Smart Home Rundown 2023
Why you need smart home tech in 2023 and what to choose.
What is smart home technology?
Smart home technology is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of devices and systems that can be used to automate and control various aspects of your home. These devices can be used to improve your home's security, energy efficiency, and convenience, and they can also be used to provide entertainment and information.
Here are some of the advantages of smart home technology:
Improved security: Smart home security systems can help to protect your home from intruders, fire, and other hazards. These systems can include features such as motion detectors, door and window sensors, and security cameras.
Increased energy efficiency: Smart home devices can help you to save energy by automatically turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use. They can also help you to monitor your energy usage so that you can make informed decisions about how to reduce your bills.
Greater convenience: Smart home devices can make your life easier by automating tasks such as turning on the lights when you come home or setting the thermostat before you get out of bed. They can also be used to control your home's entertainment system, so you can watch TV, listen to music, or play games without having to get up from your couch.
Enhanced entertainment and information: Smart home devices can provide you with access to a variety of entertainment and information sources. For example, you can use a smart TV to watch streaming video, listen to music, or play games. You can also use a smart speaker to get news, weather updates, and traffic information.
If you are considering investing in smart home technology, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you need to decide which devices and systems are right for your needs. There are a wide variety of options available, so you should take some time to research the different products and features before making a decision.
Second, you need to make sure that your home is compatible with the smart home technology you choose. Some devices require a certain type of wiring or internet connection, so you need to make sure that your home is ready for smart home technology before you make a purchase.
Choosing an ecosystem
The three main smart home brands are Amazon, Google, and Apple. These brands offer a wide range of smart home devices, including smart speakers, smart lights, smart thermostats, and smart security systems. They also offer their own smart home platforms, which allow you to control all of your smart home devices from a single place.
Here is a brief overview of each brand:
Amazon: Amazon is the leading smart home brand in terms of market share. The company offers a wide range of smart home devices, including the Echo smart speaker, the Ring doorbell, and the Blink security camera. Amazon also offers the Alexa smart home platform, which is compatible with a wide range of third-party devices.
Google: Google is another major player in the smart home market. The company offers the Google Home smart speaker, the Nest thermostat, and the Nest security camera. Google also offers the Google Assistant smart home platform, which is compatible with a wide range of third-party devices.
Apple: Apple is a relatively latecomer to the smart home market, but the company has quickly made a name for itself. The company offers the HomePod smart speaker, the Apple TV, and the HomeKit smart home platform. HomeKit is only compatible with Apple devices, but it offers a high level of integration and control.
Ultimately, the best smart home brand for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a wide range of devices and a comprehensive smart home platform, then Amazon or Google may be a good option for you. If you are looking for a high level of integration and control, then Apple may be a better choice.
Base stations
The base station is the hub that connects all your devices. While not always required, it can make the connection more seamless. It can also provide a space to monitor, setup, and adjust all of your connected devices.
Amazon Choice
The Echo Show 8 is an Alexa capable base station to monitor your smart home accessories. It has an 8 inch screen and stereo speakers for content play back, you can make video calls with the built in camera, and you can monitor your camera, control your lights, and more.
Google Choice
The Google Nest Hub Max is a great base station for all things Google. Monitor your cameras, set up routines, and control your lights. You can even use the built in webcam as an indoor camera for an extra sense of security.
The Apple Choice
While different in form factor than the Amazon and Google selections, this base station works equally as well. The Apple TV is the HomeKit hub necessary to establish routines, cross-communication, and seamless integration for your HomeKit-enabled smart home. The plus side of the Apple TV is that it is the best content hub available as well.
Video Doorbells
The Amazon Choice
The Blink Video doorbell is a great choice for any home. It offers two way audio, alerts, and can be wireless or wired. Using default settings, there is a wireless battery life of up to 2 years making it hassle free, set it and forget it system.
The Google Choice
The Google Nest Doorbell cam is a great solution for those in the Nest ecosystem. It has smart alerts that can differentiate between an animal, package, person, and vehicle. The Nest Doorbell only comes in a wired configuration meaning you never have to worry about batteries.
The Apple Choice
The Logitech Circle View works with Apple's HomeKit to enable head-to-toe HD video, Face Recognition, color night vision, and 2-way audio. This doorbell is wired, meaning constant connection and power. HomeKit provides end-to-end encryption for its video streaming meaning a secure video feed.
Security Cameras - Indoor
The Amazon Choice
The Blink Mini is a small, affordable, and easy-to-use indoor security camera that offers a variety of features, including 1080p HD video, night vision, motion detection, two-way audio, and local storage. It can be used to monitor your home for security purposes or to keep an eye on your pets or children when you're not around.
The Google Choice
The Kasa Smart 2K QHD Indoor Security Camera is a great option for anyone looking for a high-quality, affordable security camera. It features 2K QHD resolution, which provides clear and detailed images, even in low-light conditions. The camera also has two-way audio, so you can communicate with anyone who is in front of the camera. It also has motion detection and night vision, so you can be alerted to any activity happening around your home, even when it's dark outside. The camera is easy to set up and use, and it can be controlled from anywhere using the Kasa app. It also works Google Assistant, so you can use your voice to control the camera. The Kasa Smart 2K QHD Indoor Security Camera is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable security camera.
The Apple Choice
The eufy security Solo IndoorCam C24 is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable indoor security camera. It features 2K resolution, two-way audio, motion detection, night vision, and is easy to set up and use. It has a 2K resolution, two-way audio, motion detection, night vision and it is easy to set up and use.
Security Cameras - Outdoor
The Amazon Choice
The Blink Outdoor is a battery-powered, weatherproof security camera that can be used indoors or outdoors. It features 1080p HD video, two-way audio, motion detection, and night vision. The camera is easy to set up and use, and it can be controlled from anywhere using the Blink app. One of the best things about the Blink Outdoor is its battery life. The camera can run for up to two years on two AA batteries, so you don't have to worry about constantly charging it. The camera is also weatherproof, so you can use it in any weather condition. Another great thing about the Blink Outdoor is its price. It's one of the most affordable security cameras on the market. If you're looking for a reliable and affordable security camera, the Blink Outdoor is a great option.
The Google Choice
The Google Nest Cam Outdoor or Indoor, Battery - 2nd Generation is a battery-powered security camera that can be used indoors or outdoors. It features 1080p HD video, two-way audio, motion detection, and night vision. The camera is easy to set up and use, and it can be controlled from anywhere using the Google Home app. It provides clear and high quality video no matter the conditions outside.
The Apple Choice
The Eve Outdoor Cam is a high-end security camera that is designed to work with Apple's HomeKit platform. It features 1080p resolution, two-way audio, motion detection, night vision, and a built-in floodlight. The camera is also weatherproof and can be mounted on a wall or fence. One of the best things about the Eve Outdoor Cam is its integration with HomeKit. This allows you to control the camera from your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. You can also create automations that will trigger the camera to record or turn on the floodlight when certain events occur, such as when someone approaches your front door.
Thermostats
The Amazon choice
The Amazon Smart Thermostat by Honeywell is the best choice for smart thermostat if you use the Amazon ecosystem. It will help you save time and money, plus you can schedule comfort modes to achieve these goals.
The Google choice
The Google Nest Thermostat provides a great solution for those that have chosen the Google ecosystem. It provides smart temperature control that will automatically increase or decrease the temperature to be more efficient when no one is home. It also provides automatic alerts if it senses trouble within your HVAC system and for scheduled maintenance.
Apple pick
The ecobee SmartThermostat is compatible with Apple's Homekit. It provides voice control, smart cooling and heating, and a sensor that you can put in cold/hot spots to ensure a room is temperate everywhere.
Locks
This is a rare instance where our pick works with all three ecosystems. The Yale Assure Lock is from a trusted name in locksmithing. Yale has been in business since 1840 and is a known, trusted name in home locks. The Assure brings their century old expertise to the 21st century. The assure has features like auto lock and unlock, digital keys, and door monitoring.