How smart is your home?
If you’ve not yet integrated smart home devices into your home, you’re missing out! The original concept of the Internet of Things was likely introduced nearly a decade ago whereby various objects, not only computers and smart phones are able to connect to the Internet and in turn, be controlled to perform multiple functions. It seemed like a world that only belonged in Sci-Fi movies. Well, the concept of the “smart home” is now a reality, and in the last couple of years, countess devices have been launched and ready to serve.
A few days ago, I was among the first to visit the Best Buy Smart Home designed by Christine Dovey at the National Home Show (Booth 3001). She did a fantastic job incorporating tech without compromising the beauty and aesthetics of the space. I previewed and learned about an array of innovative smart home devices. Though I’m familiar with Google Home and other technologies such as smart bulbs and smart plugs, I was newly introduced to a number of neat smart products and additional features and commands I can use with my Google Home device via Google Assistant.
Integrating smart products may seem intimidating especially when you’re not ultra tech savvy. But trust me, if I can do it, you can do it too! From my opinion, the first decision you should make is which voice control assistant you want to use. These assistants can control your smart devices by speaking simple commands such as: turn on the lights. I naturally chose Google’s Assistant because it is already built-in to my Android Google Pixel 2 phone and I’m also well established on other Google products, such as Google Home (I’ve got one on every floor!).
I’m no expert in creating smart homes, but thought I’d share a few product recommendations to get you started!
Living Room
So what type of smart devices are most suitable for the living room? This is a space generally reserved for TV watching and relaxation after a long day at work. So it’s imperative to find devices that can help do exactly that!
- Google Home: if I could only make one recommendation, this is it. The Google Home device works with a ton of smart devices. By connecting those devices to Google Home, you’d be able to turn on Netflix, play your favourite song on Spotify, make hands free calls, turn on and dim lights, and set timers and reminders. During my time at the Best Buy Smart Home, I also learned about the “Broadcast Message” function which essentially allows me to beam audio messages to every Google Home device in the house. I can now ask Kyle to bring me a glass of wine from anywhere in the house! (Save $30 on Google Home Mini at the National Home Show)
- Sobro Smart Coffee Table: this smart coffee table is perfect for the entertainer because it has a built-in refrigerated drawer, bluetooth speakers, usb charging station, and touch control panels. (Save $500 at the National Home Show)
- Lifx Mini Wi-Fi LED Multicolour Smartbulb: if you’re into setting the mood and creating the perfect ambiance, then installing Lifx multicolour smartbulbs will certainly be the right call. These bulbs deliver 1100 lumens in just 11 watts (said to have a life span of 22.8 years based on 3 hours of usage per day!) and up to 16 million colours! These bulbs can be controlled via Google Home or by downloading the Lifx native app on your own smart device. (Save $20 at the National Home Show)
Kitchen
Busy cooking in the kitchen? Looking for an extra set of hands? Have no fear, here are some nifty products that can help you while you’re preparing for meals in the kitchen.
- WeMo Mini Smart Plug: transform any electrical outlet into a smart plug and then connect just about any appliance that has an on and off switch to it. Which means while you’re cutting up onions, you can also have the kettle turn on either via voice commands on Google Home or by using the native WeMo app. (Save $15 only at the National Home Show)
- Nest Thermostat: Nest has launched several products since the thermostat but I’m still swooning over it! Is your oven on and house is warming up while you’re cooking in the kitchen? Set this the room’s temperature to your liking with this smart thermostat. (Save $80 only at the National Home Show)
- LG Smart Appliances: I’m obsessing over the LG InstanView French Door Refrigerator which has a tinted glass door-in-door panel, when knocked twice the glass will illuminate the interior for a glimpse of what is inside. (Save 15% on major appliances at the National Home Show)
Bedroom
Do you have trouble falling asleep or need a bit of white noise for a good snooze? I know I do! Between trying to drown out the sound of streetcars passing by my front door and nudging Kyle every so often to stop him from snoring, sleeping with the sound of a fan is 100% necessary for me.
- Nightingale Smart Sleep System: this device, clinically proven to help you fall asleep 38% faster is designed to mask common indoor and outdoor noises to improve sleep. Each system covers up to 150 sq ft with many sound options to choose from via the app. (Save $100 on the 2-pack system at the National Home Show)
- ZEEQ Smart Pillow: this pillow has built-in sensors that track the movements while you sleep and sends the data to profile your sleep pattern and behaviours. The pillow vibrates slightly when it detects snoring, urging the sleeper to change sleeping position. This smart pillow is also equipped with built-in speakers that can project audio books and sleep music without creating any disruptions. (Save $100 at the National Home Show)
Whether you’re already a smart home believer or just starting to dabble into connected home devices, if you happen to be in Toronto this week, swing by the #BestBuySmartHome at the National Home Show until March 18 to experience all these devices (and more) yourself and snatch up some exclusive deals as well!
PS – be sure to also check my Instagram Page for a chance to win 2 tickets to the National Home Show and a $100 Best Buy gift card!
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Best Buy Canada but all opinions and views are my own.
