Home automation is exactly what it
sounds like: automating the ability to
control items around the house—from
window to pet feeders—with a simple
push of a button (or a voice command).
Some activities, like setting up a lamp to
turn on and off at your whim, are simple
and relatively inexpensive. Others, like
advanced surveillance cameras, may
require a more serious investment of
time and money.
There are many smart home product
categories, so you can control everything
from lights and temperature to locks and
security in your home. Here's a rundown
of the best products for every room of
your house.
The Echo is a Bluetooth speaker powered
by Alexa, Amazon's handy voice assistant.
Alexa works with a number of smart
home devices directly, as well as with If
This Then That (IFTTT) to control plenty
of others via "recipes" you can create
yourself. It'll take some work, but you can
use Alexa to control most of the gadgets
in your house by the sound of your voice.
If you already have a favorite speaker, the
inexpensive Echo Dot can connect to it
How SMART
is Your Home?
Best Home Devices for 2018
hat if all the devices in your life could connect to the internet?
Not just computers and smartphones, but everything: clocks,
speakers, lights, door bells, cameras, windows, window blinds,
hot water heaters, appliances, cooking utensils, you name it.
And what if those devices could all communicate, send you
information, and take your commands? It's not science fiction;
it's the Internet of Things (IoT), and it's a key component of home
automation and smart homes.
