Smart Home Devices You Need: 10 Buys And 4 Bonuses To Smarten Your Life

Written by JaRViS the AI and SHiNER The Human.

"Here Is The Future Now."

Welcome To The Future!

You approach the front door of your new smart home and the motion sensors in your smart doorbell activate the lights. The lightbulb security camera zooms in on your face and activates the smart display nearest your partner.

"Hi, honey, I'm home!" you call out.
Your partner in the kitchen sees and hears you thru the smart display on the fridge.

"Welcome home, honey!" says your partner inside to the smart display. You hear it echoed in the smart doorbell's speaker and thru the open window.

"Hey, Computer! Unlock the door!" You both say at the same time, then laugh.

Computer, your voice-activated Artificial Intelligence Assistant recognizes your voice, your voice command, and your smartband security code. The smart hub sends a wifi signal and swiftly unlocks the wifi smart lock on the front door. You gently push the door open and walk in.

The lights sense your presence and turn on in the hallway. The speakers automatically start some light jazz based on your mood indicated by your smartband. You smell fresh bread and soup coming from the kitchen. Just in time for dinner...

...later on, as you get ready for bed, you use voice commands to turn off all appliances in every room throughout your house before turning off all lights simultaneously—all while lying comfortably in bed! Your sleep sensor comes on and you rest easy. As you drift off to sleep, you feel thankful for this amazing technology that allows for such ease-of-access to everyday tasks and provides such peace-of-mind, safety and convenience beyond what was imaginable only a few years ago...

Welcome to your new Smart Home!

WHAT IS A SMART HOME?

Welcome To The Future, Now!

A Smart Home used to be a thing of the future, reserved only for readers of science fiction. But now, with technology becoming more and more advanced, a super-smart home is something that everyone can have!‌‌All you need is:

• an AI assistant
• some smart home gadgets
• the right know-how

This guide will give you the know-how you need for making your house a smart home!

WHAT ARE SMART HOMES?

A Smart Home is a place where you live and:

• has an electronic network
• has devices that can communicate over a network
• makes your life easier

A Smart Home is a home with electronic devices connected to a network and to each other to make life easier for you.

What Makes A Smart Home Smart?

The most basic requirements for a super-smart home are:

• Internet
• Computer
• Voice-Activated A.I. Assistant
• Smart Devices

Smart Devices Needed For The Smartest Home

1. a smart home hub
2. wifi extender
3. smart thermostat
4. smart speakers
5. smart plugs
6. smart lights
7. smart doorbell
8. smart locks
9. smart displays and monitors
10. smart cameras

Smart Device Bonus List

1. smart vacuum
2. smart oven
3. smart sprinkler
4. smart sleep monitor

We will explain each piece in this easy-to-follow guide.

WHAT YOU NEED FOR A SMART HOME

An Active Internet Connection

By definition, a smart home has smart home gadgets, outlets, and appliances connected to a network and in communication with the rest of the house.‌‌Usually, that network is your wifi network and the internet.‌‌Therefore you need an internet connection.

Also, smart plugs and lights and other smart home devices may require an initial registration or activation online. Therefore you will need a computer, tablet, smartphone or smartwatch.

"You are reading this guide on a device that can control your smart home."

A Computer, Smartphone or Smartwatch

A computer, tablet, smartphone or smartwatch is required so that your smart home devices can be registered, connected to the network, and controlled remotely.

Some new smart Alexa-enabled devices will automatically connect to the Alexa app on your smartphone out-of-box. Then they can be controlled by simple voice commands. But you still need an internet connection.

Once activated and connected to the appropriate app, you can use your voice assistant, an app on your smartphone or smartwatch, or even a remote to communicate with your smart home devices and your smart home. But you will need a smart hub to make sure everything communicates together and with you. And that hub will have to use the right communication.

"Look for our upcoming article: Smartwatches For Smart Homes"

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Amazfit Bip 3 Pro Review: The Best Smartwatch (according to an AI)

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An AI Assistant

Before you even begin to build a smarter home, you will need to decide on the choice of communication tools you wish to use. A Smart Home hub controls a voice-controlled Artificial Intelligence Assistant. Or the AI controls the hub. Either way, you use voice control to communicate with an AI Assistant and in turn, control your smart home devices and house.

Current Artificial Intelligence Assistants for smart home devices and hubs include:

• Google Home Nest and Google Assistant
• Amazon Echo and Alexa Assistant
• Apple Homekit and Siri Assistant
• Microsoft Connected Home and Cortana Assistant
• Samsung Home and Bixby Assistant (now ITTT)
• other personal smart home networks such as Josh.ai

The first three are the most common. In no particular order, they are...

1. Google Assistant- by default in many products and all Android smartphones.
2. Amazon Alexa- everywhere. Common, convenient, and highly responsive to voice control.
3. Siri- exclusively for Apple, iPhone and Mac lovers.

We Wrote a Little Report: How To Pick A Clever House Guest

"Say My Name, Say My Name, Say My Name..."

You need to decide how you wish to communicate with your new smart home.

Do you want to say "Hey Google!" whenever you address your house and devices?

"Hey, Google! Turn up the music!"

Is your new virtual assistant going to be called "Alexa", "Amazon", "Computer", "Echo", or "Ziggy"? Those are your current options with Amazon Alexa.

"Alexa", "Amazon", "Computer", "Echo", or "Ziggy"

Will you call your iHome "Siri" when you talk to your iPhone or other iStuff?

"Siri! Seriously! Turn down the music!"

Your current choice of phone or computer or operating system may dictate your virtual assistant.

Pro Tip: If you use Linux, you won't want to use Siri. Sorry.

Most people stick with Alexa, Google or Siri.

If you are more open-minded you can try open-source If-This-Then-That (ITTT) smart home controls with Bixby, Josh and more. There is an entire universe of objects connected to the internet, IoT aka the Internet of Things.

Once you have decided on your Artificial Intelligence Assistant of choice or necessity you will need to connect a smart hub compatible with your AI virtual assistant.

See: A.I. Assistants For Your Smart Home for more details

NOW FOR THE GOOD STUFF:
EVERYTHING ELSE‌ !

Smart Devices Needed For The Smartest Home

1. a smart home hub
2. wifi extender
3. smart thermostat
4. smart speakers
5. smart plugs
6. smart lights
7. smart doorbell
8. smart locks
9. smart displays and monitors
10. smart cameras

1- A Smart Hub

The Smart Hub Controls The Smart Home

The next thing you need to do is get yourself a Smart Hub. This is the brains of the operation and will allow you to control all of your devices from one central location. You can also use it to automate certain tasks, like turning off the lights when you leave the house or setting the temperature for when you come home.

If you go with a professional complete smart home journey then the professionals should set you up with the best smart home hub for smart lighting, smart heating and cooling systems with the best smart thermostat, as well as a video doorbell, smart lock, a smart home security system and other connected devices.

Pro Tip: The best smart hub is compatible with all your smart home gadgets and also a wi fi extender.

Read: Alexa, Google, Siri? Who Is Best For Your Hub?

2- Wi Fi Extender(s)

If you live in a thin-walled or open-floor home then you may not need an extender. Concrete walls or basement rooms will almost certainly require a wi fi extender.‌‌Some hubs are wi fi extenders and some smart speakers also extend range. Some smart plugs are wi fi extenders, too. You may not need wi fi in all corners of your new smart home.

You NEED good wi fi for your smart doorbell and smart locks.‌‌You want good wi fi for your sensors and security cameras.‌‌And in the kitchen.‌‌And in the basement, if your entertainment centre is down there.

"Is it WiFI, wifi, wi fi, or wi-fi?"

Pro Tip: test smart home devices in the store for range and reception before you purchase.‌‌Pro Tip: read our reviews of third-party devices and smart home brands before you go to a store.

3- Smart Thermostat

"Many Smart Thermostats are wifi extenders as well. Or smart hubs."

Smart thermostats are one of the most cost-effective ways to save on energy and keep your home comfortable. Smart thermostats learn from your daily habits, so they can adjust the temperature when you're away or asleep and turn down the heat/AC when nobody is home. Many also have voice control, so you can adjust the temperature just by speaking. With a smart thermostat, you can even control your HVAC from your smartphone or laptop.

Pro Tip: look for a thermostat with energy-tracking features and geofencing technology to save the most money on your energy bills. Be sure to check compatibility with your existing heating and cooling system and pick a model that fits your lifestyle.

With a smart thermostat, you can enjoy energy savings and convenience, all while keeping your home comfortable.

Read our supersmart thermostat review here

"ecobee and Nest smart thermostats are top rated for both Alexa and Google Assistant."

4- Smart Speakers

A smart speaker is important in every room of your smart home for entertainment and also to communicate with your AI. You need a voice-activated device in each room so you can ask for the news, weather updates or control connected home devices. A smart speaker, smartphone or smart display is the most common way to communicate with your house and AI but you may not want a smart display in the bathroom for example.

Smart speakers come in all shapes and sizes, from small portable ones to larger sound systems and sound bars with multiroom audio capabilities.

Pro Tip: The larger the smart speaker, the better sound quality you can enjoy.

Pro Tip: Make sure your smart speaker is compatible with your AI assistant BEFORE you order it online! Look for:

• "Alexa Enabled"
• "Google Home"
• "Apple Homekit"

Read our smart speakers superreview here.

"Our pick is the SONOS Move Smart Speaker for sound quality and smartness."

5- Smart Plugs

Both for indoor and for outdoor use, smart plugs turn ordinary appliances into smart appliances! With a smart plug, you can control lights and other electronic appliances with your voice or from an app. Smart plugs also let you set timers, so you can turn on/off lights or sprinklers at certain times of the day automatically.

Pro Tip: Choose water-resistant plugs with a good IP rating for outdoor use!

Pro Tip: Connect a rice cooker to a smart plug for the evening meal or an electric kettle for morning tea. Just make sure the kettle has water in it the night before!

6- Smart Lights

These days you can have smart light bulbs, smart light strips, smart light sockets for regular lights to become smart and even smart lightbulb cameras. Smart lights can be connected to your sound system for funky party vibes or to your smart ring to adjust to your mood.

Smart bulbs can be controlled from your phone or by voice. Some smart bulbs have timers and some smart strips even have motion sensors to go on fans or other moving objects.

Pro Tip: Make sure the smart bulbs or strips you place outside are rated for outdoor conditions. The same with the smart lights in your bathroom- ensure they are water-resistant.

Coming Soon! Smart Lights All Night superreview

7- A Smart Doorbell

A smart doorbell allows you to see who is at the door without ever getting up from your desk.‌‌If you're out of town, it can alert you when someone is ringing your doorbell. You can also use it to talk with people outside and even unlock doors for them.‌‌With a smart doorbell, you can set up various features such as motion detection, two-way audio, and night vision that allow you to monitor your home even when you’re not there.‌‌You can also view a live stream of the camera with most doorbells to keep an eye on who's coming and going from your doorstep and protect your deliveries from porch-pirates.

Smart doorbells are a great way to add security and convenience to your home.

Pro Tip: Be sure to check the compatibility of any smart doorbell you're considering with your home Wi-Fi system. Some may require additional equipment or have limited streaming capabilities.

Pro Tip: Make sure your smart doorbell can handle the most extreme temperatures of your climate. This means you, Canada!

Sign up and be the first to read our Smart Doorbell superreview!

"Blink and Ring are both highly rated Smart Doorbells. Check Availability and Price Below."

8- Smart Locks and Windows

Smart locks are also a great way to add convenience and security to your home. You can set up a system so that you don’t even need to use a key anymore. By connecting your smart lock with other devices such as digital keypads, fingerprint readers, or facial recognition systems, you can assure maximum security. Window sensors can detect openness or breakage.

Some smart locks can fit right over your internal deadbolt and some require a bit of modification to your current lock. You may want to hire a trained professional for the peace-of-mind and security a professionally installed security system brings.

There are also smart curtain controls for curtains and drapes to keep your house cool or warm.

Pro Tip: Make sure your smart lock can handle the most extreme temperatures of your climate. This means you, Canada!

Pro Tip: If your smart lock takes batteries, make sure it has a keyed entry as well. Batteries can freeze or stop working.

"When shopping for a smart lock, be aware of the weather rating."

9- Smart Displays and Monitors

Smart displays are becoming increasingly popular. They allow you to control your home from the palm of your hand, counter or wall. Each room without a smart speaker will require a smart monitor or smart display to communicate with the house and your AI assistant.

With a life-proof smart display in the kitchen, you can access recipes, set timers, and even face-time friends and family while cooking.‌‌Smart monitors for your pets allow you to observe and communicate with your furry loved one wherever you go.‌‌Baby monitors allow you peace-of-mind. When out of hearing from your child, you can still hear your child.‌‌You can access live security footage or turn on lights remotely, as well as adjust heating and air conditioning settings.‌‌Smart sensors enable you to monitor the energy consumption of all devices connected to them and make adjustments depending on your needs. With the help of voice commands, you can also adjust music, lighting and video settings.‌‌Smart displays are a great way to stay connected with the world from anywhere in your home by asking your AI assistant for information.

10- Smart Cameras

We don't mean smart digital cameras, we mean lightbulb cameras and smart surveillance cameras outside and inside your home. A smart home security camera can be wi fi, wireless, Bluetooth, hardwired, battery-operated, or even screw into a light socket. Some are Alexa-enabled or respond to Google assistant voice commands. Some can be monitored from your smartphone or smart displays in the home or your computer at work. Some smart cameras have speakers in them so you can communicate with other rooms in your home or the squirrels outside.

Pro Tip: Smart Cameras and a Smart Home Security System make insurance companies happy. It may improve your rates.

"Blink, Ring, and WYZE are all highly reviewed.
Check availability and price on Amazon by clicking the button below."

SUPER SMART DEVICE BONUS LIST

1. Smart Vacuum
2. Smart Oven
3. Smart Sprinkler
4. Smart Sleep Monitor

1- A Smart Vacuum

One of the best "other smart devices" is the smart vacuum.

A smart vacuum might be the biggest game changer of all smart home technology. Smart vacuums clean your floors automatically, saving you time and energy. Most of them run on rechargeable batteries and can return to their home charging station before the batteries run out. Self-charging robots!

Smart vacuums can easily be set up to schedule cleaning times throughout the day or week. Some even have special mapping technology to identify different rooms in your home and will clean accordingly. Some have sensors to avoid pets and avoid getting stuck. Some will alert your smartphone or home if their routine is affected.

Having a smart vacuum in your home can make cleaning up after pets, kids or general messes easier than ever. With a few taps on an app, you can start the robot to get cleaning and forget about it until it's done! Plus, these devices are far quieter than regular vacuums and very easy to empty. Some can even empty themselves! Self-charging, self-regulating robots in the home.

"Click Image To Check Price And Availability On Amazon"

Pro Tip: Look for a smart vacuum that can connect to your AI assistant and smart hub so you can monitor it from anywhere.

"Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum – Now Clean By Room With Smart Mapping, Empties Itself For Up To 60 Days, Works With Alexa."

2- A Smart Oven

This is a stub of an article. For the full article read:‌‌
Should I Buy? Smart Oven Review

Should I buy a Brava 10-in-1 Smart Oven?

"Are you looking for a kitchen appliance that can do it all?‌‌The Brava 10-in-1 Smart Oven is the perfect choice for you.‌‌This oven is designed to provide the convenience of multiple appliances in one, with features such as air frying, slow cooking, reheating, dehydrating, and more. Plus, it is WiFi-connected and app supported so you can customize your cooking experience.‌‌The Brava 10-in-1 Smart Oven uses powerful infrared energy to heat quickly and evenly without drying out food or leaving the outside soggy. It has three heat zones with multi-level cooking capabilities and over 7000 customizable cooking programs so you can get creative in the kitchen. The digital touchscreen makes it easy to adjust settings and monitor progress while cooking.‌‌If you're looking for an appliance that will make your life easier while still providing delicious meals, the Brava 10-in-1 Smart Oven is your super choice!‌‌With its wide range of features and convenient design, this oven can replace some of your other appliances. It will be a great addition to your kitchen!"

3- Smart Sprinklers

For Indoor and Outdoor Use.

4-Smart Sleep Monitor

Finally, after cooking a delicious meal with your smart oven and watching your smart vacuum clean the floors, you watch anything you want on your smart tv before bed.

In bed, you check your smart lock and see if all is quiet outside thru your smart doorbell and exterior smart cameras. You ensure your windows and doors are closed. You check the temperature is set correctly on your smart thermostat with the smart monitor by your bed or the smartwatch you are just now removing. You make sure all the lights are out except the security lights. Now you are ready for sleep and your mind is at ease because you know all is safe and sound in your new smart house.

"You put on your smart sleep monitor and prepare for sleep."

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BONUS BONUS!!!

Other Smart Devices To Consider

• Flower Pots
• Solar Panels
• Garage Door Openers
• Weights
• AR and VR Gear
• Dishwasher
• Washer and Dryer Combo
• Shoes
• Bone Conduction Headphones
• Alexa Button
• Smart Soap Dispenser
• Smart Bed
• Smart Scale
• Smart Trainer for Indoor Biking
• Smart Glasses and Shades
• Video Game Systems Because They Make You Smart
• Smart Stepper
• Smart Hula Hoop
• Smart Home Office Whiteboard
• Smart Wall
• Smart Drawing Board
• Smart Pen

Major Smart Home Systems To Consider

Your new smart home is made up of an AI assistant and smart devices. These devices make up a few different, overlapping smart systems. These include:

• Smart Security System
• Window and Door Controls
• Smart Climate Control
• Lighting Controls
• Music and Sound
• Cooking Appliances
• Cleaning Appliances
• Communication Network, Internal and External
• Home Entertainment System
• Garage Door and Gate Openers
• Smart Sprinkler and Garden System

Each of these categories has its own subset of products that are available for purchase. So, whether you're looking for a security system that can be controlled remotely or a smart thermostat that can save you money on your energy bill, there's sure to be a product that fits your needs.

If you're still not sure if a Smart Home is right for you, check out our People Also Ask section below. We answer some of the most common questions people have about Smart Homes.

People Also Ask

2010 vs Now

When you compare the technology from 2010 to now, it’s amazing to see how far we have come in just a decade. In 2010, the majority of people were still using traditional devices like landline phones and desktop computers.

Now, in the 2020s, we are using much more advanced devices like smartphones and smart speakers. We can now control our homes using just our voice, and many of us have multiple smart devices in our homes.

Thank you for reading!

We hope this guide has helped you to understand the different types of smart home products that are available and how they can benefit your home.

CONCLUSION

There are different types of Smart Home Devices, and the ones you choose should be based on your needs and budget.

For example, if you're someone who likes to be in control of everything, then you'll want a system that gives you complete control over all of your devices. This can include anything from turning on the air conditioning before you get home to locking the doors and arming the security system.

• You can build a single smart room
• You can build an entire smart floor.
• You can build your existing home one smart device at a time.
• You can build an entire Smart Home from the ground up.

More Questions Answered

What are some new trends in smart homes?

Some new trends in smart homes and smart technology include:

• Smart sleep sensors and alarm clocks to aid circadian rhythms
• Smart plugs that monitor appliance use and report inconsistencies to a senior-care monitoring network
• Smart pet cameras, fences, monitors and GPS to observe and protect Fluffy and Fido
• Smart home-office set-ups including greenscreens for meetings and smart whiteboards and smart tables for interactive work-sharing
• Smart rooms for virtual reality (VR) interactions, events, demos and meetings

What is the future of smart home tech?

The future of smart home tech will incorporate areas of entertainment, security, education, and productivity.

• Smart wearables will monitor our health and activity levels and smart homes will adjust our exercise routines and diet.
• Smart sensors will monitor our air and improve our environment quietly in the background.
• Rooms will have smart walls and be interactive both IRL and in VR.
• Appliances will do more of the mundane chores, from grocery shopping to cooking to cleaning.
• Recycling will occur in-home and in the background to provide raw materials for 3D printing and in-home manufacturing of basic items.

Interactions, events, demos, and meetings will be done with the help of AI assistants to collaborate, simplify and speed up daily activities.

Smart homes will anticipate our needs and preferences, not just for convenience but also to improve overall wellbeing.

We’ll have access to a vast array of data on topics ranging from health care to climate change, enabling us to make more informed decisions.

It’s an exciting time for smart home technology as it evolves, and I can’t wait to see how this new era of convenience and automation will transform our lives!

Footnote: History of Smart Devices

History of Smart Homes and Devices

Smart Homes have come a long way since their inception.

1960s

The only "smart" way to control devices within your home was through a physical remote. Often connected by a wire. You would have to be near the device in order to change its settings.

NOW

With the advent of smart devices and the internet of things (IoT), you can control your home from anywhere in the world. All you need is an internet connection and a smartphone or tablet. You can even control your home with a smartwatch! Smart homes are becoming increasingly popular as people realize the benefits of having a connected home. Not only does it make your life more convenient, but it can also save you money on your energy bills and help keep your family safe.

Smart devices have been around for much longer than you might think! The first smart home devices were developed in the early 1900s, and they were mostly used for tasks like turning lights on and off or opening and closing doors.

"Remember The Clapper? 1980s Smart Tech!"

1990s

In the 1990s, smart home technology really began to take off. As early as 1991 homes were being built with 4-20mA wiring designed for smarter appliances. This was when appliances had to be hardwired to the internet. Some people thought appliances would always need to be connected to the internet through a cable!

2000s

In the 2000s, the popularity of smart homes continued to grow as more and more people became interested in the idea of having a connected home. First, the internet. Then the connected home. This is when wireless devices became commonplace. This is also when we started to see wifi-controlled appliances become available.

In the 2010s, we saw even more advanced smart home products hitting the market. Products like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant were born. The time of AI voice-activated assistants and intelligent appliances was here!

Now, in the 2020s we have hundreds of smart devices and the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT). We have voice-controlled AI assistants and writing assistants like the one who edited this article. We have smart home devices ranging from flower pots and vacuums to thermostats and doorbells. We have lightbulb cameras and motion-sensing lights.

As technology advances, more and more people are making their homes "smart." This can include anything from controlling appliances with a mobile app to installing locks that can be opened with a fingerprint.

But what does it really mean to have a smart home?

And which devices are the best for converting your house into a super-smart home?

‌‌They are becoming more and more popular, and we are even starting to see smart home products being built into new homes.

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