When asked about directing tips for aspiring young directors, Stanley Kubrick (who is often regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers in cinema history) stated that the hardest thing about doing something is getting it started. The same is true for getting started with smart home devices. If the price is an intimidating factor that stops you from moving to the smart home, this is the blog for you.
Below is the original quote of Stanley Kubrick from the 1998 Griffith Award,
“The most difficult thing about directing was getting out of the car when it arrived at set.”
Most homes in Australia and New Zealand welcomed smart home technology with more fervent enthusiasm in the latter part of the last decade. Therefore the number of homes with smart home appliances is on par with the United States, Canada and European countries. The rest of the homes that haven’t got started will get to the other side within the next few years, as innovative home technology completely changes how we function for the better. When that is the case, there is no time to spare for homeowners for joining the smart home. And also because each minute spent is a missed opportunity to increase the value of your property. Below are the top affordable smart home devices as of 2022 that will set the foundation for your smart home journey. However, keep in mind that these devices do not compromise in quality, even though compromised in the price tags.
Amazon Echo Dot 4th Generation
Amazon’s Alexa integrated talking smart speakers can be said to be one of the most popular smart home devices in the world, and they are super affordable as well. The 4th generation of the Echo Dot comes in a sleek and compact design, delivering crisp vocals and balanced bass. This is a voice-controlled home entertainment system that will let you enjoy the services like Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music etc. Also, Alexa is always ready to help, answering your questions and executing your commands. Through Echo Dot, you can connect with your family and friends with hands-free calls. It can also link with other smart devices in your house and ensure connectivity as a hub.
IClever air quality monitor
Air quality monitor is another interesting piece of machine that might need your attention. These compact monitors are not only cheap, but they do excellent work monitoring the air quality of its vicinity. You can easily monitor the humidity, temperature, and particulate matter of your house from its digital screen. The reading on the screen is easy to understand, just like checking your temperature with a thermometer. They are portable and has a battery life of upto four whole hours.
Wemo WiFi Smart Plug
A smart plug is a simple improvement that you can make to your home, showing the qualitative difference in how you and your home function. And Wemo offers one of the best wifi Smart Plugs that is light on the wallet and still is one of the best products in the market for its category. The compact feature of this smart plug allows you to stack upto two other units over it. Further, they can be controlled through voice commands using Alexa, Apple home kit and google assistant. Aside from voice control, you can control them using the dedicated Wemo app.
Wyze Cam v3
The price and features comparison of Wyze Cam v3 will make you pinch yourself for reassurance. For starters, the smart security cam has night vision that records video in the full-colour palette, thanks to its starlight sensor. These cams are weatherproof, so you can install them outdoors in the rain or indoors in the kid’s room. Also, they are IFTTT certified, which means they can be linked to all smart apps and smart devices in your house. Another standout feature of this cam is that it records the video whenever this camera detects motion or sound and sends the alert to your phone.
Honeywell Home Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat
If you want the best smart thermostat in the market, that will probably be Nest. But if you want the best thermostat on budget, Honeywell home Wifi smart thermostat makes a good case. This thermostat is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, Smart thing, and IFTTT. It has a colourful display screen that makes reading the text and numbers easy. This screen also responds to touch commands. Flexibility and customisation are some of the features at its price range that make them more desirable. With customisation, they can work in tandem with your home schedule or its utility.
Lifx Mini
Lifx Mini is a competent substitute for Philips Hue or Wyze bulbs. They offer all of the same features at a little lesser price. It has all the colours available, including the white shade. It can be controlled through voice and through the app effortlessly. And these are ultra-bright lights ranging somewhere around 75-80W equivalent. UV free light will help you eliminate bacteria with its HEV (Heavy Energy Visible Light). Lighting can be a very small renovation to your home, but Lifx Mini is sure to give your home a completely new look.
Why Smart Hive?
Moving to a Smart home can be done in baby steps, with the price tags you are comfortable with. Either way, seeing the trajectory of the world, it is in your best interest for it to be sooner than later. With just a small addition of any of the less pricy smart devices mentioned above, you can start your journey in 2022. These devices may have compromised prices, but the quality is still applaudable.
If you have further questions or are still a bit confused, “The Smart Hive” has been helping homeowners and builders ensure convenience and efficiency for their smart home with the right daily smart products.
Equip and build your homes with these security features and witness a shorter sales cycle, more buyers, increased property value and greater customer satisfaction.
To know more about security devices for your homes, do read our blogs. For any questions, enquiries, feel free to contact us. We are just a call away!