Last Updated on March 9, 2024 by Ali Hamza
G’day, mate! Are you looking to transform your humble abode into a connected smart home? You’re in the right place! In this post, we’ll walk you through the essential smart home devices and offer some handy tips to help you create the ultimate connected home in Australia.
- Smart Speakers & Voice Assistants
A smart speaker with a built-in voice assistant, such as Google Home or Amazon Echo, is often the first device people purchase for their smart home. These voice-activated devices allow you to control your connected home appliances and perform various tasks just by speaking. Listen to your favourite tunes, check the weather, or add items to your shopping list, all without lifting a finger!
- Smart Lighting
Swapping out your standard light bulbs for smart ones is a simple way to add automation to your home. With smart lighting, you can control your lights remotely, set schedules, and even change the colour and brightness. Some popular smart lighting options include Philips Hue, LIFX, and IKEA TRÅDFRI.
- Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are a cost-effective way to make your existing appliances smarter. Just plug your appliance into a smart plug, and you can control it through your smartphone or voice assistant. This is great for turning off devices that consume power in standby mode or for setting schedules for appliances like coffee makers and air conditioners.
- Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat allows you to manage your home’s heating and cooling more efficiently, ultimately saving you money on energy bills. Popular options like Nest and ecobee can learn your preferences over time and adjust the temperature accordingly. They can also detect when you’re away from home and adjust the settings to save energy.
- Security Cameras & Doorbells
Smart security cameras and doorbells can help you keep an eye on your home, whether you’re inside or out and about. Devices like the Ring Doorbell and Arlo cameras can send notifications to your smartphone when motion is detected or when someone rings the doorbell, allowing you to see and communicate with visitors remotely.
- Smart Locks
With a smart lock, you can say goodbye to fumbling with keys. These locks allow you to unlock your door with your smartphone, a key fob, or even your voice. Plus, you can grant temporary access to guests or service providers without needing to be home.
- Home Automation Hubs
If you have multiple smart devices, a home automation hub can help you manage them all from a single app. Popular hubs like Samsung SmartThings and Wink offer compatibility with various devices and allow you to create routines for a seamless smart home experience.
Tips for Creating the Ultimate Connected Home:
- Start small: Begin with one or two smart devices and gradually expand your connected home as you become more comfortable with the technology.
- Choose a central ecosystem: Stick with one primary ecosystem (e.g., Google, Amazon, or Apple) to ensure compatibility between devices and simplify control.
- Plan for future expansion: Keep in mind that you may want to add more devices down the road. Make sure your chosen ecosystem supports a wide range of devices to avoid limitations later on.
- Prioritise security: Choose smart devices from reputable brands and keep your software up-to-date to protect your home from potential security threats.
- Research and read reviews: Before purchasing a smart home device, read reviews and do thorough research to make sure it’s the right fit for your needs and budget.
In conclusion
creating the ultimate connected home in Australia is all about selecting the right smart devices that cater to your needs and preferences. By incorporating these essential devices and following our handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying
