If you are in the market for a new smart device to simplify or enhance your life, you are not alone. Consumer demand for smart-home technology has never been higher, and projections show that the market will continue expanding through the coming years. Whether you are thinking about introducing smart technology to your home for the first time, or you are simply adding to your stock of automation products, here are the top new modern home technologies you need to know about.
Smart Power Plugs
Smart outlets are a budget-friendly and straightforward way to enable the use of smart technology throughout your home. A smart power outlet is a small adaptor that plugs directly into an ordinary outlet and connects to Wi-Fi. Any device or appliance plugged into the outlet can then be controlled remotely through an app on your smartphone.
One advantage of smart plugs is that they convert ordinary appliances and devices into smart devices since the power supply can be turned on and off through your phone. This allows you to turn on the coffeemaker from the comfort of your bed or turn on a lamp when you are on your way home from work.
You can also create schedules within the app to automate and control daily activities. For example, you can limit the amount of television time for your children by programming on and off times for the TV outlet.
A smart power outlet also reduces energy use, and in turn, saves you money. When appliances and devices are left plugged into traditional outlets, there is a continual draw on the electrical supply. Conversely, when a smart outlet is turned off, it stops the electrical flow in the same way as unplugging does, saving you money and helping the planet.
Smart Mattresses
The idea of using technology to track sleep quality is not new. For the past few years, more and more people have started tracking their sleep with phone apps, smartwatches, and fitness trackers.
With innovation on the rise, you can now purchase a smart mattress that incorporates biometric sensors to analyze your sleep, determine trends, produce health metrics, and provide insights on how you can improve your sleep. The mattress then uses these insights, along with a built-in air pump system, to inflate or deflate the air chambers in the mattress to the optimal level. Getting a good night of sleep has never been easier!
Hands-Free Vacuums
Who doesn’t like the idea of having the house vacuumed without lifting a finger? The so-called robot vacuums are happy to clean your floors every day, picking up dirt, dust bunnies, and other debris as they make their way around your home.
The technology of smart vacuums continues to improve, and new models offer high-tech features, such as:
- Ability to respond to voice commands or programmed schedules
- Sophisticated sensors to find hidden dirt
- Floor mapping capabilities to control the vacuum’s route
- Self-cleaning dust bins
- Sensors to help the robot find the charging base
While these features are great if you can afford them, even the more budget-friendly smart vacuums can effectively clean your floors. Because they combine powerful suction with a low profile that allows them to fit in tight spaces, many consumers report that robot vacuums can do a better job of cleaning their floors than traditional vacuums can.
Baby and Pet Monitoring Systems
Gone are the days when baby monitors could only provide static-filled audio to alert you to your infant’s crying. Today’s high-tech systems offer high-resolution video with night vision, so you can see and hear your child 24/7 from anywhere in the house. Select monitors offer additional high-tech perks, as well, including:
- Measuring your baby’s growth over time
- Tracking your little one’s sleep quality
- Panning, zooming, and tilting to ensure the perfect view
- Allowing multiple cameras to connect with one monitor
- Measuring and displaying room temperature
- Tracking your little one’s heart rate and oxygen levels and alerting you to potential problems
There are monitoring options for pet parents, as well. One popular option provides high-quality video with night vision, barking alerts, two-way communication with your furry friend, and a mechanism that allows you to remotely reward your dog with a treat.
Smart technology in the home is changing the way we live by simplifying chores, enhancing security, and making everyday tasks more convenient. If you haven’t discovered the benefits of smart-home technology for yourself, consider investing in one or two smart products to see how automation can enhance your life.
