Did you know that you can use your smart phone with your home devices to make your life a lot easier? Apple just introduced its HomeKit, which allows iPhone and iPad users to use a central location and language for all of their smart home devices. This technology will be available this fall. Some examples you may be familiar with are the Hue light bulbs from Phillips, or wireless speakers. One company leading the way in the evolution of smart headphones is Muzik out of Miami, Florida. Soon, you will be able to use your smart phone for many other things around your home, and you will have the next best thing to a completely smart home.
Save Money on Energy Bills
You can use smart switches, such as the Smartplug from Zuli to sense when electrical items are not in use. It will automatically shut those items off, helping to cut back on your energy costs. You can also enjoy more heat in the winter and cooler air in the summer when you have Sonte’s Smart Film on your windows. You don’t need special shades, and the film allows you to easily change it from transparent to non-transparent. Even when it is non-transparent, it still reduces the amount of light coming in. This is great in the summer when you don’t want too much heat in the home.
Be More Comfortable
Enjoy regulated temperatures and be more comfortable with the smart thermostat from Nest. It uses sensors and software to control the temperature throughout your home, based on your regular routines. It’s just like Santa Clause. It knows when you are sleeping, and it knows when you are awake and active, and adjusts accordingly. Another device for controlling central heating is the Smart Thermostat from Netatmo, which can be used to control heating and air conditioning throughout your entire home.
Enjoy More Convenience
Imagine not having to stand over your barbecue while you are grilling. With the iGrill2 can monitor, you can walk away from the grill and do other things without worrying about food burning. The companion app will tell you when the food is cooked, and you will enjoy barbecuing even more. Another convenient tool is the Withings Smart Baby Monitor. It has a camera, and also senses temperatures and humidity, and alerts parents when things aren’t right. You can even use this device to speak with your baby from any other room in the house.
Better Home Security
Check out the Skybell, which lets you know someone is at the door before they even ring the bell. It offers a speaker and microphone, as well as a built-in camera. Another great security tool is a new type of locks that unlock as you get near the door, and lock behind you once you are inside. You can use the companion app to let others have virtual keys to your home, such as your children or other family members. You will also be able to log all activity, so you know who is going in and out of your home.
While it is a lot of work to make your home completely intelligent, you will be able to use HomeKit to make your devices more interactive, and this is going to make things a lot easier in your life. The Smart Baby Monitor can adjust the thermostat in your baby’s room so you don’t have to get up and do it yourself, and there are many other conveniences. There are a few other companies that have smart home solutions, but none match the technology that the HomeKit will be able to provide.
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