Over the last decade we have seen digital technology vastly change the way we live. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have changed the way we get around, food delivery apps have changed the way we get our meals, and social media has changed the way we communicate. The list goes on and on. Smartphones, and the apps that populate them, have greatly improved connivence in our day to day lives.
The burgeoning world of smart home technology is no different, as it allows cutting edge home technology to be controlled with the convenience of a simple click on a smartphone or tablet. The wide array of these innovative technologies has many uses: home security, entertainment, energy efficiency, appliances, among many others. Add in the ability to control all of these features with a convenient and interconnected interface, and smart home technology becomes a great investment for your home.
But what smart home technology should you invest in? What service provider should you choose? In this guide we will be exploring the top smart home equipment available on the market today, as well as what to consider when shopping for smart home technology for your home.
Smart Home Technology for Home Security
If you are curious about the difference between smart home technology and traditional home security, we have created an in-depth guide on the topic here. If you are curious about the specific smart home equipment you can invest in to secure your home, continue reading!
Below, we have created a list of popular smart home technology that aid in keeping your home secure and connected.
Smart Home Surveillance Cameras: Security cameras have been a staple of home security systems for decades and smart home technology has built off this tried-and-true equipment to merge them with the latest technology. Smart security cameras allow you to remotely view your feeds in real time from a smart device, save recording of footage, and be alerted of activity when paired with smart sensors. In this way smart cameras give you more control in monitoring what takes place on your property.
Smart Home Security Sensors: In traditional home security, sensors were often used to trigger flood lights or to activate alarms. They still can do this; however, smart home technology takes these functions one step further by integrating all your equipment to respond when a sensor is triggered. For example, smart motion sensors can activate smart cameras that then relay the video feed to your smartphone in real time. Similarly, sensors for carbon monoxide can be set up to alert you instantly via smartphone of any irregularities in your house. Other forms of smart sensors include window and door monitors which notify you instantly when one is opened or closed. In this way, smart home sensors keep you up to date with what is going on in your home as soon as something happens.
Smart Home Door Locks: We have all been there: we left our home in a hurry only to get to our destination wondering, “Did I lock my front door when I left?”. With smart home technology, long gone are the days of worrying about whether your door was left unlocked. Smart door locks allow you to remotely monitor as well as lock and unlock your doors from a smartphone, regardless of where you are. This technology is also compatible with garage doors and windows, and when paired with a smart home sensor can ensure peace of mind whenever you are away from home.
Smart Home Automation
Smart home technology has innovated the ways in which we keep our homes secure, but it has also revolutionized the way we can control and automate many features in our home as well. From the living room to the kitchen to the bedroom, smart home technology gives us greater control and connivence over our day to day lives.
The list below includes smart equipment that can add comfort to your time spent at home by making your home work for you.
Smart home lighting: Gone are the days of going room to room turning lights on and off. With smart lighting you can both control and automate the lighting in your home remotely from your smartphone. This is a great way to not only add convenience to your routine but also conserve energy by having a greater control of your lighting system. Whether you want your house lights to synchronize with your morning alarm when you wake up or want to turn off the living room lights without having to get out of your bed at night, smart lighting is a great solution to add convenience to your day-to-day routine.
Smart Home Entertainment: We already use many forms of wireless technology for entertainment, from bluetooth speakers to smart TVs. Smart home technology interconnects all of these features, making the entertainment in your home accessible from a single device. Smart home technology also allows us to automate the various smart features in our home allowing you to automatically control everything from speakers to television.
Smart Home Appliances & Utilities: While perhaps not as fun or glamorous as automating your home entertainment system, the ability to integrate the essential systems of your home can bring both convenience and savings. Take for instance a smart thermostat, which allows you to not only keep your home at the perfect temperature, but can also be automated for efficiency and cost reduction.
Top Smart Home Providers
Now that we have covered some of the top smart home equipment available on the market today, it’s important to consider the best providers who sell smart technology in 2021. It is important to note that much of this equipment can be bought without a provider, however, providers are beneficial as they offer expertise, customer/technical support, and professional monitoring for home security applications.
Vivint: Vivint’s smart home technology is considered to be cutting edge with Vivint being considered an innovator in the field. Vivint is a great choice for those looking for smart home technology that both offers convenience and security. Shop Vivint
ADT: One of the oldest home security providers in America, ADT has expanded its smart home technology in recent years. ADT is a great choice for customers looking for a trusted home security company that offers smart home technology. Shop ADT
Cox: Cox’s Homelife offers an array of smart home technology, ranging from smart entertainment systems to smart security. Cox smart home technology is a great choice if you are interested in bundling Cox internet, TV, or phone services with a smart home plan. Shop Cox
Xfinity: Xfinity offers an integrated smart home system to keep your home safe and secure. Utilizing cutting edge smart home technology, Xfinity home security is a great option, especially for those already using their internet, TV, or home phone services. Shop Xfinity
