Do you sometimes feel like your home greets you like an old friend when you come home from a long day in the office? Well, what if it could? The Internet of Things (IoT) continues to develop rapidly, with new devices becoming available every year. Smart homes are one of the most widely adopted IoT applications currently available to consumers, and devices for smart homes are becoming more popular each year. One of the biggest benefits of smart home devices is that they are totally customizableyou can choose the devices that make sense for your life. But what options are out there? Well, we still havent seen a device that will cook your breakfast for you, but these 8 cutting-edge smart home IoT devices are available this year, and could make your life a whole lot easier.
1. Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat
Lets face it, not everyone likes a room to be the same temperature. You wont always be able to agree on what makes for a comfortable room, but you will be able to optimize your preferences with the Sensi Thermostat. The Sensi allows you to set different temperature schedules, depending on the day of the week, giving you better control over the temperature and utility bills. Using an integrated app, you can see the temperature, local weather, humidity, and more.
2. TankUtility
Propane tanks are a way of life for some homeowners, and knowing how much youre using, when you need a new tank, etc, can be difficult. TankUtilitys goal is to make sure you never run out of propane again. The sensor is easy to install, and you can track your energy usage with the devices app.
3. GreenIQ
If you enjoy having a garden or beautiful landscaping, then youve probably worried about how much water youre using at some point along the way. GreenIQ is a smart irrigation device using the cloud and mobile technologies to schedule watering and lighting, even remotely. The company estimates the system saves the average customer 50% on their outdoor water bill! Plus, it good for the planet.
4. Smart Door Locks
With the potential for theft or other property crime ever-present, smart door locks are a popular smart home device. Smart locks give you the peace of mind that you can lock your doors from anywhereand activate other security features if you wish.
5. FridgeCam
The idea of your fridge watching you might seem a little creepy, but FridgeCam is watching for a good reason: to help you make decisions about what to cook, and determine what needs to be used up quickly. The camera uses food recognition technology, and can notify you when items are getting ready to expire, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars in food waste.
6. Wi-Fi Powered Trash Can
A trash can may seem like an odd smart home device, but when your hands are full, its nice that SimpleHumans smart trash can will open and close with voice commands. Other features, including wi-fi connectivity, are coming in the near future.
7. Smart Cat Feeder
The best part about having a pet is the love, affection, and play you share, not the feeding. A smart IoT cat feeder like Catspad can take care of your friend if you have to be away for a day or two so you can be sure they always have access to fresh food and water without a cat sitter. The device can weigh food, track calorie intake, and allow you to feed remotely at specified times of day. Your smart home cant give your cat the affection it needs, however!
8. Amazon Echo
Alexa may be a familiar household name at this point, but she makes the list not because shes new, but because she is beginning to gain integration with other smart home devices. Echos Alexa is a bit like having your own personal assistantand she can be used to control many other IoT devices. Lights, thermostats, and other devices that support Echo integration can all be controlled using Alexas voice controls for ultimate convenience.
Only the Beginning
These devices are by no means the only options for smart home technology on the market, and the number and sophistication of these devices is only going to grow. Before long, we wont have to worry about food spoiling, high utility bills, or even dry air in the winterour homes will simply optimize according to our preferences so we can get on with life.
