Imagine this, you enter your house and the lights turn on while music fills the room with your favorite song. An updated grocery list appears on your refrigerator door’s screen along with tonight’s dinner recipe. A quick look at your phone reveals a package waiting for you outside the front door. Sound too good to be true? It’s not. With the help of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, you can make this experience a reality in your living space today. Let me explain how.
What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
The IoT is any device connected to the wi-fi in your home that can be turned on or off. Today’s “Smart” TVs are a good example of this, meaning they connect to the Internet via your wi-fi to provide different entertainment packages (ex. Apple TV).
How IoT Works
IoT devices connect through a centralized system so we can monitor them with intelligent assistants like Siri and Alexa. Using sensors built into IoT devices, status messages can be sent in the form of alerts or notifications to another intelligent assistant or smart device. Today’s security systems are a good example of that. Through connectivity you can view your home’s surroundings, turn lights on and off and lock doors from across town!
Some IoT Devices to Consider For Yourself
There are new IoT devices available every day, here are some of my favorites:
Control the Lights
The Lifx Mini Wi-Fi Smart Bulb is a multicolored LED Wi-Fi light that can enhance any room. This lighting system puts you in charge of setting the mood! Cost: $40 and up.
Virtual Assistants
Alexa, Siri and the Google Assistant lead the group of virtual assistants that can understand us as we talk to them. These tabletop wireless devices use artificial intelligence to learn voices and interactions to perform tasks or answer questions. They also serve as a control center to other wireless devices setup in your home.
Lock It Up
Leave your keys in your purse with this August Smart Lock. With the press of a button you can automatically lock and monitor your front door from wherever you are. Through an app you can also assign digital keys and provide access to your home for the dog walker! Cost: $150 and up.
Know Who’s Knocking
The Nest Hello video doorbell takes the guesswork of “who is at the door” with its video capabilities and advanced facial recognition right on your phone. Through its phone app you can view what is outside the door, packages and all. Cost: $189 and up.
Lost Car Keys No More!
The Tile Bluetooth Tracker attaches to your keychain, phone or wallet and rings when activated via an app. Believe me, with this tile you will never lose anything again! The Tile Pro Style is shown here. Cost: $25.00 and up.
Plug It In and Let’s Go!
Ditch the extension cords and use the Belkin WeMo Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug to control devices that are plugged into this special outlet with its special WeMo app. Imagine the possibilities! Cost: $29.99.
It is expected that over 30 billion devices will be connected to the Internet by the year 2020. Will yours be some of those? Enjoy a more carefree lifestyle with today’s connected devices.