Don’t look now, but we are in the midst of a pretty significant change in how people view the functionality of their homes. By integrating mobile technology into standard home fixtures and appliances using wi-fi and Bluetooth, homeowners can gain an entirely new layers of automated and remote functionality.
Here are a few of the basic gadgets that you might want to think about if you are thinking about adding home automation.
There is much, much more than just these items and my digital home post is a great place to find hundreds more.
Home Automation Gadgets
Belkin WeMo Smartphone Controlled Light Switch
The Wemo Wi-Fi Light Switch uses your existing home Wi-Fi network to provide wireless control of your lights from anywhere in the world. No subscription or hub is required: simply install the light switch and start controlling your lights from your phone or tablet. Using the free Wemo app, you can switch your lights on and off and set worry-free schedules no matter where you are. The Wemo Light Switch also functions like a normal switch: simply press the switch to toggle your lights on or off.
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Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler
Start, Stop, Pause or Skip individual zones – even create a Custom Run schedule – all from our exclusive Remote. Only Rachio offers smartphone control this precise. Avoid watering in the rain. Exclusive weather intelligence plus automatically skips unnecessary watering with features like rain skip, wind skip, freeze skip, and more.
iPad Refrigerator Mount
Feature It On the Fridge The Fridge Mount lets you conveniently position your iPod 2 in the kitchen. The minimalist design stylishly keeps the iPod 2 safe and secure. No Tools Needed No tools or hardware are needed and no permanent installation is required. Supplied Maximum-strength 3M Command Strips snap the iPod 2 firmly in place and attach securely to a fridge, cabinet or wall without damaging surfaces when removed
Nest Security Camera
Home security has never looked so good. The Nest Cam Indoor is the perfect addition to any home. The Nest Cam Indoor is beautifully designed and it plugs into power, so you never have to worry about dead batteries. With motion and activity alerts, the Nest Cam helps you stay informed about what’s happening even if you aren’t home. You’ll get a notification when the kids come back from school, when the dog decides to eat those new pillows you bought, or when someone enters your home who shouldn’t. Nest Cam Indoor also features a built-in speaker and microphone allowing you to listen in and speak to whoever is there. Nest is focused on making simple, human, delightful things. That’s how we’re creating the thoughtful home: A home that takes care of the people inside it and the world around it.
Wifi-Enabled Garage Door Opener Controls
Open and close your garage door from anywhere with your Smartphone. Receive alerts when the garage door opens and closes. With Chamberlain’s MyQ Garage, your Smartphone, Wi-Fi and any compatible garage door opener, you are connected and in control. The Chamberlain MyQ Smartphone app is free with no monthly fees.
Nest Protect- Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
It’s time to expect more from your smoke alarm. Nest Protect has been redesigned from the inside out. It has a Split-Spectrum Sensor, tests itself automatically and lasts up to a decade. It’s also the first home alarm you can hush from your phone without any extra hardware required. And it tells you what’s wrong and can even alert your phone. Nest products are made to work together. And they can even work with lights, locks and other products in your home. The Nest Protect can alert the Nest Thermostat when it detects carbon monoxide and the Thermostat can turn off the furnace to try and reduce the leak while you get to safety. Nest is focused on making simple, human, delightful things. That’s how we’re creating the thoughtful home: A home that takes care of the people inside it and the world around it.
Friedrich Kuhl+ Series Wi-Fi Capable Room Air Conditioner
You can now operate your Kühl on the go from wherever you are using a smartphone, computer or tablet via FriedrichLink*. Kühl units include two built-in energy management schedules additionally, create up to 5 custom programs* to fit your lifestyle. And, Kühl is the first Smart Grid enabled room air conditioner. *Requires optional FriedrichLink Wi-Fi Adapter Accessory, sold separately.
Nest Smartphone Controlled Thermostat
The Nest Learning Thermostat is here to help make your home work for you. Using smart learning technology, the Nest Learning Thermostat can learn what you like and automatically adjust itself to your comfort level. After a couple of days of manual adjustments, the Nest Learning Thermostat can anticipate when you would want to turn the temperature up, to help keep you cozy in the morning, and set the temperature down as you head to bed. The Thermostat also works in combination with your Nest Cellphone App. Remotely change the temperature so that your house can be warm when you come home or, turn the temperature down to save energy while you’re away. The Nest Thermostat is just one part of your heating and cooling system. But it can keep an eye on the rest of it. You’ll get an alert on your phone if there’s something wrong – like temperatures are so low your pipes could burst. And if it looks like your furnace is acting up, the Nest Thermostat will send you an alert. Nest is focused on making simple, human, delightful things. That’s how we’re creating the thoughtful home: A home that takes care of the people inside it and the world around it.
Kwikset Kevo Bluetooth Enabled Deadbolt Door Lock
Your life just got easier. With Kevo’s Touch-to-Open technology you can simply leave your smartphone in your pocket or purse upon entering; no more fumbling for your keys. Just touch the lock to open for the ultimate convenience. No smartphone? No problem. Enjoy the same touch to open convenience with the included fob. You can send an electronic key (eKey) to family, friends, or visitors who have a compatible Smartphone so they can use their phone as a key too. Receive notifications of lock activity and manage the lock and eKeys with the Kevo mobile app. In addition to the convenience, Kevo is incredibly secure. You can add, delete or disable eKeys from the mobile app or utilize the Lost Phone Reset should the unthinkable happen. This single cylinder deadbolt can be locked or unlocked by a key on the outside, or the turn button on the inside. The Venetian Bronze finish is hand-rubbed to reveal unique bronze highlights and provides a rich and warm complement to the product’s style.
Belkin WeMo Smartphone or Tablet Controlled Outlet
The Wemo Switch Wi-Fi Smart Plug uses your existing home Wi-Fi network to provide wireless control of your lights and appliances. Using the free Wemo app, you can turn on a space heater in your garage or a fan in your kitchen, even if you’re miles from home.