Smart Home Devices

If you’re looking to buy Smart home device, you will notice that the product description and packaging itself displays which home systems it’s compatible with (like you’ll see along the bottom of the boxes in the right hand shot above). While some devices work across different platforms, you’ll have to go through the trouble of setting up the device from its own manufacturer app (the left image shows just one page of the dozens of smart home-related apps on my phone), make an account, and then pair it with each ecosystem of your choice in order to be recognized.

The process is cluttered and especially frustrating when you want to set up automated routines on devices across separate ecosystems. This fragmentation carries down to the way individual devices talk to each other. While your lights may connect to a mesh hub using Zigbee or Z-Wave, a smart plug may rely on WiFi which eats into your bandwidth and slows down network speeds for other devices. Although it’s less popular, some gadgets even function locally over a Bluetooth connection.

Expand your smart home

Lighting

Smart lights let you control your connected lights through your phone or by voice when paired with Alexa. You can create timers and routines to automate your entire smart home lighting setup.

Cameras

Smart cameras let you monitor activity inside and around your home. After connecting your cameras to Alexa, you can view footage on compatible Echo devices. Relax and be confident that you can keep an eye on what’s happening with the Amazon Alexa app, no matter where you are.

Televisions

Smart TVs let you use your voice to open streaming apps, change the channel, adjust the volume, and more when paired with an Alexa enabled device. When you’re done watching, just say, “Alexa”, turn off the TV.”

Thermostats

Heating and cooling costs can really add up. Smart thermostats can help you save energy by adjusting your home’s temperature when you’re away.