If you have not given much thought to the concept of a smart home, it’s probably time you did. Smart home gadgets go a long way in simplifying your everyday life. The gadgets covered in this post are useful, affordable, and easy to install.

The functionality of the devices is the key to determining which brand, model, or ecosystem is right for you. I decided to go with the Google ecosystem of smart home gadgets, which has worked well for me so far.

So, here are ten smart home gadgets that you can actually use.

Virtual Assistant

As smart home gadgets go, a virtual assistant is the first one on my list.

Besides being the go-to source for answers, I use the Google Assistant a few times a day to control all the smart gadgets in my house. Whether you use Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or one of the other ones, the convenience factor is undeniable.

Investing in a home controller such as the Google Nest Max Hub is an option. However, the Google Assistant App on my phone does the job without the additional cost.

Wi-Fi Mesh Router

A robust Wi-Fi infrastructure is the backbone of your smart home. The ability for your devices to communicate through the Wi-Fi network is fundamental to keeping your home smart. With the dual-mode (2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz bands) active, my Google Wifi auto-detects the appropriate band to connect to the smart devices in my home.

The right router for your smart home is one that can function in dual-mode.

Smart TV

It’s fair to say that TVs have transformed into smart computers. Native Internet connectivity, multi-media apps, and an ecosystem of peripheral partners come with most smart TVs making them a home’s entertainment hub.

Many smart TVs come with proprietary software that does more than entertaining. For instance, Samsung Smart Things can act as a connectivity hub for a wide range of connected devices in your home.

Digital Media Player

Digital media players such as Google Chromecast, Apple TV, and others play a significant part in playing content from your PC or your mobile device on a TV. Since I did not need another remote, I settled for Google Chromecast.

Chromecast connects directly to the HDMI port of your TV. It can also be set up to work through your home theater system to leverage what you already have in place.

Wi-Fi-enabled music streaming device

Chromecast Audio is for music lovers. Unlike Bluetooth-connected multi-room speakers, Chromecast Audio connects over a Wi-Fi network. The device converts dumb speakers to smart speakers and allows you to create an inexpensive multi-room audio system than can be controlled through an app on your phone. The ability to move music from one speaker system to another, without getting up from your seat, is a feature that comes in handy.

Google has discontinued the production of Chromecast Audio. You may have to source one through the likes of eBay or find an alternative audio streaming device.

Smart Thermostat

Until I got the Nest Learning Thermostat, I wasn’t sold on its benefits.

Now that I have had it for a while, it is high up on my list of useful smart home devices. When you live in a country where the weather changes on an intra-day basis, the ability to change the temperature setting without leaving the comfort of your bed is a boon. You can set up weekly schedules or let Google Nest “self-learn” your temperature preferences and auto-adjust without manual intervention.

The thermostat automatically switches to eco mode to save energy while you are away.

Smart Phone

Technically, a smartphone is not a smart home device. However, my Pixel 4 hosts the Google Assistant app, which is my version of a smart home hub. Every smart device in the home can be controlled through the app’s interface or voice commands. Irrespective of the platform choices you make, companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon offer an ecosystem of peripheral products certified to “work with” their smart home hub applications. instructions.

Smart plugs

The best thing about smart plugs is that they are plug-and-play.

If you have electrical outlets in hard-to-reach places, smart plugs are the answer for you. Controllable through the app or voice commands, smart plugs have become an integral part of a smart home. If you plan to pick up one, it may make sense to get one that is compatible with Google, Amazon, and Apple to make sure that any platform changes that you make in the future will not impact your smart home setup.

Smart bulbs

Smart bulbs incorporate the “smarts” directly into the bulb. While premium smart bulb products such as Philips Hue require a bridge for them to work, many smart bulbs connect directly to your Wi-Fi and can be controlled through an app or your voice. A smart bulb attached to the right light fixture can add many effects to your room at a minimal cost.

Smart bulb prices have dropped significantly. You can read more on smart bulbs here.

Robot Vacuum

A robot vacuum such as the Roomba is one of the more expensive components of a smart home.

I leave the weekly cleanup of the floor of my apartment to the Roomba. With a single charge lasting about ninety minutes, Roomba’s ability to automatically re-dock and recharge ensures that manual intervention is not needed to complete a two-hour job.

It’s a good idea to do your research to ensure that a robot vacuum is right for you. I have had to make my house Roomba-friendly by replacing my dark area rug with one a little lighter.

There you have it.

A smart home is not about gadgetry. It’s about how technology can offload mundane everyday tasks from your plate.