It's becoming increasingly common to see homes with all sorts of devices connected to the internet. Currently, it's possible to control a large number of devices with our voice or a small app . Hence, these homes are known as ' Smart Homes '. But let's review what you can actually do at home with these devices and what the term 'Smart Home ' actually means.
As the years go by, technology is playing an increasingly prominent role in our daily lives . Countless devices have appeared on the market that, when connected to the internet, truly make our lives easier. Want to know what these devices are and how they can help you? Keep reading this article.
What is a Smart Home or Smart Home
A Smart Home is not a special house; it doesn't look different from the rest. These homes simply have a large number of devices connected to the Internet – and to each other – which will greatly simplify many of the user's daily tasks.
Normally, these devices are controlled through voice commands using a central device such as a smart speaker or through the use of an application in question. In short, a Smart Home is one that can be controlled via the Internet.
What can be done in a Smart Home
The features added in recent years have surpassed our understanding. You can now get news dictated by your smart speaker, control your entire home's lighting, adjust the temperature, and even have your morning coffee ready when you wake up.
You'll also be able to open your front door without getting up from the sofa or control everything that happens inside your home at any time from your smartphone . In the following sections, we'll explain, one by one, the best options available for setting up your own Smart Home.
Smart speakers as the nerve center of your Smart Home
Perhaps the most essential component of a smart home is the speaker that you can use to make requests and that will carry out the various actions you command. There are different models on the market, but perhaps the most integrated into these systems are the options from Amazon or Google.
Amazon Echo – one of the benchmarks in the sector
Amazon offers a variety of models in its catalog. Alexa is a key player in the smart home landscape . That's why Amazon provides different models, some of which even include a screen to view images, graphical information about your queries, or the album art of the songs it plays. Below are some interesting models:
The Google Option – Google Nest Hub
Google also wants to be the center of your connected home. In addition to offering many connected accessories, it also has interactive displays. These are the Google Nest Hub devices , speakers with screens that allow you to control everything in your home, as well as enjoy content from YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and more. The specific model is the Google Nest Hub:
Make coffee in the morning with your smart coffee maker
Perhaps it is one of the topics that will attract your attention the most. And it is that being able to have coffee ready in the morning, everyone likes it. That is why we are going to introduce you to some automatic coffee machines that have applications with which you can control them through your mobile phone.
Jura Expresso S8 – beautiful and fully controllable from the smartphone
The first model we want to introduce is the Jura Expresso S8 , an automatic coffee machine with a variety of coffee options: from a perfect espresso to a rich latte macchiato . It also features a built-in grinding system for freshly ground coffee.
Furthermore, this Jura Espresso S8 features a touchscreen for controlling settings and selecting your desired coffee. But the most interesting aspect is its compatibility with the Jura Operating Experience app, which mirrors the coffee maker's touchscreen to your smartphone. This means you can have your coffee freshly brewed and ready in the morning.
Melitta Barista TS Smart – with silent grinder
The second option we suggest is the Melitta Barista TS Smart , a model that also features a built-in grinder for enjoying freshly ground coffee. It has an informative display and touch-sensitive buttons for selecting all types of coffee. Plus, with the Melitta Connect app, you'll have 21 different recipes to try , and you can even pre-brew your coffee in the morning.
Controlling the lights of the Smart Home
Another interesting aspect of smart home technology is the ability to control your home's electrical outlets . And this isn't just about using your smartphone ; you can do it with the smart speakers available on the market. However, it's worth noting that there are more options compatible with Amazon and Google models; Siri isn't as integrated with connected devices.
Smart plugs for your future Smart Home
In this sector, many brands have their own models. One of the veterans in the industry is TP-Link with its Tapo range. And one of the most interesting smart plugs is the Tapo P110 , which comes in a pack of two. Its price is under €30 , and in addition to controlling the power on/off state of connected devices, you can also monitor energy consumption thanks to the smartphone app.
Smart power strip with independent control for each outlet
Another option is to use a smart power strip. These allow you to connect more than one device to the same outlet, reducing the need for extensive electrical installations in your home. You'll only need one power outlet and to plug in the power strip. The option we're presenting has multiple outlets, each of which you can control independently. This means you can not only turn all connected devices on and off, but also keep some on while others remain off.
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Smart light bulbs
Alternatively, one option is to choose smart bulbs . These are LED bulbs—meaning very low energy consumption—that connect to smart speakers or your smartphone via Wi-Fi. There are options that provide warm, cool, or RGB light . RGB bulbs not only turn on and off but also change color. Here are some interesting alternatives:
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Controlling the temperature of the home – smart thermostats and radiators
On the other hand, depending on the time of year, we'll want to control the temperature of our homes , whether warm or cold. And for this, we have different options to control everything from our smartphone or with our voice through Amazon, Google, or Apple assistants.
Nest smart thermostat
With this thermostat, you can control the temperature of your smart home both inside and out. Thanks to the Nest app , you can also adjust the temperature when you're away from home so that everything is just right when you arrive. Furthermore, the company claims that this thermostat—demonstrating its smart nature— learns and usually has your home ready even when you're away . What's more, it uses less energy, which you should notice on your bill at the end of the month.
smart radiator
If you don't have a central heating system, or simply don't like your heat pump running too much, you can also opt for smart radiators. The Spanish company Cecotec is a pioneer in this sector and offers several models that will heat your home how and when you want. Enjoy their elegant design; they can heat rooms up to 15 square meters and can be programmed for up to 7 days.
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Surveillance cameras, smart locks and video intercoms – the latest in your smart home
The final section will be dedicated to the topic of security. In this section, we can find smart locks, which allow us to replace our physical key with our smartphone . There are several options available, all of which alert us when someone has entered our home or allow keyless entry.
As for security cameras, we also have a wide range of options on the market. These smart cameras monitor your home at all times , recording clips that you can review later or even allowing you to speak through them with two-way microphones.
Finally, the ability to see who has rung your doorbell without having to get up from the sofa and decide whether or not to open the door will be invaluable in your future smart home. These video doorbells allow you to see who is at the door, answer, and open it from your own smartphone.
