7 Items of Smart Technology That Can Improve Your Home

by SharkClean
on 18 July 2017

Smart technology is making our lives easier, as well as cheaper. Particularly in the home, gadgets and various internet-enabled devices are cutting the cost of everything from gas to shopping bills.

By definition, tech is continually evolving, so it’s not always easy to keep up with the latest innovations. However, these seven items of smart technology in particular are on trend — and making life for millions a great deal easier and cheaper.

1. The Nest thermostat

Heating a home can cost a small fortune in the winter. Unfortunately, too many people make the mistake of allowing their home to become cold before switching the heating on. The energy required to raise the temperature of an entire house from a low starting point is often considerably higher than maintaining a comfortable temperature at all times. For this reason, the Nest thermostat should be at the top of your smart home tech shopping list.

This clever gadget is both internet-enabled and intuitive. It learns when you like your house hot and when you prefer it cooler, and it makes the necessary adjustments accordingly. Don’t worry if you feel like a change, however, as the Nest thermostat can be overridden from anywhere in the world with a mobile app.

2. The Canary security system

Instead of using several gadgets to control your home’s security measures, use the Canary to operate everything from the same place. As well as monitoring your house 24/7, this clever bit of kit sends regular video updates to your phone and monitors air temperature and quality — providing an early warning system for fire.

3. The iKettle

OK, this is more of a gimmick than something in your home that is going to change your life. However, consider those times when you’re engrossed in your favourite TV programme and want to wait until the ads before getting up to make a cup of coffee. You can start the kettle off with a mobile app, and you’ll receive a message when your water is ready.

4. The Logi Circle

If you have a pet, you will know how worrying it can sometimes be when you’re forced to leave them home alone — even for just a couple of hours. But you can take your pet wherever you go now… at least in a virtual sense. The Logi Circle is a rotating camera that tracks your pet’s movement and sends images direct to your phone. You can even talk to your beloved pooch if it’s looking a little lonely.

5. The Yale Connected Smart Lock

Ever locked yourself out of your home? Are you always losing your keys down the sofa. Say goodbye to key-related mishaps forever, as the Yale Connected Smart lock unlocks your door with a code. You can tap the numbers into the lock directly, or via your phone — perfect if you’re letting a friend or relative into your home to wait for your return.

6. The Netamo Weather Station

You will never have a barbecue ruined by a freak shower again. The Netamo Weather Station gives you continual weather readings for the immediate area. It is also connected to an app that gives accurate weather reports in real-time from further afield.

7. The Belkin WeMo electric socket

It’s always nice to get away for a break, but worries about the security of your home when you’re away can nag away and temper your fun. However, this gadget simply plugs into any standard UK electrical outlet, and allows you to switch it off and on using an app. So when you’re lying by the pool and feel like sending opportunist thieves a message, you can turn a lamp on in your living room from the other side of the world.

Life is hectic and stressful at the best of times, so anything you can do to make it easier should be embraced. These clever items of home tech aren’t all that expensive, but the difference they can make to your everyday life could be huge.