Using SMART Devices to Make Your Home Life Easier
(This post is about the experience I had and things I learned at the CTASLC Luncheon put on by Suzanne Kantra, of Techlicious which I attended in SLC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own. You can read my full disclosure here.)
Do you utilize SMART Devices in your home?
A couple days ago I was invited along with other local influencers to a CTA (Consumer Technology Association) luncheon in Sat Lake City. We were invited out to speak with representatives of some of the big companies producing the latest SMART Tech for your home and to see what it is they are offering and how these SMART devices can help busy mom's and dads make their home life easier (and lower their bills!)
We met at the Cafe Molise in Downtown SLC to eat, mingle and learn. The old historic building the cafe is situated had quite the old school charm and the food they provided was delicious. However, the real highlight of the day was checking out all these cool SMART Devices out on the market today. Some I knew about, however many I did not and let me tell you I was blown away. '
So I learned a lot about SMART devices at this luncheon and thought I would share some of the interesting things I learned with you before talking about the actual devices I got to check out at this exciting Tech luncheon.
Studies show that 70% of American's own some sort of SMART technology (not counting cell phone for which the # is 90%). The average American home as 10+ SMART devices. 56% of these SMART users have Audio/video products (think Alexa/Google devices, Smart TVs, and tablets) ....34% have HomeWifiSystems and 33% have Home security systems. Why do soo many American's (more every year) invest in SMART technology? For the simple fact that SMART devices can make life easier and can help lower your bills. Both of which are important to most Americans.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration 6% the average electric bill goes to lighting. And by switching to more energy-efficient LED lightbulbs you can save up to $100 a bulb. Heating (which includes Water heading) accounts for ⅔ of US Home Energy Usage. Also according to the US Energy Information Administration if everyone in America used a SMART Thermostat then America as a whole would save $740 million dollars each year. Why? Well, SMART thermometers help you be more exact in your heat settings (you can even program them to be at specific temps at specific times of the day helping you save money on your heating and air conditioning bills while also making your home more comfortable temp wise.
What about using SMART devices for home security? A Study done at the University of North Carolina showed that just having a visible security camera will deter potential burglars. What about all those kids at home for short or long periods without adult supervision? According to the Wallace Foundation 11.4 million children left without supervision from 3-6PM most days. In these cases have security devices in your home also allows you to conveniently check on your kids while you are out to make sure they are ok, and doing what they are supposed to be doing (you know like their homework...)
Lastly, let's talk about food. Studies done by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have shown that people who frequently cook meals at home eat healthier and consume fewer calories- Most people eat out for convenience. However, Smart Kitchen Devices (think Instapots, Soup Makers etc) make cooking at home a lot quicker making it easier for busy on the go parents to enjoy homecooked meals with their kids.
The Newest SMART Tech for your Home
This list is all the amazing SMART Tech devices showcased at this CTASLC Luncheon I attended a few days ago.
Philips Soup Maker – Enjoy Healthy & Perfectly Textured Soups
This Soup Maker allows you to make healthy and delicious soups in as little as 18 minutes. Just as your ingredients and select one of the 6 preset programs and this soup maker will do the rest. It has a blade as well as hot and cold settings so in addition to soups you can also make your favorite smoothies.
RoomMe - Personalized Automation for Your Smart Home
RoomMe by Intellithingsis is a sensor that works together with your smart home systems to automatically adjust and control all your SMART devices based on who is in the room. Basically you set up a profile on an app on your phone for all your smart devices (from lighting preferences to temp, to music or tv settings...) The Room Me sensors recognize who is in the room by your cell phone and then adjust everything accordingly.
Panasonic Countertop Microwave Oven with FlashXpress Broiler, Genius Sensor Cooking, Popcorn Button and 1000W of Cooking Power - NN-GN68KS – 1.1 cu. ft (Stainless Steel)
C by GE Innovative Smart Home Products
GE has a handful of nifty SMART products for your home. From SMART lights that you can control the brightness as well as the color of to special plug sockets that you can plug non-smart devices into to make them smart. How cool is that?!?
Lutron Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer For Philips Hue Bulbs
Here is another great Light option for you. Team up the Phillips Hue Lights (smart lights that can be dimmed with your phone) with the Lutron dimmer that installs easily and allows you to manually dim your smart lights even when the Wifi is down.
Xfinity Home Security
If you have Xfinity Internet service you can purchase these SMART security cameras that you can hook up to your cell phone and even pull up on your TV. This is great for home security as well as general home monitoring (like checking in on your kids when you aren't home...
I used to look at SMART Devices as cool gadgets but waaay to smart for little ol me. However, now I am rethinking my previous opinions. I can totally see how any of these SMART tech devices could be soo helpful in my home.
We were sent home with a few of these sweet SMART devices to try out and I can't wait! It's Like Christmas came early. Though I am sure after I do use them I will want to convert the rest of my home. (I guess I will be watching those amazon sales to get everything.)
What is your favorite Smart Decive that you use in your home?
