SMART LIVING
From the kitchen to the bathroom, technology at home is making life easier and smarter. Here’s all you need to know.
Let’s face it technology isn’t restricted to just TVs and smartphones. Today it has invaded almost all aspects of our life. In fact, most people are using Smart Home Automation to do just about anything over the internet. We are talking about switching on your air conditioning before you enter your home, drawing the curtains at a pre-set time, even turning the lights a hue conducive to your mood from your tablet. Experts suggest that there are two types of smart home consumers—those who want specific gadgets to solve particular problems and those who envision a totally integrated smart home. Here are a few key areas in your home that have turned gizmo-friendly.
SAFE AND SOUND
Let’s start with home security. There are video doorbells that allow you to view the person at the other end. Then there are CCTVs from companies such as D-link, CP Plus and Netgear that can be placed both inside and outside the home. There are apps that let you view real time what’s going on in your home, no matter where you are. Some even detect motion and send an alert.
INTELLIGENT DEVICES
Smart devices like the Google Home and Alexa from Amazon Echo allow users to play music, search the internet, map a trip or even hear weather predictions. Calls, messages, calendar management, sport scores, to-do shopping lists and compatible smart lights (such as Philips Hue that is compatible with Google Home) can be controlled through these devices.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
From motion-sensor light to lights that can be controlled with your smartphone, there are a lot of options to explore in smart lighting category. One of the best in the market is from Philips Lighting. Their premier product Philips Hue is the next generation of lighting innovation that has redefined the possibilities of LED technology by integrating the digital light source with the Internet of Things concept. “Philips Hue is the ultimate connected home lighting system that enables
you to truly customise your lighting experience at home. With a swipe on their smartphone, the Philips Hue app enables consumers to experience light in new and innovative ways—from syncing your lights with the colours on your TV screen as you watch a movie, to a light show pulsing with the beat of your favourite music, or even syncing to a fitness wristband for light to indicate when you’ve reached your personal goal,” says Sumit Padmakar Joshi, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Philips Lighting India, adding, “It is also compatible with all leading smart home hubs, including Apple HomeKit, Google Home and Amazon Echo, helping consumers integrate all their smart devices in one place.”
BATH BEAUTY
Technologically advanced bathroom tools such as colour therapy, touch therapy, music therapy, chromo therapy and rainfall system are very common. Wireless technology is also become popular. There are also easy-to-use features such as photocells and sensors, which are integrated into electronic controlled mixer taps for a hands-free utilization. Products can also be easily activated through digital controls that take place electronically, through the various digital interfaces and displays found next to the taps or showers.
Technology is here to stay, it is up to you how best you want to use it to make life easier.