We are at a stage of technological development now where we can essentially turn our homes into one of those “Smart Homes” that knows what we need and when we need it but without the pesky nuisance of becoming sentient and trying to kill us when we least expect. If you want to have guests over and have them believe you’ve come from the not-too-distant future, then here are some gadgets to get them salivating.
3. AMAZON ECHO
As well as being a pretty awesome speaker with 360 degree sound, Amazon Echo also comes with an in-built Siri-impersonator – here she’s known as Alexa – and you can ask her anything you like, much like you can with Siri. On top of that though, you can inform Alexa of anything you might need on your upcoming shopping list, and she’ll make a note of it for you. All while blaring your favorite tunes. Awesome, no?
2. NEST LEARNING THERMOSTAT
This handy little gizmo comes with the scary “learning” label, but don’t worry, it won’t sell your browser history to the local newspaper. Instead, it will quickly clue in to your schedule, adjusting the temperature according to your wants and the seasons, and can also be controlled by an easy-to-use app, which comes in great on those cold winter days when you want the heating on already when you get home. It also could save you money on your heating bills! Win win!
1. PHILLIPS HUE
There are probably a lot more helpful and innovative gadgets and technologies available to your home to make them that bit more amazing, but we’ll be damned if you don’t always get our heads turned by some pretty lights. Phillips Hue allows to set up some of the special smart bulbs anywhere in your home, and then control their brightness and colour from the app on your phone. So, so pretty!
