Smart devices make the day-to-day running of your home super convenient. It’s just like you’re giving commands, and all your wishes get fulfilled in no time. For instance, smart AC controllers make sure you arrive home at a perfectly maintained temperature, while smart vacuums automatically clean up your home at a set schedule.
However, even with all the smart gadgets, you have to pull out your phone, unlock it and open the app to change the settings. This is where Amazon’s virtual assistant Alexa comes to the rescue. It adds an extra level of convenience to your smart-home system.
From ordering food to playing your favorite music, you can control most of your smart gadgets with voice commands. Now let’s look at the 5 must-have Alexa smart home devices to take your comfort to another level.
1. Smart Thermostat or Smart AC Controller
To beat the scorching summer heat or freezing winter cold, you’ll have to continuously change your ordinary air conditioner’s settings. But we have a really cool solution to your problem! You can make your existing AC unit smart by pairing it with a smart thermostat or a smart AC controller.
In extreme weather conditions, you definitely need more than temperature regulation. A smart climate control gadget, such as by Cielo, can also help you maintain the ideal humidity levels. If you hate coming to a cold or hot house after a long day at work, you should use these smart appliances to solve this issue. You can turn your heat pump on one hour before your arrival with your smartphone, and it will automatically turn on at the specified time. No more coming home to a hot, humid house!
With daily or weekly schedules, controlling your home climate is a breeze! You can set schedules in advance so that you don’t have to micromanage your home climate. Plus, it also helps save on bills as you are not unnecessarily interfering with the temperature settings.
These smart devices can also be integrated with Amazon Alexa for hands-off control. For instance, you can tell Alexa to change the temperature settings on your AC, and it will be done automatically. Moreover, you can also set routines such as a night routine where you say “Alexa, good night,” and your AC automatically turns on at your set temperature, such as 68 F in winter.
2. Smart Video Doorbell
A smart video doorbell brings convenience and safety to your doorstep. It notifies you of the visitor outside via your phone (yes, it actually ‘rings’ your smartphone). Plus, the best part is you can even see who’s outside with a live video feed. You can also answer and talk to the person outside even when you are not home using your phone. Smart doorbells also let you see people outside at nighttime using infrared for night vision.
Screening your visitors and answering the bell is a helpful safety feature as you are not giving away whether you are at home or not. It can come in handy when you have left your children at home as you can continuously monitor who arrives at your front door. In addition, some smart doorbells with artificial intelligence (AI) can recognize people and can even identify familiar faces.
Smart video doorbells, like the ones by Arlo, can be integrated with Amazon Alexa for voice commands and hands-off control. You won’t have to run away to open the door; just tell Alexa to do it.
3. Smart Robot Vacuum
Tired of constantly picking up scraps from the floor? Try a robot vacuum to solve all your cleaning woes.
A robot vacuum (for example, by Neato Robotics) is perfect for hassle-free daily floor maintenance. It removes debris from the carpets, rug as well as bare floors. With its smart capabilities, you can initiate the cleaning process even when you are away, using your phone, and returning to a sparkling clean home.
Most of the advanced models have a self-emptying feature. They come with a base station that charges the robot and have a container on top with a sealed bag inside that can hold a months’ worth of debris. When that bag is full, you get notified on your phone, and the charging station’s indicator light starts blinking.
You can also connect it with Alexa to easily give voice commands. With Alexa integration, you won’t even have to set up or turn the device on. Alexa will take care of it on its own.
4. Smart Coffee Maker
Smart coffee makers allow you to start brewing your coffee without even leaving your bed in the morning. You can set daily schedules or even set a different schedule for weekdays and weekends. Just make sure to add your beans every night.
With a smart coffee maker, you can adjust the amount of coffee, milk, and foam, all from the comfort of your bed.
If you forget to turn the appliance off before heading out, you can use your phone to turn it off remotely. If you struggle to keep up with the cleaning process, your smart coffee maker will notify you when it’s time to clean. You can also start a brew cycle anywhere using your phone. So, if you’re on your way home and need your coffee ready, it only needs a few taps!
Moreover, connecting it with Alexa to brew your morning coffee leaves out all the manual work. Just a “Hey, Alexa, good morning!” will get your coffee ready.
5. Smart LED Bulbs
Fret the moment when you have to get out of your cozy bed just to turn the light off? Well, not anymore!
Opt for smart LED bulbs that can be turned on/off through your phone or voice commands when connected with Alexa. What’s more? You can change the brightness (and with some Philips models, even the color), set timers, add triggers to turn on/off at the touch button.
If you’re someone who forgets turning off lights before leaving, then smart bulbs can come in really handy. You can turn them off through the mobile app and save an ample amount on bills.
Controlling a device with your smartphone is super convenient; however, having different mobile apps for different smart devices can be overwhelming. So, this is where Alexa helps you out!
You can control all your smart devices from one place. It also lets you connect all the devices. For instance, when running your coffee maker in the morning, Alexa can tell your smart curtains to open and let the sun in. Plus, it can also change your home temperature to your preferred morning settings with the help of a smart thermostat.
Wondering what else it can do? Well, you can listen to the news in the morning while having a cup of coffee and can even get weather and traffic updates. In addition, you can connect your calendar, set weekly schedules, and can also make calls.
Alexa-compatible smart devices enhance your lifestyle and make your home more comfortable than ever. By integrating all your smart devices with Alexa and controlling them with a single voice command, you no longer have to take out time for daily chores.
