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Highlights Smart home devices are electronic gadgets that connect your home to a network. These devices can be controlled remotely via a smartphone, tablet, or voice commands. Smart Home devices include smart lights, thermostats, security cameras, smart speakers and more. Imagine walking into your home, and with just a simple voice command or tap on your phone, your lights dim, your favourite music starts playing, and the temperature adjusts to your perfect comfort level. Sounds like an episode of Black Mirror, right? Well, in 2024, this is the reality that smart home devices are making possible. Whether you're new to the world of smart homes or looking to upgrade your current setup, we've got you covered. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top 10 smart home devices that can transform your living space into a more convenient, efficient, and futuristic home. Before we dive in, let’s understand some basics. What to Consider Before Buying Smart Home Devices? Smart home devices are electronic gadgets that connect your home to a network. Before you upgrade your living space with smart home devices, it's important to keep a few things in mind. These gadgets can make your life easier and your home more efficient, but choosing the right ones requires a bit of thought. Here are some key factors to consider: Compatibility with Existing Devices Before buying any smart home device, check if it’s compatible with your existing gadgets and systems. Whether you're using Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa, ensuring that your new devices can easily integrate with what you already have will save you a lot of headaches. Your Home's Wi-Fi Strength Smart devices rely heavily on a strong Wi-Fi connection. If your Wi-Fi is spotty or doesn’t reach all areas of your home, you might experience connectivity issues. Consider upgrading your router or investing in Wi-Fi extenders to ensure a smooth experience. These devices can be controlled remotely via a smartphone, tablet, or voice commands Security and Privacy With smart devices, security should be a top priority. Look for products that offer strong encryption and regular software updates to protect your personal data. It’s also a good idea to read reviews and check the privacy policies of the brands you’re considering. Ease of Use Some smart home devices are easier to set up and use than others. If you’re not particularly tech-savvy, look for devices with user-friendly interfaces and straightforward installation processes. Many brands offer apps that guide you through the setup step by step. Smart Home devices include smart lights, thermostats, security cameras, smart speakers Energy Efficiency One of the perks of smart home devices is that they can help reduce energy consumption. When shopping around, pay attention to devices that offer energy-saving features, like smart thermostats or lighting systems that adjust automatically based on your habits. Budget Smart home devices come in a wide range of prices, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. While it’s tempting to go for the latest and greatest, there are plenty of affordable options that offer great functionality without breaking the bank. Future-Proof Technology evolves quickly, and what’s cutting-edge today might be outdated tomorrow. Choose devices from reputable brands that regularly update their products and offer good customer support. This way, your investment will last longer and keep up with future innovations. By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be better equipped to choose smart home devices that truly enhance your living space and fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Top 10 Smart Home Devices to Upgrade Your Living Space in 2024 So, let’s look at our handpicked list of the top 10 smart home devices to upgrade your living space in 2024 - Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Smart Speaker Smart speaker with Bigger sound, Motion Detection, Temperature Sensor, Alexa and Bluetooth| Blue What Is It? The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) is a compact smart speaker that enhances your smart home experience with a variety of features. It comes with Amazon Alexa built-in, allowing you to control smart home devices, play music, set alarms, check the weather, and more using voice commands. The 5th Gen model boasts improved sound quality thanks to an upgraded internal speaker driver, delivering better audio performance compared to previous versions. It also introduces new tap gestures for easier interaction, such as tapping the top to pause music or snooze alarms. The Echo Dot includes a temperature sensor to help you monitor and control your home’s climate and can act as an Eero mesh network extender to improve your Wi-Fi coverage. Its small, spherical design makes it easy to place anywhere in your home without taking up much space. Overall, the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) is a versatile and affordable smart speaker that integrates seamlessly with your smart home setup, providing convenience and enhanced functionality. Specifications Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Smart Speaker Specifications Alexa app and Alexa-enabled products include several features for customers with accessibility needs related to vision, hearing, mobility, and speech. Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) networks. Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) support for audio streaming from your mobile device to Echo Dot or from Echo Dot to your Bluetooth speaker. 2. Reasons To Buy Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Smart Speaker 2 Reasons To Buy 5th (Latest) Generation Echo Dot with Alexa Just ask Alexa to play music from Amazon Music, Spotify, Jio Saavn, and Apple Music. (some apps may require a subscription) Voice control Alexa-compatible smart appliances like lights, ACs, TVs, geysers. Automatically turn on the light when you enter the room or switch on the AC when it gets hot using an in-built motion detection and temperature sensor. Set these experiences using the routines feature in the Alexa app. Alexa to set reminders, pay bills, add items to shopping list and much more. Price - ₹4,949 Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium ecobee New Smart Thermostat Premium with Smart Sensor and Air Quality Monitor What Is It? A Smart Thermostat is a Wi-Fi-enabled device that allows you to control your home’s heating and cooling systems remotely using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Unlike traditional thermostats, smart thermostats can learn your temperature preferences and automatically adjust settings to optimize comfort and energy efficiency. They often feature sleek, modern designs and user-friendly interfaces, such as touchscreens. Smart thermostats can be integrated into home automation systems and are compatible with virtual assistants like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple Siri, enabling voice control. They also offer advanced features like geofencing, which adjusts the temperature based on your location, and energy usage reports to help you monitor and reduce your energy consumption. Specification Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium Specification Controller Type - Amazon Alexa Special Feature - Wired Smart Thermostat, Siri, Amazon Alexa Colour - Black Specific Uses For Product - Furnace Connectivity Technology - Wi-Fi Included Components - ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, ecobee SmartSensor, Backplate, Wire labels, Screws & drywall plays plugs, power extender kit (for systems without a c-wire), trim plate, and quick start guide 2. Reasons To Buy Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium Specification Save up to 26%* per year on heating and cooling costs. Built-in air quality monitor alerts. Complete home monitoring hub that includes built-in smoke alarm detection and alerts to possible break-ins when your system is armed. A smart speaker and your choice of Siri* or Alexa Built-in. Price - ₹34,033 Google Nest Cam Perfect for surveillance in both indoor and outdoor environments What Is It? The Google Nest Cam is a smart security camera designed to provide comprehensive surveillance for both indoor and outdoor environments. It captures high-definition 1080p video with HDR technology, ensuring clear and detailed footage. The camera offers a wide 130-degree field of view and features night vision capabilities using infrared LEDs, allowing it to monitor areas even in low-light conditions. Equipped with motion sensors, the Nest Cam can detect movement and send real-time alerts to your smartphone, helping you stay informed about any unusual activity. It also includes a built-in microphone and speaker for two-way audio, enabling you to communicate with anyone near the camera. Additionally, the Nest Cam integrates with the Google Home app, allowing you to manage and control the camera remotely Specification Google Nest Cam Specification Recommended Uses For Product - Home Security, Night Vision Connectivity Technology - Wireless Special Feature - Night Vision Indoor/Outdoor Usage - Outdoor, Indoor Compatible Devices - Smartphone Power Source - Battery Powered Connectivity Protocol - wired Controller Type - Amazon Alexa 2. Reasons To Buy Google Nest Cam Reasons To Buy High-Definition Video: Captures clear 1080p HD video with HDR. Wide Field of View: Offers a 130-degree view to cover more area. Night Vision: Monitors effectively even in low light conditions. Motion Detection: Sends real-time alerts to your smartphone. Two-Way Audio: Communicate with visitors through the built-in microphone and speaker. Remote Access: Control and view the camera feed via the Google Home app. Smart Integration: Works seamlessly with other Google Nest devices and Google Assistant. Advanced Features: Options like familiar face detection and activity zones with a Nest Aware subscription. Reliable Security: Provides peace of mind with continuous monitoring and alerts. Price - ₹17,999 Godrej Smart Locks Godrej Catus Connect Digital Lock for Wooden Door What Is It? A smart lock is an electronic lock that enhances the security and convenience of your home by allowing you to control access without needing a traditional key. It connects to your home Wi-Fi network and can be operated using a smartphone app, keypad, fingerprint scanner, or even voice commands through compatible smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri. This means you can lock or unlock your door remotely, check the lock status, and receive notifications about who enters or exits your home. Smart locks also offer features like temporary access codes for guests, scheduled locking and unlocking, and integration with other smart home devices for automated routines. Specification Godrej Smart Locks Specification Special Feature - Wifi Enabled (Mobile Operated), Pin code, Fingerprint, RFID Card, Mechanical Key Unlock, Privacy Function, Low battery indication, Anti Prank AlarmWifi Enabled (Mobile Operated), Pin code, Fingerprint, RFID Card, Mechanical Key Unlock, Privacy Function, Low battery indication, Anti Prank Alarm Lock Type - Mortise Lock Item dimensions L x W x H - 33 x 20 x 10 Centimeters Material - Copper 2. Reasons To Buy Godrej Smart Locks Reasons To Buy 360° Fingerprint Recognition Register up to 99 unique PINs. Register up to 99 RFID cards Scheduled access can be allowed for a specific period Restrict entry during the specific time. Data is encrypted and stored on servers residing in India. 3 years from the date of purchase. Price - ₹13,877 Wipro Smart Switch Module Wipro Smart Switch Module, 4 Switch Control Compatible with Alexa & Google Home What Is It? A Switch Module, often referred to as a modular switch, is a type of network switch that can be customized and expanded using field-replaceable units known as modules or blades. These modules can add more ports, increase bandwidth, and provide additional capabilities such as enhanced security, wireless connectivity, or network analysis. This flexibility allows the switch to adapt to changing network requirements and support various protocols and cable types. Specification Wipro Smart Switch Module Specification Voltage (VAC) - 220-240V Item Dimensions LxWxH - 9.2 x 5.2 x 2.3 Centimeters Voice Control - Yes Schedule Operation - Yes 2. Reasons To Buy Wipro Smart Switch Module Reasons To Buy Make Existing Switches Smart Control From Anywhere Compatible with Manual Switches Works with Existing Wiring Price - ₹1,849 dreame L10s Ultra Robot Vacuum Cleaner dreame L10s Ultra Robot Vacuum Cleaner Washer with Self-Cleaning Base Station What Is It? A Robot Vacuum Cleaner is an autonomous device designed to clean floors without human intervention. It uses a combination of brushes, rotating brush bars, and suction to pick up dirt, dust, and debris from carpets and hard floors. Equipped with sensors, it navigates around obstacles, avoids stairs, and covers the entire floor area efficiently. Many models can be controlled via a smartphone app, allowing you to schedule cleaning times and monitor the vacuum’s progress remotely. Specification dreame L10s Ultra Robot Vacuum Cleaner Specification Special Feature - No Go Zone, Obstacle, Self Cleaning Product Dimensions - 35L x 350W x 97H Centimeters Surface Recommendation - Hard Floor Are Batteries Included? - Yes Suction Power - 5300Pa Control Method - App, Voice 2. Reasons To Buy dreame L10s Ultra Robot Vacuum Cleaner Reasons To Buy Fully Automated Cleaning Multi-Floor Mapping with Advanced AI Navigation Robust Vacuuming and Carpet Cleaning AI Obstacle Detection 3D WiFi/APP/Alexa Compatible One Year Warranty Price - ₹64,414 TP-Link AC750 Wifi Range Extender TP-Link AC750 Wifi Range Extender with Wifi Signal Booster, Access Point What Is It? A Wi-Fi Range Extender is a device designed to enhance the coverage of your existing Wi-Fi network. It works by receiving the wireless signal from your router and then rebroadcasting it to areas where the signal is weak or nonexistent. This helps eliminate dead zones in your home or office, ensuring a more consistent and reliable internet connection throughout the space. Specification TP-Link AC750 Wifi Range Extender Specification Wireless Communication Standard- 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11ac Data Transfer Rate - 433 Megabits Per Second Frequency Band Class - Dual-Band 2. Reasons To Buy TP-Link AC750 Wifi Range Extender Reasons To Buy Boosts wireless signal Dual-band speeds up to 750Mbps Easy to deploy and move flexibly Worry-free customer support Price - Starts at ₹1,699 Wipro 12.5W B22D Wi-Fi Smart LED Bulb Wipro 12.5W B22D Wi-Fi Smart LED Bulb Image What Is It? A Wi-Fi Smart LED Bulb is a modern lighting solution that allows you to control your lights remotely using a smartphone app or voice commands. By connecting to your home Wi-Fi network, these bulbs enable you to turn lights on or off, adjust brightness, and even change colours from anywhere. They are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, providing hands-free control. Specifications Wipro 12.5W B22D Wi-Fi Smart LED Bulb Specifications Light Type - LED Special Feature - Dimmable, Colour Changing Wattage - 22 Watts Bulb Base - B22D Incandescent Equivalent Wattage - 12.5 Watts Specific Uses For Product - Bulb Holder, Indoor Light Colour - White, 16M Voltage - 240 Volts 2. Reasons To Buy Wipro 12.5W B22D Wi-Fi Smart LED Bulb Reasons To Buy Music Sync Function Control lights from anywhere in the World with Wipro Smart Home App 16 mn Colour Options to create the perfect space for enjoying parties, festivals or a movie night Control lights with your voice Save more energy by changing the brightness of lights Price - ₹688 PHILIPS 360 wireless camera PHILIPS 3MP Wi-Fi Indoor 360 Degree Security Camera What Is It? A 360 wireless camera is a security device that provides comprehensive surveillance coverage by capturing a full 360-degree view of its surroundings. This type of camera connects to your Wi-Fi network, allowing you to monitor your home or office remotely through a smartphone app. The 360-degree capability ensures that there are no blind spots, offering a complete view of the area being monitored. Specification PHILIPS 360 wireless camera Specification Connectivity Technology - Wireless Special Feature - Local Recording, 2 Way Audio, Night Vision, Sound Triggered Recording, Cloud Storage available, Motion Sensor Indoor/Outdoor Usage - Indoor Compatible Devices - Smartphone Power Source - Corded Electric Connectivity Protocol - Wi-Fi Controller Type - Android 2. Reasons To Buy PHILIPS 360 wireless camera Reasons To Buy Perfect wireless CCTV camera for home Capture all movements with auto motion tracking & Pan, Tilt, and Zoom. Custom smart alerts using Modes - Home, Away, Inactive & Silent. Keep your data secured with up to 128 GB Micro SD card storage 2-year product replacement warranty from Philips Store recordings securely in the cloud via Play Store or Apple Store with PHILIPS CCTV Camera App Availability - The Philips Home Safety App Price - ₹2,099 Wipro 16A Wi-Fi Smart Plug Wipro 16A Wi-Fi Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring What Is It? A Wi-Fi Smart Plug is a versatile device that allows you to control your electrical appliances remotely using your smartphone or voice commands. By connecting to your home Wi-Fi network, it enables you to turn devices on or off from anywhere through a mobile app. This functionality is particularly useful for scheduling appliances to operate at specific times, enhancing convenience and energy efficiency. Specification Wipro 16A Wi-Fi Smart Plug Specification Operation Mode - ON-OFF Current Rating - 16 Amps Operating Voltage - 120 Volts Contact Type - Normally Open Connector Type - Plug-In Material - Polycarbonate (PC) Mounting Type - Wall Mount 2. Reasons To Buy Wipro 16A Wi-Fi Smart Plug Reasons To Buy Turn your appliances Smart Connect home appliances via Smart Socket Control appliances through the Wipro Smart Home App Monitor the energy consumption of your electrical appliances. Schedules the appliances to turn on and off No Hub-required Smart Socket directly pairs with your mobile using the Wipro Smart Home App through a secured 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. Price - Starting at ₹897 FAQs Q1. What are smart home devices? Answer. Smart home devices are electronic gadgets that connect to your home network and can be controlled remotely via a smartphone, tablet, or voice commands. They include items like smart lights, thermostats, security cameras, and smart speakers, all designed to make your home more convenient, secure, and energy-efficient. Q2. How do smart home devices work? Answer. Smart home devices typically connect to your home Wi-Fi network and can be controlled through a dedicated app or a smart home hub. They use various communication protocols like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or Z-Wave to interact with each other and with your smartphone or voice assistant, allowing you to manage them remotely. Q3. Are smart home devices secure? While smart home devices offer many conveniences, security can be a concern. It’s important to use strong, unique passwords for your devices and home network, keep your devices’ firmware updated, and consider using devices from reputable brands that prioritize security. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication can add an extra layer of protection. Q4. Can smart home devices save energy? Answer. Yes, smart home devices can help save energy. For example, smart thermostats can learn your schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly, reducing energy consumption. Smart lights can be programmed to turn off when not in use, and smart plugs can cut power to devices that are not needed, all contributing to lower energy bills. Q5. Do I need a smart home hub? Answer. A smart home hub is not always necessary, but it can be useful if you have multiple smart devices from different brands. A hub can centralize control, allowing you to manage all your devices from a single app. Some popular hubs include Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hub, and Samsung SmartThings Hub. However, many smart devices can also work independently through their apps. Also Read: Versuni Makes an Innovative Leap in the Home Safety Space With the Launch of the Philips 5000 Series Indoor 360° Camera : Price , Specifications, Availability & Features Also Read: Amazon Alexa’s Spooky Interactions Spark Concern Among Users Also Read: The Best Smart Home Devices for 2023