How do we imagine the future? Is it a future of endless possibilities where technology will take over everything for the sake of convenience? What will be the future of artificial intelligence? You might read many conspiracy theories regarding how A.I will take over the world. In its true sense, that is not going to happen. The artificial intelligence is bound to get better with time. Our lives will get a lot easier in the future. While we think about the future, it is quite important to understand where we are in the present. Many people are not aware of home automation. What they imagine to be happening in the future is present in today’s world already. Now you might be wondering that for home automation, you will have to spend a fortune. This is not the case. As smart home technology is spreading, it is becoming more and more accessible. The best thing about home automation is that you choose the things you want automated. Period. As a result, you spend on what you want. 

If you look at new constructions both in residential as well as commercial properties, you will notice the trend of increasing automation or use of technology. It would be fair to say that digitization of buildings is here to say. Buildings are learning from data, reducing their carbon footprint, altering energy consumption patterns according to ways that are efficient, and allowing human beings to contribute to the environment in a much more responsible way. With growing population, it is high time that we seriously take a look at our energy consumption levels. Digitization is one of the many ways that can help us rectify some of the problems that currently exist. 

However, one thing is certain that your smart home is incomplete without the presence of high-speed internet. Therefore, it is better to power your home with Spectrum packages that give ultra-fast download speeds with minimal connectivity issues. 

To set-up your very own smart home, we created a comprehensive guide on all the smart home appliances and gadgets. 

Digital Home Assistants 

We have seen a great revolution in the world of digital assistants. We had the first IBM PC a few decades ago that was only able to recognize a handful of words. Apple came up with Siri that had the privilege of being the first digital assistant on a smartphone. After a few years, Amazon and Google came up with their assistants.  Now, consumers have multiple options to choose from. However, Alexa is the clear front runner. 

Amazon Echo 

Get Amazon Echo powered by Alexa. Although it is just a Bluetooth speaker they have added all the essential features to make it one of the coolest smart home gadgets in the market. You can directly control the smart appliances at your home using Alexa’s voice command. This isn’t all. It connects with your existing speakers as well and Alexa’s functionality will be part of it as well. Secondly, you can also get the Echo Show that comes with a touch screen. You can control everything in your house from your finger. 

Smart Thermostat

A smart home is incomplete without a smart thermostat. Let us face it. Our electricity bills are increasing month after month. This is generally due to our negligence and our outdated heating or cooling symptoms. We waste a lot of electricity in cooling or heating empty rooms. However, by getting a smart thermostat, we can change things around us. 

We recommend getting the Ecobee Smart Thermostat. It has a built-in voice control system with many essential features to choose form. This smart thermostat is powered by Alexa. Just give any voice command and the Smart thermostat will adjust the temperature of the room according to your liking. Moreover, you also get access to a smartphone app that has all the controls.  In chilly winters, adjust the temperature of your home before even reaching home from work. 

Smart Home Surveillance Cameras 

We spend our life savings on building a perfect home. Our homes are the most valuable possessions and our safe space. However, we would not like any intruder to break in and steal our possessions. We spend our time and money on every single detail to make our houses perfect. When it comes to security, we shy away from our burden. Therefore, it is high time we start investing in surveillance cameras. With smart home surveillance solutions, we can keep an eye on things even when we are a thousand miles away. 

For your smart home, get the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera. This modern camera does not even require hard wiring. Just order it from Amazon or Best Buy and install it on your doorway. That’s all. The setup is quite simple. Since its inception, Arlo is considered the gold standard in the world of security cameras. Arlo Pro 3 has tons of features including 2k HDR footage, night vision, and a 160-degree field view. 

Smart Cleaning Solutions

Our vacuum cleaners have done a great job. There are many great options available in the market. However, its time for a change. Smart cleaning solutions are the talk of the town and slowly replacing old vacuum cleaners due to their convenience. We recommend Roomba for your smart home. The product was introduced by iRobot known for its smart cleaning solutions. You can control it with your smartphone. It has a 60 minutes battery life on a full charge. Just turn it on and it does cleaning all by itself. 

Smart Lighting 

Home automation is incomplete without smart lighting. Forget the traditional switches and embrace the new technology with Philips Hue Family. This smart lighting will give you power over all the lights in your home. It connects with Siri or Alexa and you can use voice command to turn on and off the lights. Moreover, you can set the color of these lights and intensity according to your mood. 

Google Nest Mini

Google Nest Mini is the latest version of a smart speaker with improved functionalities and features from its predecessor Google Home Mini. The enhanced audio quality in Google Nest Mini is compared to none. The music sounds much better with 2x stronger bass compared to the original mini. The fabric top is made of recycled plastic, making it environmentally friendly. A command from anywhere in the house, Google Nest Mini listens to every voice and acts accordingly. Whether you want to stream breaking news, live sporting action or play music, ask Google assistant or Nest Mini from your phone. 

SimpliSafe

Want to live with peace and harmony in your home – smart security system is all you need to keep your possessions and loved ones protected. Bring SimpliSafe to protect every door, window, and room against fire eruption, water damage, burglars, or medical emergencies. 

If you are away from home, you can’t keep track of any damages or thefts, but SimpliSafe is backed by a professional who will call you and stay until the issue is resolved. Just add on visual verification to your plan allow the team to verify your alarm so that police can reach on time. Monitor all the indoor and outdoor activities with this smart device that comes handy with a price tag of $259. 

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

Ever forgot your key at home or dropped it when getting things out of pocket? Go keyless with August Wi-Fi Smart Lock that allows you to remotely unlock and lock your doors with few taps on your phone. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is easy to install and can be attached to deadbolt inside of your home. Bring home this smart lock and forget about your keys forever. You won’t believe what August Wi-Fi Smar Lock has to offer smart homeowners.  

Final Verdict 

Home automation is a one-time investment. It might cost you some hundred dollars at the start but you will be fine for a good amount of time.