Smart Home Devices That Simplify Daily Living

A decade ago, it would have been silly to think that a fridge could one day suggest recipes based on what’s stored in it. Yet, here we are now with smart refrigerators that not only suggest recipes but also obey voice commands and warn you when you’re about to run out of supplies. With advancements in technology and the advent of AI, home appliances have become smarter, saving time and effort and simplifying daily living.

Smart Refrigerators

Gone are the days when refrigerators were just about cooling food and keeping it fresh. It’s now the era of smart refrigerators, which can do a lot more. For starters, these smart appliances are equipped with LED screens that connect with Wi-Fi. Using these screens, you can access the internet, search for trending recipes, and create grocery lists. And if you want to have some fun while cooking or doing the dishes, you can put on some music or stream videos. The latest models also have built-in AI systems that can identify everything stored inside and suggest recipes based on that!

Smart Locks

What better way to start amping up home security than by safeguarding your front door with a smart lock? These WiFi-enabled smart home devices can be controlled remotely through an app, so even when you’re nowhere near your front door, you can still lock and unlock it with your smartphone. The other ways to unlock the door include using a passcode-entering system, a fingerprint scanner, or a voice command. Imagine how convenient the last option would be when you’re carrying groceries in both your hands or if you forget or lose your keys. A few other features that smart locks offer include sending alerts every time the door is opened and closed, guest access with temporary codes, and a tamper alarm.

Video Doorbells

Video doorbells might be the end of knock-knock jokes because, with these installed, you always know who’s there on your front door, ringing the doorbell. On the plus side, though, these smart devices let you see and talk to visitors in real time, even if you’re not at home. Whether it’s the delivery person, a friend, or an unexpected visitor, you get instant access through your phone. Many models even record footage, which only adds an extra layer of security to your front door.

Smart Thermostats

Imagine not having to get up to adjust the thermostat every time the temperature feels off. That’s a convenience you can have with smart thermostats. These devices are a little ahead on the “smart” factor because they can learn your temperature preferences and habits and automatically adjust the temperature so you’re always comfortable. You can even connect smart thermostats to your phone, so when needed, you can manually change the temperature—still without having to get up. Apart from this, smart thermostats come equipped with occupancy sensors, so when a room is not occupied, they can save energy by lowering heating or cooling.

Smart Lights

Speaking of energy savings, smart lights are another appliance to add to your arsenal of senior-friendly smart technology. Most of these lights have motion sensors, which means they turn on whenever they detect someone passing through or entering the space. This can be especially useful at night, since you would not need to look for the light switch in the dark. Besides that, you can even dim the bulb or change the light’s color when required using an app or a voice assistant. This is a great feature as it lets you set the mood depending on whether you’re relaxing, entertaining, working, or sleeping.

Robot Vacuum Cleaners

If you’re looking for an easy smart home solution to eliminate a few household chores, consider a robot vacuum cleaner. These little devices roam around the house on their own, sweeping and vacuuming floors without needing much supervision. Most of them allow you to set cleaning schedules through their apps, so the cleaning will continue even when you’re not in the house, ensuring you return to a dust-free floor. Some advanced versions come with mapping features that ensure the machine covers every corner of the house.

Home Security Systems

While devices like smart locks and video doorbells help you secure the door, a smart home security system lets you safeguard the whole property. These systems comprise a bunch of devices, including smoke detectors, motion detectors, cameras with night vision, and panic alarms, among other things. Once set up, you can get real-time alerts, 24/7 monitoring, and remote access via smartphone. A home security system can be especially useful when your grandkids are visiting, as you can keep an eye on every corner of the house. It can also make monitoring easier if you have a pet who loves to run and play around the space.