Smart home technology is hardly a new phenomenon. Smart home technology can be traced back to as early as 1975 with the development of X10, a home automation platform used to send digital information through radio frequency.
That being said, smart home technology has made significant improvements over the past two decades. Modern smart home devices are now built around addressing user needs and requirements. The catalog has also greatly expanded to include smart TVs, routers, home security systems, and lighting.
With so many devices on the market, it can be pretty overwhelming to choose which to buy for your home. In this article, we offer some advice on how to pick the right one, along with suggestions for devices to consider.
How To Choose a Smart Home Gadget
Getting the right smart device for your home requires some background knowledge and careful thinking. There are some things to consider when shopping for smart gadgets.
Is It Compatible With Your Existing Gadgets?
Before purchasing any smart home device, it's important to check whether the potential product is compatible with existing gadgets in your home.
What Is Your Budget?
Before going shopping, it's worth reviewing how much you're willing to spend on a smart device. If possible, set a maximum and minimum amount you can spend.
Is the Gadget Reliable?
Not all expensive brands are reliable. Conversely, not all cheap brands will work well. At the end of the day, it pays to buy from brands that have already established themselves in the smart gadget industry. Doing so will help ensure that you won't have any issues with security or safety in the long run.
Best Smart Home Gadgets To Have
With the basics covered, here are three of the top smart home devices to have in your home.
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera - 3 Pack
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera is a powerhouse among outdoor security cameras. This high-resolution, weather-resistant security camera delivers steady 2K video streams with color night vision. The camera is also fitted with an intelligent motion detection system and a spotlight that casts a bright light on people or animals coming in and going out of your property.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
Ecobee is a smart living room gadget that monitors your home's temperature and allows you to control the heating and cooling system by phone or voice. This gadget not only provides convenience but also helps potentially lower your energy bill.
LG PuriCare AeroFurniture
The PuriCare Aero Furniture from LG features a 360-degree air purifier designed to boost the quality of air in your home. Unlike other air purifiers, LG's PuriCare is housed in a tower base with a flat surface on top, which means the gadget could easily double as a table. The surface also contains a wireless charging pad compatible with phones and earbuds.
Vivint's line of smart home service devices is displayed at CES 2017 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center on January 5, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 8 and features 3,800 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to more than 165,000 attendees.
