Smartphones, smart cars, and smart homes. It is the age of things designed and built to make our lives easier. And, for the most part, they do just that. You need to spend out some cash initially and work out all of the cool new settings. But, before you know it, you will be speaking to a voice-activated assistant in your beautifully furnished LA apartment, checking the weather for three days time. 

But it doesn’t stop at a voice assistant. You can implement smart home systems to fit your life. If you work away a lot, a smart security system will be right up your street. If you are looking to save cash and the environment, then a system that focuses on keeping your energy usage low and automatically turning things off will be your best buddy. 

Photo by Thomas Kolnowski on Unsplash

But this poses the next questions. Is there a list of products that come recommended? What are the tip smart home tech items for your home?

Let’s dig in, shall we?

Audio

Sonos was putting out their sleek designed smart home music kits before it was trendy. So, audiophiles were on this trend before it was fashionable. They are high-quality, very reliable, easy to install, and sound is impressive. They have a higher and lower price point, so it’s not a sound system for the elite, it is for everyone. 

Sonos also have a range of supported music devices, including iTunes, Deezer, and Spotify and if you are into Alexa – the newest models come equipped for that too. 

The basic principle is you can have music playing all over your home. You can opt for the same playlist, or different ones in different rooms and they are not bulky enough to take up too much space. 

Sleep Tech

Yes, the world of ‘smart’ has extended out into your sleep. We all know that if you don’t sleep well, your daily life is impacted. There are wrist devices like the Fitbit, which can aid you in learning more about how you are sleeping, but the Withings Sleep goes a little bit further. 

It is placed in between your sheets and mattress, in a very noninvasive way. And, is able to gauge just how much sleep you are (or aren’t) getting. It can give you a break down of when you went to bed when you got out of bed, plus track your deep sleep and light sleep. 

You can hook up IFTTT and when you lay in bed, and the Withings Sleep is triggered, it can turn off your lights for you (if they are smart lights – of course). 

Thermostat

These wise temperature keepers are keeping the smart home market in business. Nest Learning Thermostat is one of those things. You can get cheaper alternatives that do the job, but this one gets more intelligent as time goes on. And, having technology that learns as you go is just a better investment. 

The Nest Learning Thermostat works with all of the other nest products, so it makes sense for those who have decided this is the best smart home kit for them. It also works with some from other manufacturers. Typically though, this one needs to be installed by a professional – as it hooks up to your heating system and boilers. 

This little piece of kit learns when you use the heat when you don’t and when the hot water is used, and from there works out how to save you money and keep you warm. 

Cleaning

Who doesn’t wish to automate their cleaning? Well, if you just really don’t love vacuuming, then the best thing you can get is a Roomba. These little robots of wonder do a perfectly great job of cleaning the floor, and it is a set and forget situation. 

The downside is if you are one for leaving cables on the floor, you can find yourself in a heap of trouble. 

Generally, though, it is compact does its job until it needs to be charged and does carpets and hard surfaces without an issue. 

Coffee Fix

Have you ever been laying in bed, wishing that your coffee would make itself? Well, then this is for you. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and a handy app on your phone. It is a bean-to-cup coffee machine, so you are getting the very best coffee you can have – at the touch of a button. 

You will still have to clean the Smarter Coffee system, but in general, if you are busy in the mornings, or just like to pick up your coffee cup without waiting for it to be made, then this is the gadget for you.