With each passing year, home automation technology gives rise to new and better devices to change the way we live. But do these high-tech doo-dads really make our lives better and easier? Upon reviewing some of the latest products to hit the market, the answer to that question is a resounding, “yes”. What follows is a short list of 5 very cool gadgets designed to make your life a little easier.
Nest
We all know that home is where the heart is. And if your home is equipped with a NEST, the “brains” are safely tucked away in your thermostat. With abilities bordering on artificial intelligence, the NEST “learning thermostat” picks up on your heating and cooling patterns and quietly programs itself to provide optimum climate control while you go about your business. Sporting a super clean design and user-friendly features, the NEST provides the quality end user experience you would expect from its creators, being that they also made the iPod.
Hue
Sold exclusively through Apple stores, the HUE wireless lighting system by Phillips makes lighting your home both fun and easy. Utilizing color changing LED bulbs that also happen to be Wi Fi enabled, HUE not only allows you to turn lights on and off, but to change the brightness and the color while you’re at it. Controlled by an app on your smartphone, HUE offers a seemingly endless combination of “recipes” for lighting each and every room of your house. And in answer to the question, “How many people does it take to change a HUE light bulb?” You may never know, as HUE LED bulbs are designed to last for years.
Irrigation caddy
For most homeowners, controlling an irrigation system can be frustrating to say the least. But thanks to a gadget called the Irrigation Caddy, the process of watering lawns and gardens just got easier. Connected to your Wi Fi network, the device allows you to control your watering system through the web browser of your choice. You can even do your watering with your smartphone, as long as you’re connected to your home network.
Lockitron
With a name that sounds like a robot from the future, Lockitron basically has the ability to automate your door lock. Fitting over the existing deadbolt, this cool gadget allows you to lock and unlock your door from anywhere and at anytime through an app on your smartphone. No more wondering if you forgot to lock the door when you left for work. While you are away, the Lockitron will send you alerts anytime the door is opened. It also incorporates Bluetooth technology so it will open upon your approach. No more fumbling with keys or setting bags of groceries down to unlock the door. Currently, the Lockitron does not work on all deadbolts, but that should change as the device gains popularity. Although the device’s wireless nature could leave it vulnerable to hacking by smart thieves, being that the Lockitron fits on the inside of the door, chances are no one but you and those you trust will ever know it’s there.
Ninja blocks
In the future, all of our home techno-gadgets will be seamlessly connected. As far as the makers of Ninja Blocks are concerned, the future has arrived. Using Ninja Blocks, all of your gadgets can be connected to the web and controlled via your smartphone. If desired, each device can talk to your phone through instant notifications on Facebook and Twitter. With the ability to put total control of all your gadgets right in the palm of your hand, Ninja Blocks is one very cool gadget for making your life easier.
About the Author:
Lindsey Patterson is a freelance writer who specializes in technology and home automation. For more information on home security systems check out Vivint reviews.
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