Automation of some chores—mundane or otherwise—is fast becoming a part of our daily routine. There are digital assistants that will open door, draw the curtains, scan body temperatures, warm the toilet seat or even sooth an ailing heart if you so wish, all at your command. Simply say, “I’m feeling low” to your Apple, Google or Amazon assistants and you will know what I mean. But if it’s just efficiency that you’re looking for, these three ecosystems promise a slew of home automation gadgets that make daily tasks easy without demanding too much human intervention or investment. Here are a few smart devices that you may want to add to your home.
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1. Devices with Virtual Assistants
Amazon, Google and Apple, with their virtual assistant technology have devised automation interfaces for devices that will make nearly every household task—from home security to turning the lights on and off—accessible via voice command or remotely. Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri will do everything from reading out the news, reminding you of events and appointments and making and tracking your shopping list to even preparing for your arrival at home by turning the AC, brewing a cup of coffee and even feeding your pet. Remember to choose the appliances that fit into the ecosystem of your choice by checking their compatibility on the spec sheet. A good internet connection is also a must.
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2. Smart Lights
Motion-controlled illumination is the perfect lighting solution for lobbies, storage spaces, washrooms, etc., if you are the kind who often forgets to switch off the lights. But you can up the ante with smart lights for the more prominent areas like the living/bed rooms, sit-outs and kitchen. These lights can be paired with motion sensors or controlled via apps or digital assistants to change colour and brightness to set or match the mood you want. They can also be scheduled to turn on or off at certain times, saving electricity. Such smart lights are available in a variety of forms too—blues, tube lights and even flexible strips—making them highly versatile.
