Any tech enthusiast can now create a blog, so if you're interested in smart devices, there are loads of online reviews of everything from smart thermostats to security systems. But if you want to bring your home up to date with the latest technology, you might feel overwhelmed. With so many options, where should you start?
To point you in the right direction, here are 11 of the best devices around in 2020.
1. Samsung SmartThings Wi-Fi Smart Plug
Compatible with Alexa, Google, and Bixby, Samsung's Smart Plug is an inexpensive gadget that lets you control appliances from an app on your phone or tablet. You can even combine two or more plugs to program and automate multiple appliances in the same room.
2. Arlo Ultra
The Arlo is a discreet, trustworthy home security camera that is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant. It captures high-quality footage using 4K HDR technology. Additional features include a motion-activated spotlight, enhanced color night vision, and auto-zoom. The Arlo is waterproof, wire-free, and Wi-Fi enabled.
3. Google Nest Mini
A smart speaker that offers a richer bass sound that the original Mini, the Nest is a small fabric-covered device that makes it easy to enjoy your favorite media and control your smart devices using only your voice. Thanks to its machine learning chip, the Nest Mini quickly learns the commands you use most frequently and stores them locally rather than in the cloud. The Nest boasts excellent sound quality and adjusts to account for ambient noise.
4. Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Generation)
The Echo Dot is Amazon's best-selling smart speaker. Whether you want to catch up on the latest news, get a weather report, listen to music, or Skype with family and friends, the Echo Dot makes your day-to-day life easier. If you want to enjoy a stereo sound, add another Dot to the room and immerse yourself fully in your favorite tracks.
5. Amazon Echo Show 8
With its 8" HD screen, the Echo Show 8 offers the functionality of Alexa with bonus features. Watch films and TV shows, and make video calls. The Echo has been built with privacy in mind. To disconnect the camera and microphones, just press a button. You can use the Echo to control other smart devices in your home, including security cameras and thermostats.
6. Wink Hub 2
If you'd prefer a smart hub that isn't designed to work only with Google Assistant or Alexa, the Wink Hub 2 is the right choice. It is compatible with Bluetooth LE, ZigBee, Kidde, and Lutron Clear Connect. Its auto-discovery feature means that setting up your hub is quick and simple.
7. Philips Hue
Are you looking for a new, exciting lighting solution? The Philips Hue will transform your home and garden. There are three components to the system: smart LED bulbs, the Hue Bridge smart hub, and the Hue app. The bridge is controlled by Bluetooth technology and gives you complete control over your lighting. Create soft or bright light in millions of colors and thousands of shades. You can even sync your music with the lights, or program your system to wake you up in the morning with light that mimics a natural sunrise.
8. Ecobee4
This voice-controlled smart thermostat makes sure your home is the right temperature in every room; no more hot or cool spots. The Ecobee system comes with multiple sensors that send temperature readings to the smart hub, which in turn adjusts your heating system for optimum comfort. You can control the Ecobee's settings with the Ecobee app or your preferred virtual assistant wherever you are. Ecobee claims you can save up to 23% in energy costs every year.
9. Perfect Bake Pro
Smart technology is transforming how we prepare food. The Perfect Bake Pro is a smart scale that makes baking easy. Choose a recipe from the Perfect Bake Pro app, connect the scale to your device, position a bowl on top of the scale, then simply follow the app's instructions. The app lets you know when to stop adding each ingredient. If you don't have quite the right amount of ingredients to hand, the app will automatically recalculate the quantities, ensuring a great result every time.
10. Nest Hello
A smart video doorbell that lets you see who is outside, the Nest Hello gives you peace of mind whenever the bell rings. The Nest streams 24/7, so you can keep an eye on your doorstep or porch any time. With night vision, a 160-degree field of view, HDR video, and advanced technology that lets you know when packages are delivered and picked up, this camera is an excellent addition to your home security system.
11. Ecovacs Deebot N79S
The Deebot is a smart cleaning system that adapts to every room in your home. It's equipped with Smart Motion technology that ensures all your floors get a deep clean. It has three modes: Auto, which provides a general clean, Edge mode for cleaning the edges of a room, Spot cleaning for particularly dirty areas, and Max mode for removing concentrated dirt. When the Deebot's battery gets low, it automatically moves back to the Dock Station to recharge. It's V-shaped brush quickly sweeps floors, lifting and vacuuming up dirt. The Deebot is fully compatible with Amazon Echo, or you can control it via the Deebot App. Wherever you are, you can schedule a clean, begin a new clean, or monitor the Deebot's battery status. If the Deebot gets stuck, it will alert you to its exact location.
It's An Exciting Time For Smart Devices
Whether you want to upgrade your security system, improve your baking skills, or create a special ambiance in any room, there's a device out there for you. Have fun bringing your home into 2020 and beyond!
