This is a sponsored article from vidaXL. The editors are not responsible for the content.
Technology can make your life a lot easier and more fun. No more hassle with manually adjusting the thermostat or searching for the light switch in the dark. With a few smart gadgets you can quickly transform your home into a high-tech paradise.
So if you are looking for the most useful gadgets to transform your ‘old house’ into a futuristic smart home, then you have landed on the right page. In this article we at vidaXL describe the best and most popular gadgets that ensure that your home can be adjusted with just one click of a button.
Imagine coming home and your house knows exactly what you want: The lights turn on, the temperature is perfect and your favorite music immediately starts playing. This is no longer something of the future, but a reality thanks to the latest smart home gadgets.
From smart thermostats that optimize your energy consumption to voice assistants that help you with everything from shopping lists to controlling your lighting. These gadgets not only make your life easier, but also a lot cooler.
In this blog we dive into the coolest gadgets that you can introduce for a smart home. We discuss everything from smart security systems that give you peace of mind to kitchen appliances that help you prepare the perfect meal. Whether you’re crazy about tech or just want to make your home a little smarter, we’ll discuss all the gadgets that make every homeowner’s life a lot easier.
1. Smart thermostats
Let’s talk about smart thermostats, the foundation of any smart home. These things are great. Not only because they reduce your energy bill, but also because they always give your home exactly the right temperature.
Save energy and increase your comfort
Smart thermostats, such as the Nest and Ecobee, learn your habits. They know when you are home and when you leave and adjust the temperature accordingly. So no more hassle with manual adjustments. When you come home from work, your house is already nice and warm. If you go on holiday, your thermostat automatically switches to an energy-saving mode. No waste, just smart.
Examples of smart thermostats
Below we give some examples of smart thermostats. Of course there are also other models, but these are among the most tested and most popular of their kind.
Nest Thermostat
The Nest Thermostat is one of the most popular models worldwide. It looks sleek and is packed with smart features. It learns your preferences and adapts automatically. Moreover, it works perfectly with other smart home gadgets, such as Google Home. So, a few words and your house will be at the right temperature again.
Ecobee SmartThermostat
Ecobee is not inferior to Nest. With a separate sensor you can accurately control the temperature in different rooms. And yes, it also works with Amazon Alexa. So if you’re having a lazy day, just say “Alexa, turn down the thermostat” and you’re done.
Installation & use
Installing such high-tech gadgets is usually not easy, but fortunately this is not the case with smart thermostats. Most models come with clear instructions and you can often get it done within an hour. Once installed, you control everything via an app on your phone. Whether you are at work, in the supermarket or just on the couch, you always have control over the temperature in your home.
Tips for use
To get the most out of your smart thermostat, follow the following tips.
Automate your schedule: Let the thermostat learn your daily routine. This way you never have to think about the temperature again.
Use voice commands: Connect your thermostat to a voice assistant for hands-free convenience. “Alexa (or Hey Google), set the thermostat to 20 degrees” and it’s settled.
Monitor your consumption: Use the app to track your energy consumption. You see exactly where you can save.
Smart thermostats are a great first step towards a fully smart home. They offer comfort, convenience and help you to use energy more consciously.
2. Smart lighting
This technology is a must-have for every smart home. Smart lights can do much more than just turn on and off. They can completely change the atmosphere in your home, save you energy and even make your life a lot easier. At vidaXL we have much more electronics that make your life a lot easier, Take a look if you want to make your home completely future-proof.
The convenience of smart lights
Smart lighting offers enormous convenience. With systems such as Philips Hue and LIFX you can control the lighting in your home via your smartphone or with your voice. Whether you are at home on your comfortable sofa from vidaXL sitting or on the go: you can switch your lights on or off anytime and anywhere. Moreover, you can set different scenes for every situation, whether it’s a movie night, a romantic dinner or just a relaxing evening.
You can also set schedules so that the lights automatically turn on and off at certain times. This is not only convenient, but also a good way to make your house look occupied when you are not at home.
Setting up smart lighting in your home
Setting up smart lighting may take some time at first, but it’s worth it. With a few clicks in the app you can create scenes that perfectly match your mood or activity. Think of soft, warm light for a relaxing evening, or bright, cool light for when you are at work.
3. Smart security systems
Let’s take a look at smart security systems. Whether you live in a busy city or in the countryside, safety is always a priority. Smart security systems give you the peace of mind that your home is always being closely monitored, even when you are not there.
The benefits of smart smart security systems
Smart security offers more than just safety. It gives you control and convenience. No more hassle with keys, no more worries about who is at the door when you are not at home. With smart security, you can leave your home with peace of mind, knowing that you can always keep an eye on things.
How do these security systems work?
Smart security systems combine cameras, sensors and smart technology. Think of smart doorbells, security cameras and smart locks. They all work together to create a fully secure network. With a smart doorbell such as the Ring or Nest Hello you can always see who is at your door, even when you are not at home. You’ll get a notification on your phone when someone rings your doorbell, and you can talk to them in real time. Useful for parcel deliveries or to deter unwanted visitors.
4. Smart voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant
let’s talk about smart voice assistants. These little helpers can really make your daily life a lot easier. They do more than just answer questions; they can serve your entire home.
What are the benefits of smart voice assistants
Smart voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri, are always ready to help you. You can ask them to play music, give you the weather forecast or set a timer. But that’s just the beginning: you can also control your smart devices with it, such as your lights, thermostat and security system. It’s like having a personal assistant who is always ready to help you.
With these devices you can make your life a lot easier. Imagine coming home with your hands full of groceries and all you have to do is say, “Hey Google, turn on the lights.” Or you are lying comfortably on the couch and want to turn the thermostat up a degree without getting up. “Siri, set the thermostat to 70 degrees.” It really is that simple.
The best voice assistants for Belgians in 2024
There are actually two major assistants on the market in Belgium in 2024: those are Siri and Google Assistant. Of course you also have Alexa, but since it does not speak Flemish (or Dutch) yet, we are not counting it. The differences between the two assistants are very small. It’s more a matter of which ecosystem you’re in. Do you have an Apple or an Android phone? Based on this, you choose one of the two assistants.
The future of smart homes
Of course, these are not all the gadgets we could have described here. There are smart refrigerators (that can help you cook and keep track of the stock in your refrigerator), to smart vacuum cleaners and cleaning robots: the future of living looks comfortable and even a bit lazy.
All the conveniences that you had to do today or in the past are within reach by talking to your personal assistant. We can’t wait to try all this tech, and of course you can read the best tips about the latest tech on this website.
This article was written by one of our partners and is outside the responsibility of the editors.