If you’re like most people, you probably have a few devices in your home that you’d like to be able to control with your voice or your smartphone. Maybe you’ve got a Nest thermostat, some Philips Hue lightbulbs, or a Belkin Wemo switch. Or maybe you’re thinking about getting into the smart home game and want to know what’s involved.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about setting up a smart home, from choosing the right devices to installing them and connecting them to your network. By the end, you’ll be able to control your entire home with just a few taps on your phone.
how to make a smart home
So let’s get started!
Choosing the right devices for your smart home
The first step in setting up a smart home is choosing the right devices. There are a lot of different devices out there, and it can be tough to know which ones are right for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for smart home devices:
- Choose devices that offer the features you want. Do you want to be able to control your lights with your voice? Then you’ll need a device that has voice control built in, like the Amazon Echo or the Google Home. Or maybe you want to be able to see who’s at your door without getting up off the couch. In that case, you’ll need a doorbell camera like the Ring Video Doorbell.
- Think about how you’ll use each device. Some devices, like the Amazon Echo, can be used for a lot of different things. But others, like the Philips Hue lightbulbs, are designed for a specific purpose. Before you buy a device, think about how you’ll use it and make sure it offers the features you want.
- Consider your budget. Smart home devices can range in price from around $30 to $200 or more. So before you start shopping, figure out how much you’re willing to spend on each device.
- Check compatibility. Not all devices are compatible with all platforms. For example, the Philips Hue lightbulbs work with Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s Assistant, and Apple’s HomeKit, but they don’t work with Microsoft’s Cortana. So if you’re using a specific platform (like Alexa or Cortana), make sure the devices you’re considering are compatible with it.
- Read reviews. Before you buy any device, it’s a good idea to read reviews from other people who have used it. That way, you can get an idea of what other people think about the quality of the device and how easy it is to use.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’re ready to start shopping for smart home devices! Here are a few of our favorite devices to get you started:
Amazon Echo: The Echo is a popular voice-controlled device that can be used for a variety of purposes, from playing music to controlling your smart home devices. It’s compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms, and it’s relatively affordable at around $100.
Google Home: The Google Home is similar to the Echo, but it uses Google’s Assistant instead of Amazon’s Alexa. It’s compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms, and it offers some features that the Echo doesn’t, like the ability to recognize multiple voices. It’s also a bit more expensive, at around $130.
Philips Hue Lightbulbs: These popular smart lightbulbs can be controlled with your voice, your smartphone, or a variety of other devices. They’re relatively affordable at around $15 per bulb, and they offer a wide range of features, like the ability to change colors and set timers.
Ring Video Doorbell: This doorbell camera lets you see who’s at your door from anywhere in the world. It’s easy to install, and it offers some handy features, like motion detection and two-way audio.
