The Oklahoman

How to add technology to your living space

- BY STATEPOINT

A smart, connected home is what’s in style. Wondering what options are out there? Here are six ways to add tech to your space.

1. Stay cool and comfortabl­e

Certain smart thermostat­s on the market today intuitivel­y understand when to turn on heating or cooling equipment based on your home’s energy profile, the weather outside and thousands of other data points, making sure you’re comfortabl­e 24/7. Some units even claim to save homeowners enough energy to pay for themselves.

2. Design the perfect shower

The first Wi-Fi/cloud-based digital shower on the market, U by Moen shower, allows users to precisely set shower temperatur­e and flow with an in-shower digital controller or from their smartphone, thanks to a helpful app. Need extra snooze time? Power on the shower from bed and it will alert you when it’s ready. Picky about your shower preference­s? The ability to set up to 12 custom presets in the app ensures you get your perfect shower every time.

3. Keep your eye on Fido

Ever wonder what your dog is up to while you’re away at work?

Now, there are fun, tech-based ways to check in on furry friends.

High-definition pet cameras enable owners to monitor their pets with a wide-angle view, day and night. Some even offer an app that allows owners to toss a treat to their dogs or play a game of catch. Plus, a barking sensor sends notificati­ons to your phone so you can see what’s happening and calm down your pooch via two-way chat.

4. Be hands-off in the kitchen

Imagine the convenienc­e of having a kitchen faucet turn water on or off, without a touch. Faucets with Moen’s MotionSens­e Wave touchless technology feature single-sensor hands-free activation, allowing users to easily activate the faucet with the wave of a hand.

It’s perfect for when your hands are too full or messy to turn on the faucet, and also helps minimize the spread of dirt and germs, since you don’t have to touch the faucet.

5. Create the right ambience

The perfect lighting is now right at your fingertips. Instead of a regular incandesce­nt bulb, smart lightbulbs allow homeowners to control lighting with a few taps on your smartphone or tablet. Want to turn on lights when you’re away or adjust their brightness and color? No problem. What’s more, the bulbs last longer and even help save energy.

6. Make food prep smarter

Not sure how to blend your favorite concoction? Vitamix Ascent Series blenders have you covered. These high-performanc­e, Bluetooth-enabled blenders are compatible with a family of SelfDetect Containers that sense which container is being used and automatica­lly adjust settings.

The Ascent Series machines also connect and communicat­e with the Vitamix Perfect Blend Smart Scale and Recipe App to seamlessly guide you through recipe preparatio­n.

 ?? [PHOTO PROVIDED BY STATEPOINT] ?? From customizin­g your kitchen to creating a luxurious bathroom, smart home devices can now cater to your preference­s, elevating everyday experience­s.
[PHOTO PROVIDED BY STATEPOINT] From customizin­g your kitchen to creating a luxurious bathroom, smart home devices can now cater to your preference­s, elevating everyday experience­s.

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