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Smart homes automate and connect your household appliances, giving you more control than ever before. Everything is typically connected using WiFi, though it can also use radio protocols like ZigBee and Z-Wave. Another new option will be Bluetooth 5, which is said to be a potential technology for connecting smart home tech. With devices connected to the Internet, you can setup:

• Control, for adjusting the thermostat from anywhere
• Home automation based on schedules, motion, temperature, and more
• Voice control using Alexa, Google Home, Siri, and others

Smart home technology is on the rise. Currently, 32.5% of homes have some smart home gadgets, with projected growth up to 60.7% by 2021 (source). But even with its rapid growth, many people are wondering if they really need to connect basic household objects like light bulbs to the Internet. But imagine life a few years ago before smart televisions. If you wanted to watch YouTube, you had to plug in an HDMI cable from your laptop. Now, it’s so much more convenient to pull up Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, music apps, and more all directly on the TV using its apps. Eventually, smart home technology will become as normal as smart TVs are. While there are certainly pointless gadgets out there claiming to be smart, some smart home technology definitely has value. A smart home can save you money: for example, smart thermostats reduce your energy consumption. Upgrading to a smarter home also makes it more secure, with connected lights and security cameras that can light up and record on motion to capture footage of intruders. In addition, smart home technology may increase the resale value of your home. lifx pink light Beyond all of that, if you are a techie or want to make your house look impressive, then smart home tech is fun. But, warning: it can get addicting

Begin by looking around your home and noticing the little annoyances that you wish could be automated. If you’re constantly adjusting the thermostat, you probably need a smart thermostat. If you accidentally leave the lights on, then check out smart light bulbs. Concerned about securing your home from a break-in? Smart security cameras are the way to go. After you pick a smart home device, you’ll want to research other home tech you will want to buy, to see if the gadgets are compatible with one another.