You use your smartphone to check email, update Facebook and play “Angry Birds Star Wars.” But did you know you could use it to change the temperature in your house, unlock the doors and monitor your abode when you’re on the road? You can do all of this and more with the latest smartphone gadgets, most of which talk to your phone or tablet. These devices won’t just make your life easier - some can even help save you money, keep an eye on Junior or even make you a better gardener. Here are the top 15 smart home gadgets.
1. Belkin WeMo Switch
You don’t have to retrofit your home’s electronic devices to make them Wi-Fi accessible. With WeMo switches, you can control your TVs, lamps, stereos and other appliances through your home wireless network. The free iOS app lets you set schedules for appliances and electronics and control them in-home or remotely. Simply plug each electronic device into a WeMo Switch that fits in any wall socket, and you are connected. (Price: US$50)
2. CloudKey Keyless Entry
With CloudKey on your iPhone or Android phone, you can lock and unlock your doors remotely with up to 16 unique keys so you can tell exactly who is coming and going. CloudKey is the software component of the SimpliciKey deadbolt system, which requires a one-time US$350 hardware installation. Alphanumeric “keys” can conveniently be given to household members, visitors, babysitters and others. Users can program rules and alerts for each key, and entry is also accessible with an included physical key and remote-control fob.
3. Craftsman AssureLink Garage Door Opener
In addition to the device’s solid hardware features, Sears has loaded its Craftsman AssureLink Garage Door Opener with an iPhone and Android app that you can use to remotely check if the door is open or closed. So there will be no need to drive back home to see if you forgot to press that button. With an optional hardware add-in, you can use the app to turn your lights on or off as well. (Price: US$229)
4. Dropcam HD Wi-Fi-Monitoring Camera
The easy-to-set-up, bantam-sized Dropcam is a USB-powered camera with 720p day views and auto night-vision. With the free iPhone or Android app or any Web browser, you can remotely view a live stream of activity in your home. Control camera zooming and talk-back with Dropcam’s two-way audio support via the app. Get email or mobile alerts on your phone when the cam senses movement or sound, be it a baby crying or a potential burglar break-in. Optional DVR service is available for US$9.95 per month. (Price: US$149)
5. Greenwave Reality Lighting
These light bulbs don’t just use energy-efficient LEDs that save you money (replacing 10 incandescent bulbs can save you up to US$150 per year, and each bulb can last up to 20 years). These lights also come armed with an Internet (IP)-enabled microchip. Using the included remote control, or the iPhone or Android app, you can program illumination levels, as well on/off times for individual lights or according to room groups. The wireless antenna in each bulb creates a mesh network, which can accommodate up to 500 bulbs. The start-up kit includes four LED bulbs, a gateway device and a remote control. (Price: US$200 start-up kit)
6. Koubachi Wi-Fi Plant Sensor
Think of the Koubachi Wi-Fi Plant Sensor as a Big Brother for your greenery, constantly monitoring the health of any indoor or outdoor potted plant. With its embedded Wi-Fi connection, the sensor notifies you via a free iOS app about everything your plant needs in real time: water, fertilizer, light and change of temperature. It includes specific instructions concerning the exact needs of every species for the current season and climate zone. A built-in plant encyclopaedia provides the 411 on whatever you’re growing. (Price: US$149)
7. LG Smart Washer
With LG’s new Smart Washer [Smart Diagnosis], you’ll longer need to hang around until the washing cycle completes. With an LG app for smartphones, you can monitor the status of your wash and remotely control the machine’s cycles via voice commands. Users can also access and adjust settings via an LG Smart TV as well as directly from the appliance’s LCD panel. Pop-up messages appear on the user’s phone when a laundry cycle finishes. Models and prices will be announced in third quarter of this year.
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8. Lumawake Dock
Never mind that the Lumawake Dock got rejected on Kickstarter. This iPhone gadget, which tracks your sleep cycle and wakes you at the optimally sensed time, secured independent funding. The Lumawake uses gradual illumination, sunrise simulation and a passive, infrared motion sensor to wake you a little at a time. Plus, the app integrates with smart home systems such as the Belkin WeMo to turn off the lights and TV when you fall asleep, and power on the coffee brewer when you wake. (Price: US$179)
9. Nest Thermostat
The smart-looking, easy-to-install Nest thermostat can help you save big on your heating and cooling bills. With its built-in Wi-Fi connection, the Nest can be controlled remotely via your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet. You can customize several features, including setting multiple home/away schedules for precise temperatures by day of the week and time of day. Not coming home as planned? Just tweak the temperature from wherever you are. (Price: US$249)
10. OWC Power2U Smart Wall Socket
The Newer Technology Power2U AC/USB wall outlet combines traditional electrical sockets with four, high-powered USB 3.0/2.0 ports, while eliminating the unsightly clutter created by multiple cables and bulky power adapters. The energy-efficient, in-wall solution senses when devices are fully charged and automatically cuts power to them. Spring-loaded safety shutters turn power off to the USB ports when cables are removed. (Price: US$20)
11. Quirky MilkMaid
The MilkMaid is a crowd-funded smart milk jug that users can remotely access via a free iPhone app. The glass jug plugs into a smart base, which remains in your fridge. MilkMaid can detect if your milk is spoiled, or how soon it may spoil, using pH sensors. A weight sensor in the base alerts you to how much milk remains, and a temperature sensor warns when milk is left out of the fridge for too long. Pricing should be announced in June.
12. TappyTaps Baby Monitor 3G
Let your iPhone or iPad baby-sit your infants. The US$3.99 Baby Monitor 3G app works with a pair of iOS devices. Place one iPhone or iPad in the baby’s room, while the parents keep the second. You can get real-time video monitoring if both Baby and Parent stations are on same Wi-Fi network. Parents can listen to their babies and even talk to them via Wi-Fi or a 3G/4G connection. With the parent’s station in sleep mode, any noise in the baby’s room sends a vibration alert. Even with an actual baby sitter on duty, parents can still see and hear their child from wherever they are. (Price: US$3.99)
13. Withings Wireless Scale WS-30
Get accurate weight, body fat and BMI readings on your iPhone or iPad with each new reading automatically uploaded to your personal weight chart. The Withings Wireless Scale WS-30 lets you sync either via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and it will individually keep tabs on multiple household users. You can upload data to dozens of partner fitness apps, such as Fitbit and Lose It!, to keep track of your weight progress and help match your preset fitness goals. Check how you are doing from a mobile device or computer with your online Withings account. (Price: US$99)
14. Lowe's Iris Smart Kit
Lowe's Iris Smart Kit lets users remotely monitor and manage their homes from their Android or iOS devices. You can keep tabs on energy costs, as well as use the cloud-based system to control everything from home appliances to lawn sprinklers. The kit even lets you open and close Fido’s pet door. (Price: Starting at US$179)
15. DoorBot
Wouldn't it be nice if you could see who is at the door just by looking down at your smartphone or tablet? The DoorBot lets you do just that by streaming live audio and video to your mobile device. You can also chat with whomever is at the door - perfect when you're tied up and need to buy a few extra seconds. Crowd-funded by Christie Street (a Kickstarter competitor), the DoorBot can also come in handy when you're at work or on vacation. You could tell the delivery guy to leave that package or tell him when you'll be back. Even though it uses Wi-Fi; four AA batteries should last you a year. Available in July. (Price: Starting at US$169)
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