Smart technology has allowed us to connect our home and our possessions to our phones. Using an app, you can control these elements remotely and get insights to unique data. This can have all kinds of benefits.
There are smart versions of pretty much everything nowadays – including some rather ridiculous smart devices. Which types of smart technology are actually useful? Below , a contributor shares 20 types of smart tech that are actually worth connecting to your phone.
TV
Smart TVs can cut out the need to buy a separate streaming device and can allow you to record programs or even stream shows from your phone – useful for when you’re away from home.
Watch
Smartwatches are typically used to track fitness stats like steps and heart rate, which you can view on the watch or on your phone. However, you can also link them up to your phone to receive texts, calls, social media messages and emails.
Consoles
You can also link up modern consoles to your phone, allowing you to download games to your console using your phone, or – in some cases – even play games on your phone.
Speakers
Smart speakers can be used to not only play streamed music from your phone but also independently search for songs online or even search information on Google via voice command.
Headphones
Just like speakers, there are smart headphones that you can buy to connect to your phone and carry out other tasks via voice command.
Car
Many modern cars can also be linked up to one’s phone. Beyond taking bluetooth calls in your car, this could allow you to keep track of various car metrics like mileage and routes on your phone. You can even use this technology to track your car if it gets stolen or you lose it in a car park.
Doorbell
Smart doorbells can alert your phone when someone rings them. They’re also fitted with cameras so that you can see who is at your door, plus you can communicate with them via a voice intercom (useful for accepting packages when not at home).
HVAC
Controlling your thermostat remotely from your phone could allow you to turn the heating on before you get home or adjust the air con from your bed without having to get up. You can also use apps to keep track of how much energy you’re using.
Lighting
Being able to control lighting remotely from your phone could be useful if you have mobility issues, preventing you from having to get up and hit a switch.
Sockets
Smart sockets can have a similar purpose. They can also be useful for remotely cutting off electricity to hard-to-reach sockets where it may be difficult to take out plugs manually.
Shutters
Smart shutters could allow you to let in light through your windows without having to get out of bed. They can be particularly useful for hard-to-reach windows.
Sprinklers
Using your phone, you can keep your lawn regularly watered by setting your sprinklers to go off at certain times. Smart sprinklers may even be able to take readings of soil or use weather reports to determine when to automatically come on.
Burglar alarm
Linking up a burglar alarm to your phone could allow you to stay alerted if someone breaks into your home when you’re not there. Some of these alarms also have integrated cameras that you can view using your phone.
Door locks
Smart locks are locks that can only be opened using your phone. Such locks cannot be picked, providing added security to your home.
Coffee machine
Start brewing a coffee while you’re still in bed using a smart coffee machine. Some machines even have brew settings that you can adjust using an app.
Washer/dryer
Washer/dryers can wash and dry your clothes all-in-one. A smart washer dryer can allow you to control spin cycles and conserve energy.
Hearing aid
Smartphone hearing aid pairing could be useful if you have hearing loss, allowing you to adjust settings on your hearing aid to match the environment.
Robot vacuum
There are also robot vacuums that you can control and monitor using your phone. Make vacuuming easier by operating the entire process from your couch.
Pet collars
Smart pet collars can allow you to track your pets via GPS. If your cat likes to go on walkabouts for days at a time, this collar could allow you to see exactly what they’re getting up to.
Other people’s phones
Finally, you can link up your phone to other people’s phones to share information. This could include GPS tracking or even the ability to share photos from one another’s camera roll.