Technology For Smart Homes
Having a smart shower is an ideal product to have, with features including preheating the water before you enter the shower and controlling the flow of the water. Some also have integration with voice assistants, as well as control through their associated app. A few brands that offer these type of products are Grohe, Aqualisa and Mira.
Grohe is a fabulous choice with its sleek design and flexibility of different shower modes and temperatures.
Using an Aqualisa shower system, you can customise the use of your shower to different profiles where you can preset the flow rate, temperature etc.
This app activated shower from Mira Showers allows for temperature control, outlet options and the option to heat up your shower before you step in.
Smart Toilet / Flush
Smart flushes/toilets are a fabulous edition to a smart home that is hygienic, convenient and innovative. They offer modern designs and more control over your water usage. Other features include auto flush, child lock and cleaning functions.
Created by Duravit, the actuator plate is made from tempered glass and uses an infrared sensor. The symbols illuminate when they detect motion and uses a contactless design.
Grohe offer a hands-free flush with several settings, which are adjustable via the app or the remote control.
Smart Mirror
Smart mirrors have become a staple in many new bathrooms. From anti-fog mirrors, to mirrors with integrated displays, they are a convenient product for when you are getting ready for the day!
‘My Smart Mirror’ is an LED mirror that has a built-in 8-10” display. You can watch video content, look at the news, the weather, listen to music and even link it to voice-controlled assistants, such as Amazon Alexa.
Smart Lighting
Smart Lighting is becoming a sought-after feature in homes due to its convenient nature, especially for when you are away from home. You can take smart lighting to different levels, from the full lighting system in your home being smart operated, to using lightbulbs and smart plugs. Most smart lightbulbs can be connected to voice control devices such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as smart plugs. The technology can also be controlled remotely via an app on your phone, making it accessible no matter where you are. Some lightbulbs also have RGB lighting so you are able to change the light to whatever colour you want.
Philips Hue is the most popular smart lighting product, and they are compatible with a wide range of smart home accessories.
Filtered Water Taps / Boiling Taps
Taps are now evolving with technology to create a user-friendly experience with luxury in mind. This includes filtered water taps, instant boiling water taps and even taps with LED displays to show the water temperature. They all come in a range of different styles and finishes, that can be the centrepiece of any kitchen. Below are a few that are currently on the market.
Abode offers taps that deliver filtered water as well as your regular tap water. Filters within the tap remove potential water impurities and delivers water that can taste nicer than regular tap water.
Quooker is a popular brand for boiling water taps. Their taps allow you to use boiling water in an instant, paired with the ability for use as a regular hot and cold tap.
Nest / Hive
As energy efficiency is on the rise, so are thermostats that allow you to control the temperature of your home. The installation of a smart thermostat reduces wasted energy in your home by having the facility to control the temperature in different zones.
Hive controls the temperature of your central heating and has the compatibility for multi-zone heating. It can be used in conjunction with voice assistants for ease of use. You can also adjust the temperature through the app, and schedule temperatures for different times of the day.
Google Nest thermostat is a ‘learning’ thermostat that tracks your habits, so it can automatically adjust the temperature to when you usually turn on your thermostat. You are also able to view the statistics of when the thermostat has been on, and what energy you are saving.
Smart Security
Smart security cameras are an ideal product in a home. They allow you to view your footage through the app on a live feed, whilst recording and saving footage 24/7 when it detects motion. For some cameras, you can even speak through the camera using your phone if you’re away from home.
Ring is a security camera that allows you to filter out particular zones, so you can only detect motion on your driveway instead of the camera picking up on every motion on the road, for example. You can enable voice commands using devices such as Alexa that are voice controlled.
Google Nest outdoor security cameras are another great security solution for your home, which also has compatibility with voice assistants including Apple HomeKit.
Smart Controlled Blinds / Doors
Home automation can also include smart blinds, locks and even doors. Having these features in your home means you can operate aspects in your home at the touch of a button.
Electric garage doors have been in homes for a few years now, however you can also install an automated garage door that automatically closes behind you as you leave.
Electric blinds are usually controlled by a remote and some offer integration with smart speakers such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. There is no compromise needed on style when it comes to electric blinds as they come in a range of designs, colours and sizes.
Smart locks allow you to lock and unlock your home remotely, with the option to buy an additional keypad / fingerprint recognition pad, as well as integration with other smart home products.
Smart Lawn Mower / Vacuum Cleaner
Chores around the house can be time consuming, but there are a range of smart devices that can free up your time by doing the work for you!
A vacuum cleaner is a household essential, but it can now be another smart product to add into your home. Deebot X1 Omni is an all-in one vacuum that mops and hoovers. It docks itself onto its station to clean itself by emptying the dust, as well as replacing the water without the need for disassembling or washing.
87% of UK households have a garden*, therefore a lawn mower is essential for lots of people. However, cutting the grass at the end of a busy working week can seem like a task. The Worx lawn mower covers up to 2000m2 depending on the model. You can adjust the grass height for different grass conditions, and this model can cut the grass right to the edge of the perimeter so there is no need for any additional work.
