Smart home gadgets cover almost every area of the house: Lighting: Smart bulbs and switches let you control lights remotely or on schedules. For example, Philips Hue bulbs can change color with an app or voice, and you can program them to turn on at17 • sunset automatically. Beyond convenience, they also save energy – some studies note that automated lighting (turning off when no one’s home) and smart thermostats can significantly cut electricity bills . For instance, smart thermostats from Nest or Ecobee learn your routine and lower heating/cooling when you’re away, then bring comfort back just before you return, reducing waste. Thermostats: Smart thermostats (like Google Nest, Ecobee, or Honeywell Smart) are among the most well-known smart devices.
They maintain home temperature efficiently by learning your schedule and adjusting automatically. By optimizing heating/cooling cycles, many households report noticeable savings on utility bills. The AI Connex blog notes that smart thermostats use machine learning to “save significant energy and cost” by detecting when you’re away or asleep . Security cameras and locks: Smart security devices provide both safety and convenience. Video doorbells (like Ring or Nest Hello) let you see and speak to visitors via your phone, even when you’re not home. Indoor/outdoor cameras can recognize faces or detect movement, sending instant alerts. Smart locks (August, Yale, etc.) let you lock or unlock doors remotely or give temporary access codes to guests or contractors.
These systems often tie together; for instance, an alarm sensor can trigger cameras and send notifications to your phone. Appliances: Smart versions of everyday appliances are emerging. Refrigerators can track inventory and suggest recipes based on what’s inside. Ovens can be preheated remotely, and robot vacuums can clean on a schedule. Even coffee makers, washing machines, and sprinkler controllers are “smart.” A key trend is that many appliances now connect to apps or voice assistants. For example, a smart fridge might notify you on your phone when you’re low on milk, or a smart coffee machine can start brewing when your morning alarm goes off.
Entertainment and health: Devices like smart TVs, speakers, and fitness trackers also fit under “smart home.” TVs and speakers connect to the internet for streaming services and respond to voice commands. Wearables (smartwatches, rings) use AI to analyze health data. All these can integrate: for instance, your smartwatch could trigger a “good night” routine that dims lights and locks doors.