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What exactly is a Smart Home?
by Maxine Gallo - updated March 14, 2024
What is a Smart Home you ask? Well that’s a good, fairly complex question. From Smart Fridges to Smart Beds, the wide variety of devices can sometimes be overwhelming. There are debates as to what is actually considered a “Smart Home” device. But I think it’s safe to say, if it’s an electronic thing that lives in your home and you can control it with your phone, it’s probably a Smart Home Device.
Now I haven’t necessarily answered the question as to what a Smart Home is. I’ve merely just explained one piece of it. We’ll start with one item. Let’s say Smart Lights (I’d highly recommend something like a 4pk of Govee Bulbs off Amazon). They’re easy to use, fairly cheap (all things considered), and for our sake renter-friendly. Once you’ve mastered the ability to use them, which you’ll do in an 20 minutes, you’ll have realized how easy and convenient Smart Lights are. Yay Smart Lights! But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Govee Smart Bulbs
Vibrant colors, dimming capabilities, and voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant let you customize your ambiance with ease. Plus, the app offers fun dynamic scene modes for a truly personalized lighting experience.
Check it out directly on Amazon
Now that you have your Smart Lights, you’ll feel like you just leveled up. You are now officially, sort-of a Smart Home(or apartment/condo) owner. You’re standing in front of your condo, switching lights on and off in various rooms and marveling at this wonderful technology. You think to yourself “I must have more”. And just like that, you’re on to the next Smart Home experience.
One day you’re at your friends and you notice they’re setting the temperature in the room. It intrigues you because you’re now one of them so you start asking questions. They show you how it works, how they can control their home’s climate from anywhere in their house. Or the world for that matter. You’re hooked. You must have one. You do a little research and order one (I’d recommend the Amazon Smart Thermostat it’s cheap and extremely effective in winter months). It arrives the next day, and by suppertime that night complete control of the air around you lives in the palm of your hand.
Echo Dot (5th gen)
The new Echo Dot with Clock is a must-have for smart home enthusiasts. Upgraded audio, a handy LED display, and expanded smart home controls make it the perfect bedside companion.
Check it out directly on Amazon
And once again, the journey continues. You see where I’m going with this. The long and short of it is – A Smart Home is a home(or apartment/condo!) with internet-connected Smart devices that automate tasks and provide easy remote control of your home. Again, that is just the beginning.
You can read more about Smart Homes here and see some of our top picks.