5 Smart Technologies That Your Future Self Can’t Live Without

By Elliot | March 7, 2016

Just like the smartphone revolution of the 2000s, smart home technology is on track to take over our lives in the very near future. So, in the interest of giving you a head start, here are five pieces of smart technology that you’ll most likely come to covet, crave, and eventually need, on a daily basis:

1. The Doorbell Camera

There’s nothing quite like being able to see who’s just arrived at your front door, from the comfort of your couch, downstairs in your rec room. If it’s your nosy neighbour, you can stay put. If it’s that tasty pizza you’ve been waiting for, you’ll be at the door in a matter of seconds. Either way, you’ll be happy that you had this little piece of tech sweetness installed.

Specs:

  • Two-way talk
  • Custom smartphone/tablet alerts
  • Motion detection
  • Night vision
  • 180 degrees of smart doorbell vision

2. The “Ping” Camera

Is it spying? Maybe. Is it cool and convenient? Absolutely. If you’re the type that enjoys keeping tabs on your home, office, beachfront property or backyard treehouse, even when you’re not physically on site, this technology might be for you. These cameras allow you to check on various locations, all from the palm of your hand (via a smartphone or tablet). So if your child is vegging on the couch and he or she should be raking the yard, you can let them know the inconvenient truth with the simple touch of a button.

Specs:

  • Two-way talk (some models)
  • Night vision capability
  • Live 1080HD-streaming video
  • Custom alerts
  • Ability to watch multiple locations on one screen

Nest Learning Thermostat

Are you “pro” or “con” about saving money on energy? If “pro”, check out the Nest Learning Thermostat. This is not your grandpa’s rig. It actually learns your schedule and patterns, and “after a few days”, it begins to set up a personalized plan for heating your home. Gone between 9 and 5, every day? This engineering marvel will pick up on that fact, and will adjust the heat accordingly. Like it warm in the morning and cool in the evening? Same deal.

Specs:

  • It saves your money. What more do you need to know?

Amazon Echo

What is it? The Amazon Echo is a voice controlled mechanism in the form of a small black cylinder that sits comfortably on your shelf or coffee table. With your voice as its guide, it can (and does) play audiobooks or music, checks the weather, answers your questions, and gives you relevant information on demand (again, provided there is an available internet connection). It also has the ability to tap into many smart home security systems, for easy, hands-free access.

This thing seriously does everything except buy and bag the groceries. While it doesn’t ship to Canada (yet), the belief is that will soon change.

Specs:

  • Lightweight (26.9 oz.)
  • 2.5 inch woofer*2.0 inch tweeter
  • Bluetooth capability (obviously)
  • Totally awesome
  • 6 foot power cable (This might be the only drawback. The short cable will be annoying for some)

The (Samsung) Fridge to End All Fridges

At the onset of 2016, Samsung took its fridge game to the next level by introducing The Family Hub Refrigerator.

What does it do, other than keep your food cool/frozen, you ask? Well, it gives you direct access into your fridge via your smartphone and well placed cameras. Forgot if you have broccoli left? You’ll know what needs to be picked up at the grocery store. It identifies certain foods that need to be replenished (and alerts you). It tracks product expiration dates in order to cut down on waste (and save you money). It plays music through a built-in speaker (or through Bluetooth connected speakers). It will even play TV shows or movies via its high-quality touch screen (21.5 inches of LCD glory). This is truly the fridge to end all fridges!

Source: Dominion Lending Centres

Posted in Your Home