The Connected Home
There is some really cool tech for the residential market these days! And I’ll admit, I’m not the most technically-minded person, so when I come across something good, I’ll take a note. Here are a few of the gadgets I think are worth a look.
Simplisafe
We all want to feel more secure in our homes, especially when we’re away. The Simplisafe home security system offers 4 ways to stop intruders: Entry and motion sensors, glassbreak detection, and video security. If an alarm goes off, they give you a call, and contact police, fire, ambulance or 911 on your behalf. Smoke detection, gas leaks, freeze and flood sensors are a few of the other reasons you might want this. It also has a cellular backup, in case your wifi goes out, and a backup battery that lasts a full 24 hours, in case your power goes out. I watched someone installing it. There’s no wiring needed and it actually took just a few seconds, then a simple tap on your smartphone to turn it on or off – very appealing.
Google Home
A friend got one of these, for hands-free lights. But Google Home does so much more! You can ask it for help with researching directions, buying plane tickets, ordering groceries, or even reading jokes and stories! The Google Assistant can also tell you about your appointments, set reminders, alert you about weather conditions, and make phone calls. Google Home works with many additional partners, to provide remote access to your thermostat, entertainment system, home security, even your appliances. Pretty good for a simple-looking speaker!
Eero
You know how there’s that spot in your apartment where you just can’t sit there because the wifi won’t work? Well, Eero figured out a way to fix that. It’s called a mesh network – basically a bunch of wifi spots around your home, instead of just one. It extends your wifi across multiple floors, around corners, to places you haven’t thought of yet. And, if you’re a fan of Alexa, then you’ll be interested to know that Eero was just bought by Amazon, so it should be even easier to pair very soon.
GE Wifi Connect
I used to make fun of the idea of having your appliances connected to the internet, but no longer! It’s not just about having your fridge re-stock itself. Think about, if your hands are full and the clothes are going to wrinkle in the dryer, just enable Extend Tumble. If you’re running late to start the Thanksgiving turkey, pre-heat your oven on the way home. What if you’re worried you left that oven on? Check by connecting with your Nest thermostat, then use GE’s Kitchen app to turn it off. Smart appliances can also remind you to change filters and provide essential maintenance, extending the life of your investments. We seriously are living in the world of tomorrow, today.
If you’d like help making the most of YOUR home, contact Kimball Starr today! She’s been a professional interior designer in the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe for more than 15 years.
