5 gadgets to make your home smart without the hassle of complex setups or expensive systems
Making a home 'smart' often sounds more complicated than it needs to be. The thought of tangled wires, clunky apps, and gadgets that seem harder to manage than the problems they're supposed to solve is enough to put anyone off. But it doesn't have to be that way.
With the right approach, smart home tech can be simple and surprisingly helpful. No massive setup. No steep learning curve or hours lost down a YouTube rabbit hole. Just a few well chosen devices that quietly make everyday life a little easier. These five gadgets are a great place to start.
Smart plugs are one of the easiest ways to begin your smart home journey. Plug them into a standard wall socket, then connect a basic device like a lamp or a fan. After that, you can switch it on or off using your phone or even with your voice.
Want your coffee maker to start brewing before you get up? Set a schedule. Forgot to turn off a lamp before heading out? Do it from wherever you are. It's simple, and it just works.
Smart bulbs do more than just illuminate a room. You can dim the brightness, change the colour temperature from warm to cool, or set them to switch off automatically at a certain time.
No special tools or confusing setup required. Just screw them in like any regular bulb and connect them via an app. They're especially handy when you're in bed and don't want to get up to flick the switch.
Smart speakers are the unsung heroes of smart homes. Devices like the Amazon Echo or Google Nest can play music, read out the news, check the weather, and control other connected gadgets, all through simple voice commands.
They quietly become part of your routine. Saying things like 'turn off the lights' or 'set a 10 minute timer' quickly starts to feel completely normal.
If you're not always at home or receive a lot of deliveries, a video doorbell is a no-brainer. It lets you see who's at your door right from your phone, wherever you are. You can even speak to visitors through the device.
It's especially useful if you're waiting for a package or simply don't want to answer the door. Some models also notify you when there's movement nearby or record short video clips—so you're never left guessing who popped round.
Smart thermostats offer effortless comfort and efficiency. They learn your daily routine and adjust the heating or cooling accordingly. You can also control them remotely through your phone.
Leaving the house? It can turn itself down. Heading home early? Warm things up before you arrive. Not only does it make your space more comfortable, but it also helps reduce energy consumption.
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