are becoming regular additions to all families.

These devices can perform unique tasks like making calls, sending texts, playing music, and even controlling appliances. Think of it like the household hub that always is there to answer any sudden questions or even just tell a joke.

3. Upgraded Speakers

If you’re still using the speakers that came with your TV, computer, or phone, you might as well be living in another century. With the variety of smart speakers today, you can add a bookshelf speaker to your setup in your office or add a soundbar behind your TV for surround sound experience. Most speakers work wirelessly through Bluetooth, and you might even be able to control them through your home assistant like Amazon Alexa.

4. Comprehensive Security

Who doesn’t get a better night’s sleep when they know their home is adequately protected? As much as we all wish we didn’t need to invest in security, it’s merely a reality no matter where you live. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and luckily it’s easier than ever to keep your house secure.

While there are many home security companies that offer comprehensive monitoring, you can do it all yourself with a smart camera. The Nest Cam sends alerts directly to your phone if there is any activity detected outside your property. It even has a built-in speaker so you can communicate directly through the device and also listen through the device. Never leave your place unprotected again whether you’re going to the store or staying in for the night.

An indoor camera that’s received great reviews this year is the Amazon Cloud Cam. It has a1080p HD live feed that’s stored online so you can access your home activity even when you’re away. Like the Nest Cam, it will send alerts when there’s motion inside your home. so you’re never out of the loop.

5. Intelligent Lighting

Your home lighting has a big impact on how you feel. Not only can dim lighting help you fall asleep faster but lighting flexibility enables you to save money every month on electricity. Smart Dimming bulbs give you the ability to control your lights with different tones and auto fading when you leave the room. That means a more sustainable use of your home’s energy.

The Drift Light is similar to a standard bulb, but it softly fades to dim over a period of just over half an hour. This isn’t just a fun party trick. It actually mimics the appearance of a sunset so you can fall asleep faster and feel more relaxed in your home at night.

The Philips Hue White LED bulbs are affordable at $15 each, and they’re easy to customize. They look just like regular bulbs, but they’re fully customizable with color changing technology and Amazon Alexa configuration. Control your lights from anywhere through the app. You’ll never have to wonder if you left the light on again.

6. Smart Plugs

What’s the difference between smart plugs and regular wall outlets? For starters, you can easily control them through your smartphone or Amazon Alexa device. You can plug anything into it from lights to your coffee machine. This means that you can easily turn these devices or appliances on without leaving your bed, couch, or even without being home at all.

Through an app, you can schedule these smart plugs to activate at certain times. Wake up to a ready-to-go coffee maker at the same time every morning or turn your electronics off before you leave for work. These smart plugs can even become a security feature in your house. For instance, you can configure one to turn on if a motion trigger is activated. Research suggests this is usually enough to deter a potential intruder.

Smart plugs are affordable for those looking to add a few intelligent devices within their home, and it’s easy to build your collection over time. Start small by converting your lights to smart plugs, and work your way up to other appliances, as needed.

The Future of Smart Technology

The technology and devices you choose to use in your home should work for you. These above are the leading ways to transform your place into an intelligent, convenient space for your entire family. Even small adjustments can mean hours of time saved every year. What smart technology are you ready to see in your own home?

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.