Your home is getting smarter and smarter. Not just computers and smartphones, but everything seems to be connected to the internet now: clocks, speakers, lights, TVs, doorbells, cameras, vacuums. The list goes on. Nearly everything in your home can be connected to the internet and be remotely controlled with a mobile device.
Smart home devices provide convenience, especially when compiling that grocery list or turning off the lights at bedtime. They can also tackle more serious tasks, like activating as your home security system when you’re out of town. With so many amazing recreational opportunities here in Washington, it’s nice to know you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about your indoors.
There’s no simple, singular solution that can flawlessly automate your entire house. With so many products to choose from, setting up your smart home might seem a daunting task. You probably already have one or two smart devices in your home, so you’re well on your way to living smartly. Here’s our guide to help you sort through the noise and get acclimated to your smart home.
Virtual Assistants
These smart speakers do so much more than play music. Virtual voice-controlled assistants like Apple’s Siri, Google’s Assistant, and Amazon’s Alexa make it easy to control all your smart home products by speaking simple commands. Ask Alexa who is at the front door. Use Siri to turn off the light upstairs. Tell Google to turn down the heat.
Smart TVs
With Smart TVs, you can watch anything you want, whenever you want, whether you have cable or not. There are tons of options these days when it comes to streaming TV. You can get Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon and more straight from the unit itself. Or you can get a system to pair with your normal TV.
Video Doorbells
Video doorbells like Ring and Nest not only sense and alert you when someone is at the front door but also show you video footage of who was there. You can also use intercom technology to talk to your visitor. They’re a great addition for busy families—you can see when your child gets off the school bus or returns from after-school activities.
Smart Thermostats
With smart thermostats like Nest and Ecobee, you can monitor your home’s temperature from wherever you are. If you split your time on and off Whidbey Island, set your smart thermostat on a schedule so that energy isn’t wasted when you’re not at home.
Robot Vacuums
These handy tools can be controlled from your other smart devices, like your speakers or an app on your phone. As if having a robot vacuum wasn’t innovative enough, some of these vacuums even stream pictures and video straight to your smart device. A personal maid and TV all in one? Yes, please!
Security Systems
Security systems like our Select Security connect to your WiFi mesh network. You can build a comprehensive system that includes door and window sensors, surveillance cameras, alarms, smoke/CO detectors, water sensors, and more. Monitor and control your system from anywhere using the Alarm.com app on your smartphone.
You may not realize that the bandwidth coming into your home is being consumed by each of these devices. With many of these connecting over WiFi, make sure your network is up to the task. Our HOP WiFi creates a mesh network that allows signals to hop from one device to another and can support multiple devices.
If you think you are ready to take a look at smart home products, give us a call. We have the services and support to keep your home running smoothly and smartly.
This content is provided for information purposes only. All information included herein is subject to change without notice. Whidbey Telecom is not responsible for any direct or indirect damages, arising from or related to use or reliance of the above content.
