13 best home automations
Home automation refers to the use of technology to control and automate various household tasks and functions. This can include lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), security, and more.The aim is to make homes more efficient, convenient, and secure. Here are key components related to home automation:
Hubs and Controllers:
- Smart Hubs: These are central devices that connect and control various smart home devices. Examples include Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Apple HomePod.
- Controllers: These can be smartphones, tablets, or dedicated remote controls that allow users to manage and monitor their smart home systems.
Home Automation Devices:
- Smart Lighting: LED bulbs and switches that can be controlled remotely and programmed to create different lighting scenes.
- Smart Thermostats: Devices that allow for the remote control and automation of heating and cooling systems, optimizing energy usage.
- Smart Locks: Electronic locks that can be controlled and monitored through a mobile app, adding an extra layer of security.
- Smart Cameras: Surveillance cameras with features such as motion detection, live streaming, and cloud storage for video footage.
- Smart Sensors: Devices like motion detectors, door/window sensors, and environmental sensors that trigger actions based on changes in the surroundings.
- Smart Plugs: These allow traditional devices to be controlled remotely by turning them into smart devices.
Electrical Considerations:
- Compatibility: Ensure that the devices you choose are compatible with each other and with your chosen smart home platform.
- Installation: Some devices may require professional installation, especially those involving electrical wiring changes.
- Power Source: Consider the power requirements of devices and whether they need to be plugged in or have a battery.
Tools for Home Improvement:
- Screwdrivers, Drills, and Pliers: Basic tools for installing and mounting devices.
- Voltage Tester: Essential for ensuring electrical safety during installations.
- Wire Strippers: Useful for tasks involving wiring changes.
- Stud Finder: Helps in locating studs behind walls when mounting devices.
Security and Privacy:
- Secure Networks: Ensure that your home network is secure to prevent unauthorized access to your smart devices.
- Privacy Settings: Review and configure privacy settings for each device to control the data they collect and share.
Integration and Compatibility:
- Smart Home Platforms: Devices often work best when integrated into a unified system. Examples include Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa.
- IFTTT (If This Then That): A platform that allows you to create custom automations between different devices and services.
Remember, as technology in this field is continually evolving, it's essential to check for the latest information on specific devices and systems to ensure compatibility and optimal functionality.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best home automations on the market- Easiest way to make your home a smart home: Wirelessly connect and control a huge range of smart devices - over 5,000 are available from dozens of brands - including voice assistants, lights & switches, speakers, cameras, sensors and more
- Automate connected devices: Any device you connect can be included into automations which can be intelligently managed
- Control via app and voice: Monitor and control connected devices, and run automations, using the SmartThings app on Android, iOS, and iPadOS, or voice user interfaces Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Requires an internet-connected Wi-Fi router (available Ethernet port recommended), plus a smart phone or table running the SmartThings app
- Compatibility: certified to work with Google, Alexa, SmartThings, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave Plus, and ZigBee protocols. Not compatible outside of the USA.
User questions & answers
Question: | Is this a cloud-dependent? or local-dependent |
Answer: | This essentially IS a smartthings hub. Whatever you could do that that, you can do with this. I would look into range extenders first, because they are less expensive than adding a second hub. Also, as a mesh network, adding devices extend the network because they act as repeaters. However, adding zwave devices does not extend the zigbee mesh nor visa versa. |
Question: | Does this have the new z wave gen 700 series chip in it |
Answer: | Per an answer on the Apple iPhone forum:"The iPhone will support 24 bit but only up to 48kHz. Unfortunately, Apple is being left behind by other devices that will support 96kHz and 192kHz files." (https://www.apple.com/shop/question/answers/readonly/tag/iphone/does-the-iphone-6-supports-24-bit-192khz-aiff-or-alac-audio/QUFJTHJ7JC9KKKDYJ)This has a direct correlation to the lighting Connection's ability to output at 24bits/192kHz. |
Question: | Is this still a mesh wifi router like the smartthings hub? Can you add more than one to your network to extend the range |
Answer: | The 3.5mm jack version is just a pair of IEMs (in-ear-monitors) with in-line microphone and basic controls and is an analog connection fed from your source’s DAC (digital to analog converter) and powered your source’s amplifier. The Lightning version receives the audio data from the phone in digital format, so it also has to have its own DAC (digital to analog) converter and a signal amplifier to drive the IEMs because it cannot rely on your phone’s/source’s. |
Product features
Works as a smart hub; works as a SmartThings hub
Aeotec Smart Home Hub is compatible with SmartThings and works as a SmartThings hub. It's the central connection responsible for all the intelligence and automation that powers your smart home. You can use it to automate your family’s routines, to wirelessly control a huge range of compatible smart devices, and to remotely monitor and control your home.
Control, monitor, and automate anything connected
Whatever your daily routine, Aeotec Smart Home Hub can help automate it for you and your loved ones.
From the obvious, like lighting, to the obscure, such as an air purifier, thousands of devices can be connected to Smart Home Hub. Anything connected can be automated, controlled, and monitored. You can build automated routines for when you wake up, for when you go to sleep, and different routines for summer and winter. You can also build safety and security automations for when you're not even home, using Smart Home Hub to reduce your home's energy consumption when you're out and to keep your home and family safe whether you're out or abed.
Compatible with over 5,000 smart products
It's the easiest system for building a smart home because it's compatible with so many smart products. Over 5,000 of them. Whether from Aeotec, SmartThings, or a huge range of third-party brands, Aeotec Smart Home Hub supports certified devices which use Zigbee 3.0, Z-Wave Plus, Wi-Fi, and API technologies.
Aeotec Smart Home Hub is compatible with products from brands including
- audio systems from Bose, Samsung, and Sonos
- cameras and doorbells from Aeotec Arlo, Nest, Ring, and more
- door locks from Kwikset, Schlage, Yale, and others
- lighting from Aeotec Cree, Leviton, LIFX, Philips Hue Sylvania, and others
- thermostats from Ecobee, Honeywell, Nest, and others
Visit aeotec.com/smartthings/compatibility/ for a full list of compatible products.
Setup in only 2 steps
Setting up Aeotec Smart Home Hub starts with two easy steps
- Download the SmartThings app for iOS, iPadOS or Android from aeotec.com/smartthings
- Follow the in-app instructions
Works via voice
You can use more than just an app and automations to control your smart home; Aeotec Smart Home Hub is compatible with voice controllers as well.
Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung Bixby, you'll be able to use these voice UIs to control connected devices and intelligent automations.
Product description
LED Lights for Bedroom 100 FT LED Strip Lights
Spice Up Your Room
Add a touch of glam and sophistication to your bedroom or college room with our LED strip lights that will bring life to any room. These decorative strip lights work well alongside the regular lighting setup. You will not need any interior design skills to set up. Let your creativity and intuition guide you as you decorate your room with lights.
Multi-Colored
Our indoor decoration lights are multi-colored and will help you produce any color you would wish to light your room with as decoration. The decorative LED lights use a combination of bulbs to radiate different types of colors that help to make your room an ideal place to be and create the type of mood you would like at a given moment.
100ft
Our 100ft LED strip lights are a revolutionary type of decorative lights. We avail them as two 50ft LED strip lights rolls compared to many traders that avail them as 25ft or 30ft strips. Our 50ft product offering makes it possible for you to decorate your room with more ease.
Music Sync & Phone Control
Our bedroom LED lights offer you added benefits of easy control by linking to your Bluetooth device or remote control that comes in the package. Moreover, we design these music sync strip lights to transition color in sync with any music you play in your room.
Easy Installation
We seek to be all-inclusive in our product offerings. For this reason, our Bluetooth strip lights are easy to install and come with a strong adhesive tape that gives you flexibility on where you can install the lights in your room. The indoor strip lights bedroom decoration also comes with a power adapter for easy connectivity to a power source.
- LED Lights for Bedroom 100 FT LED Strip Lights --- We avail them as two 50ft LED strip lights rolls compared to many traders that avail them as 25ft or 30ft strips. These lights make a perfect fit for any room and will help to give it the much-needed facelift.
- TIMER – These decorative LED strip lights come with a timer that allows you to schedule when to turn them ON or OFF. This feature makes it convenient to control the lights without having to do it each time manually.
- PHONE CONNECTIVITY – The bedroom LED lights also feature a phone connection feature via Bluetooth that makes controlling them easy. Moreover, they also come with remote control for convenient control. The lights also feature a music sync feature that allows them to transition colors corresponding to the music playing.
- EASY TO SET UP – The LED strip lights for bedroom come with adhesive tape that makes lining them up on the wall or onto any other surface easy. Moreover, the lights are available in two 50ft rolls for easy set up.
- CUT & RECONNECT – We design these bedroom LED strip lights to offer you versatility and convenience. You can easily cut and reconnect the strip lights and have them function normally without any problems.
- 【HIGH COMPATIBILITY】: BroadLink Wi-Fi Hub RM4 pro support RF (315MHz & 433MHz) controlled devices such as smart motorized electric curtains/blinds/shades motor, projector and light switch; Support 50,000+ IR controlled devices with full integration such as TV, STB, Air conditioner, Fan, Video Recorder, DVD, and more. Online updated IR library to ensure newer devices are always compatible. Option to program the devices and learn buttons if no available cloud data is matching with.
- 【TV / AC CONTROL】: Voice control your TV with On/Off, Volume control, Change channel by number/name, Switch input, Play, Fast forward, Rewind, Pause, Stop, Previous, Next…Voice control your aircon with On/Off, Temperature, Fan speed, mode…With free easy-to-use BroadLink App for iOS and Android, your mobile phone will be a smart remote, you can remotely control your IR/RF devices no matter you are at home or away.
- 【VOICE CONTROL AND IFTTT】: Works with Alexa or Google Assistant and IFTTT (“BroadLink” skill/service) . Simple setup with Amazon Echo or Google Home speaker to easily voice control your IR devices. Support IFTTT and Apple Siri voice control for more home automations.
- 【FEATURES】: Create multiple timers, scenes and routines as you need to control your Home Infrared/RF appliances. Supports external Temperature and Humidity detection of the room where the device located, which will be displayed in BroadLink App. You can easily set triggers, such as turn on your air conditioner automatically when the temperature rises.
- 【QUALITY & TECH SUPPORT】: Global 24/5 call center support from 6 regions. NOTE: Require a secured 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks. Pls confirm the compatilble radio frequency range before purchasing: 315MHz (range: 305~335MHz) and 433MHz (range: 430~440MHz). Some special curtain motor and ceiling fan may not supportted, you can consult us before purchasing.
Product features
BroadLink IR/RF Universal Remote RM4 pro with Sensor Cable
BroadLink Universal Remote integrates control of your IR/RF appliances in one easy-to-use app "BroadLink". With Alexa or Google Assistant, it gives you hands-free voice control of your devices, like turning on/off your TV or turning up/down the volume via voice command.
All in One
Suffering pains of too many remotes? Add unlimited IR/RF appliances and ditch all your remotes.
TV Control by Voice
Works with Alexa and Google Assistant to control of your IR appliances by just saying "Alexa, turn on TV" or “Alexa, volume down on TV".
TV Control in App
No need to program channels on app. Just choose your location and carrier, the built-in channel list is ready for you! Fully compatible with Alexa voice control.
Schedule Timers
Never miss your favorite football match! Schedule a timer to turn on TV and switch to sports channel - Super easy!
Works with IFTTT
Supports IFTTT to create more fun experiences with other apps and devices. Turn on TV to your favorite channel automatically when Google map detects that you arrive home.
Share Joy with Family
Simply share your device with other family members with limited permissions and let them have fun to enjoy smarter ways of life together.
Preset Scenes
Customize different scenes with one-click option for sleep scene, morning scene, away scene and more.
Temperature & Humidity Detection
Real-time data displayed in BroadLink APP allowed you to check your room temperature and humidity anytime and anywhere.
Download App
Connect your smartphone to your Wi-Fi network (2.4GHz), Download and install the latest “BroadLink” APP, and sign up a BroadLink account.
Add Device
Power up the device and press button until LED indicator intermittently flashing, Tap “add device” and follow the instruction to get the device be connected with your Wi-Fi network.
Add Remote Panel for Appliances
Get into device page and tap “add appliances” to choose a category and a brand. Find the best solution from our library or define your customized remote panel from leaning mode.
- 【HIGH COMPATIBILITY】: BroadLink Wi-Fi smart hub supports 50,000+ IR controlled entertainment and life appliances, such as TV, STB, Video Recorder, DVD, Presenter Remote, Home Theater/Sound Bar/Home Stereo control, Air Conditioner, Fan, etc. Supported IR library is constantly being updated by the cloud to ensure newer devices are always compatible. Option to program the ir remote devices and learn buttons if no available cloud data is matching with.
- 【TV / AC CONTROL】: A helpful smart gadgets for home. Voice control your TV with On/Off, Volume control, Change channel by number/name, Switch input, Play, Fast forward, Rewind, Pause, Stop, Previous, Next…Voice control your aircon with On/Off, Temperature, Fan speed, mode…With free easy-to-use BroadLink App for iOS and Android, your phone will be a smart remote, you can remotely control your IR devices no matter you are at home or away.
- 【VOICE CONTROL AND IFTTT】: Works with Alexa or Google Assistant and IFTTT (“BroadLink” skill/service). An ideal alexa/google home accessories for home. Simple setup with Amazon Echo or Google Nest to easily voice control your IR devices, and more home automation settings can be added by IFTTT. Siri voice control is also available on iPhone.
- 【FEATURES】: Create multiple timers and customized scenes as you need to control your smart home devices. Simple and easy setup to create a smart house for you. It is remote controller for your IR appliances, not for RF control.
- 【QUALITY & TECH SUPPORT】: Global 24/5 call center support from 6 regions. NOTE: Require a secured 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks.
User questions & answers
Question: | Can one rm4 control several devices, like one rm4 controlling 2 tvs and 1 air conditioner |
Answer: | Yes, this IR remote extender can work with Denon AVR. |
Question: | Can this work with ps |
Answer: | The extender IR transmitter side actually attaches with a sticky pad over the component IR receiver. I have not tried it at 90 degrees, but it would have to have a clear line of sight in order to work. |
Question: | Does it work with Alexa |
Answer: | Receiver to control box is 5' long. Control box to transmitters are 10'. |
Question: | Do I need to buy a Echo to make it work |
Answer: | No, it works with any Infrared remote. |
Product features
BroadLink IR Universal Remote RM4 mini
BroadLink IR Universal Remote integrates control of your IR appliances in one easy-to-use app "BroadLink". With Alexa or Google Assistant, it gives you hands-free voice control of your devices, like turning on/off your TV or turning up/down the volume via voice command.
All in One
Suffering pains of too many remotes? Add unlimited IR appliances and ditch all your remotes.
TV Control by Voice
Works with Alexa and Google Assistant to control of your IR appliances by just saying "Alexa, turn on TV" or “Alexa, volume down on TV".
TV Control in App
No need to program channels on app. Just choose your location and carrier, the built-in channel list is ready for you! Fully compatible with Alexa voice control.
Schedules and Timers
Never miss your favorite football match! Schedule a timer to turn on TV and switch to sports channel - Super easy!
Works with IFTTT
Supports IFTTT to create more fun experiences with other apps and devices. Turn on TV to your favorite channel automatically when Google map detects that you arrive home.
Share Joy with Family
Simply share your device with other family members with limited permissions and let them have fun to enjoy smarter ways of life together.
Preset Scenes
Customize different scenes with one-click option for sleep scene, morning scene, away scene and more.
Good Night Sleep
Set your AC schedule to enjoy a temperature-controlled environment and a good night sleep.
Download App
Connect your smartphone to your Wi-Fi network (2.4GHz), Download and install the latest “BroadLink” APP, and sign up a BroadLink account.
Add Device
Power up the device and press button until LED indicator intermittently flashing, Tap “add device” and follow the instruction to get the device be connected with your Wi-Fi network.
Add Remote Panel for Appliances
Get into device page and tap “add appliances” to choose a category and a brand. Find the best solution from our library or define your customized remote panel from leaning mode.
- Wise Choice for Smart Home: Gosund 15 A smart switch is more safe than other 10A switch.The user manual will guide you step by step to setup. The Alexa smart switch comes with screwless snap-on wall plate, neutral wire required, only for 2.4G wifi. Flammability UL94-V0, FCC, ETL certificated, prevent lightning, surges, and spikes.
- Make Home More Smart: Install the wifi switch in your house, you will get a smart home.Sync on and off times to sunrise and sunset, porch lights will greet you when you come home late. Schedule your lights to make it look like you're always home. More smart fouction waiting for your to design.
- Remote Control Anywhere Anytime: Control your lights by your way anywhere anytime on the Alexa light switch. Turn on or off for your lights at anytime with your smart phone on the Gosund App, no matter you are at home, in your office or on your vacation
- Voice Control: Gosund wifi light switch also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. When your hands are full or entering a dark room, just say the commands turn on the light,enjoy the hand-free convenience and stay cozy in bed and turn lights off with your voice
- Start Smart Home with Gosund: Gosund Alexa light switch seamlessly replaces your old wall light switch. Make your home smart with Gosund smart light switch. We try our best to gain customers' satisfication. 7*24 hour online for support.Note: When the updated switch is off, it is designed without led light, you could control it by voice and Apps on smart phone.
Product features
Say Command to Control Light
Romote Control on SmartPhone
15A(Max) Suitable for All Lights
Neutral Wire Must Have
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does it need a neutral line? How could I know whether there is a neutral line?
Yes, it needs a neutral line.
The best way is to check the actual wires in the switch box, the neutral line is often going to be colored white, but it also may be other colors.
If there are multi-gang switches, that has a much higher likelihood of having neutrals.
If there is a wall outlet near the switch, most likely that switch box has a neutral.
If your house was built in the mid-1980s or later, there is an excellent chance that you have neutral lines in the box.
2. What is the difference between the single-pole switch, dimmer switch, and the 3-way switch?
The single-pole switch is designed to turn on/off the light at only 1 place, but could not control the fan speed or light brightness.
The dimmer switch is designed to turn on/off the light at only 1 place, besides, it also could control the fan speed or light brightness.
The 3-way switch is designed to turn on/off the light at 2 places, but could not control the speed and brightness. The 3-way switch also could be used as the single-pole switch.
3.I have a dual wifi router, How could I use it?
The smart switch needs 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi only, not suitable for 5Ghz
If it broadcast only 1 signal, you will need to go to the Wi-Fi management and create a 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi signal first, choose it and enter the password.
If it is broadcasting both signals, the 5G signal will be ignored. You’ll just choose the 2.4Ghz WIFI and enter the password of it.
Note:The wire color of each version is a little different, the name of the wire could easily be found at the wire port. If you meet any questions, feel free to get help from us.
- New Z-Wave 700 radio supports S2 security and SmartStart device inclusion (Model C-7 hub)
User questions & answers
Question: | How many devices will it handle? Is there a page with more detailed specs |
Answer: | Having set up hubs before I would say no. It is very difficult to get even simple rules to work. For instance, you can set up a riles that if a light goes on that you want it shut off immediately but not after 10 minutes. You can easily make it go back on after a delay if it goes off but not the reverse. I seen no reason for wanting that but it is what it says. Fir instance, Lutron Integration. You have to go you your Lutron Bridge and export a list. The find what ID number on it corresponds to what remote or switch the manually enter the ID number and description. The instructions just tell you to export it but not where, etc. It is really exporting nothing. It make a text script which the hub cannot import. You have to print it out and manually enter the information even though they are connected to each other via a local telnet which you must also enable vie the Lutron software. If you did not follow all this the definitely do not get it because this is just the "easy" part. Nothing is intuitive, you also have to use "UPDATE" buttons a lot and hitting the done button makes new rules not appear. You have yo exit to the AppList instead. Suddenly it was there. The "done" button only works when modifying existing rules not to create new ones. You have to create one the exit then you can go back and finish editing it. You have to add tons of Apps most of which you have no clue about. I had to add what was described as a developer App to use the mobile software. Fortunately, after going back to the hub and adding the App. Never do anything else when adding one. Create one later. Juts hit done or ot will not be added. Then I went to the mobile app which ran. I followed the prompts and it went into an endless loop trying to find the hub. I then had to uninstall the mobile App, re-install it, try again using a LAN search option and I was finally connected. The Apps list on the screen adjust to your phones width but not dashboards so you have to know how to use CSS to make dashboards work. Does all this sound like how a novice begins to set up a hub. With Wink 2 I just clicked on things, super easy. Too bad it is now a subscription service. They never made a local app. Hubitat uses a localhost like with a router. Did you get all this? |
Question: | Are there apps for ipad, iphone and apple watch |
Answer: | Quite honestly, this was not a good buy and it is a waste of money. It's just a gimmick. I put them under kitchen cabinets. The lights are starting to dim now and not as bright even when I push the button for more light. Each puck takes 3 aaa batteries and if you use the whole box of pucks do your math on the cost of batteries for the whole year ( 365 days ) to use these gimmicks. And because of that I hope this company does not make any money because you will be spending alot of money on batteries. |
Question: | Does this work with Amazon Alexa |
Answer: | Yes |
Question: | Can this be setup by a novice with no working knowledge of the smart hub? I dont know much about IO but working to learn |
Answer: | You can not use any LED light to grow plants. LEDs have many different industrial applications, so they're not all suited for plant growing. To grow plants successfully using LEDs, you need LED grow lights that emit a specific color spectrum and a sufficient intensity level. |
Product features
This is Home Automation as it Should Be
No cloud, no latency, no delays. Your devices turn on and off when they should.
Reliable
Local processing means your devices and automations work even when your internet is down.
Private
User data stored locally in hub for privacy and security; never sold to third parties.
Built-In Automation Apps
Powerful built-in apps such as Rule Machine, Simple Automation Rules, Mode Manager and Motion Lighting let you build your own unique automations for all of your smart devices. No coding required–but custom coding is also allowed.
Device Compatibility
Works with a wide range of smart devices, including lights, speakers, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smoke/water detectors, locks, thermostats, sensors, and more.
Custom Dashboards
Dashboards can be customized for each room and user for remote monitoring and control of your home.
Mobile App
Free iOS and Android mobile app includes dashboards, presence sensor and management tools.
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