Smart homes have always captured our imaginations. Do you remember The Jetsons? That’s one of the reasons why the animated show was so successful. Today, it is obvious that technology is heading in that direction. And using things like Spectrum triple play makes it possible for us to enjoy smart homes. We have automated vacuum machines, smart kitchen appliances, and thermostats.
A few decades ago, who would have thought that we would be able to interact with our appliances? If there is a mess, you can tell Alexa to start the vacuum cleaner. If you’re running late, you can tell Alexa to start your coffee machine. These are all IoT devices. Let’s explore this further.
What are IoT Devices?
IoT, or the Internet of Things, devices are becoming more popular. we want everything to be an IoT device. But what are they really?
IoT devices are basically devices that can connect to the internet. But not in the standard way like our smartphones, tablets, and laptops. These devices are more traditional, usually with limited functionality. So your smartwatch is an IoT device. Or your smart thermostat is an IoT device. By adding technology to standard, non-technical gadgets, we make the IoT devices.
Another good example of an IoT device would be smart water bottles. These bottles have sensors in built-in and connect with your phone. They keep a track of how much water you drink during the day. If you have not had enough, the sensor will tell your phone. And your phone will send you a reminder that you need to drink more water.
Why Do We Need Smart Homes?
Smart homes are the latest in new technology. We have the need to stay updated with newer technology. Look at our smartphones. Every year companies come out with upgrades and newer models. Even though our phones are working perfectly, we still have the urge to upgrade. This is one of the side effects of living in the technology-crazed world of today.
Smart homes offer us an improvement on our current lifestyle. That is the basic purpose of technology. Before there were vacuum cleaners, we had to use brooms to brush our homes. Before there were microwaves, warming up food was a job for the stove.
We need IoT devices in our homes because they offer us convenience. How convenient is it to not have to vacuum every time there is a spill? How convenient is it to have your morning coffee prepared without having to lift a finger?
The reason why we need smart homes is that they are convenient. And that is the future we are heading towards.
Which 5 Gadgets are Most Important for a Smart Home?
Well, there are many gadgets that make your home a smart home. The most important is, of course, your personal assistant that can manage these devices. Amazon’s Alexa is the most popular, but there are others, like Google Home.
Apart from your assistant, here are the 5 most important gadgets that you need to get:
1. Smart Vacuum
2. Smart Thermostat
3. Smart Coffee Maker
4. Smart Fridge
5. Smart Ovens
1. Smart Vacuum
Okay, so smart vacuums have been around for a while. In fact, smart vacuums were first developed in 1996. Back then they were simple robotic vacuums that you still had to switch on and off physically. It wasn’t until recently that vacuums became smart. Today’s smart vacuums can turn on using voice commands. You could get one that can connect with your personal assistant like Alexa.
2. Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are an important gadget to have. They work like most standard thermostats. But they can connect with your phone and your personal assistant. Once connected, you switch them on and set the temperatures remotely. You don’t even have to be inside your home to do it. If it’s cold out, and you’re on your way home. You can tell your thermostat to start heating the house. That way, it’s nice and cozy by the time you reach home.
3. Smart Coffee Maker
For most of us, coffee is the thing that wakes us up in the morning. So our coffee machines become one of the most important things in our homes. So upgrading to one that listens to commands is a good idea. Like the smart thermostat, you can connect most smart coffee machines with your phone. You can also connect them to your personal assistant systems.
4. Smart Fridge
A smart fridge can do many things. There are some, like Samsung Smart Fridge, that stream music and mirror your Samsung TV. There are even more advanced smart fridges available that can tell you if you’re running out of eggs or if the milk carton is expiring. And of course, there are basic smart fridges that can connect with your phone. They can keep you updated on any issues that may arise with their functionality.
5. Smart Ovens
One of the biggest drawbacks in traditional baking technology is temperature inconsistency. Smart ovens have done away with that. Now smart ovens can maintain set temperatures throughout the cooking cycle. Additionally, they can preheat themselves and maintain the temperature until you are ready to start cooking.
Conclusion
The internet has made it so that we can enjoy these technologies in our homes. Without things like Spectrum internet availability, technology could not have developed enough to offer IoT devices for our homes. There are many IoT devices you can get for your home. With some research, you can decide which gadgets suit you best. Moreover, get the most from your home.
