⚡ Get All Content for 20% Off ⚡

Make Your Home the Smartest on the Block With Connected Gear The science fiction fantasy we've all dreamed of is just an app push away these days with these three devices.

By Andrew Medal

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Smart Things

I'm totally obsessed with IoT, connectivity and automation. I've always envisioned a dream home that is awakened or shut down by my physical or digital presence. I want music to play as I enter a room, lights to change hues based on time of day and to be able to control every aspect with the push of an app.

Related: 15 Tools to Create Automation in Your Small Business

This vision used to be a farfetched science fiction fantasy -- but, not anymore. Today's applications paired with smart devices has made this an actual reality.

Here's what I mean:

1. Yonomi

Yonomi connects with your home's smart devices and allows you to control them from one central hub on your smartphone or tablet. With support for dozens of devices, ranging from wireless speakers and security systems to smart light bulbs and even crockpots, Yonomi prides itself on being one of the few home automation services that doesn't require the purchase of a central "hub" or physical syncing device. Some of the more popular brands with which Yonomi is compatible include:

  • Phillips

  • GE

  • Belkin

  • Nest

Yonomi also adds new brands and products to the mix as they become available. Some features you can enjoy using Yonomi include automatically pausing your music when you receive a phone call and dimming the lights in your den when you start a movie. This intuitive platform allows your connected devices to interact in ways that make your time at home more enjoyable.

Related: Suck at Writing Headlines? These 10 Online Tools Will Help.

2. IFTTT

IFTTT (short for "If This Then That") is a unique, customizable service that lets users automate tasks within their homes. All of IFTTT's features can be accessed and used directly from their website, although they also have a free app that's worth downloading if you're planning on using IFTTT's notification features.

For example, if you have a FitBit and want to be reminded to hit your step goal each day, the IFTTT app can send you a notification if you haven't reached your goal by a certain time.

One aspect of IFTTT that sets it apart from others is the ability for users to create "if, then" recipes based on their compatible devices. For instance, using your phone's built-in GPS, you can set an "if, then" recipe that tells your Phillips Hue lights to shut off when you leave the house and turn them back on when you arrive home for the day.

You can designate similar commands, such as having your thermostat automatically go into "away" mode to save you money when you leave the house. IFTTT provides ample customization options not just for smart home products, but for other wireless-capable devices as well (such as fitness trackers).

3. Smart Things

If you're looking for a system that's specifically focused on home automation, Smart Things by Samsung is probably your best option. Available as an app download in the Google Play Store, Apple Store, and WIndows Store, Smart Things allows you to control your home's smart devices and keep track of what's going on at home -- even when you're away.

Specifically, the app lets you set "rules" for when you wake up, go to bed, leave home and arrive back at home. For example, when you tap the "awake" button upon getting out of bed in the morning, your smart speakers may begin playing your favorite music and your connected coffee maker may start brewing a fresh pot.

With Smart Things, you must purchase a central "hub" that connects to your home's Wi-Fi in addition to your smart devices. This hub will then sync with the Smart Things app and alow you to stay connected and in control from anywhere. The app download is free, but the Smart Things hub starts at $99. The main selling point for Smart Things (as opposed to the free options) is that it has an extensive list of compatible devices, with brands including:

  • Samsung

  • D-Link

  • Honeywell

  • First Alert

Using Smart Things, you can also beef up security at your home, receiving an alert any time a door or window is opened when you're not home.

Overall, having smart devices in your home can certainly make your life easier in a number of ways. But if you want to make the most of your devices and have them work in unison to save you money, provide added convenience, and maximize your experience as a homeowner, these platforms are all viable options to consider.

Related: 6 Ways Smart Automation Can Maximize Efficiency and Minimize Loss (Infographic)

Ultimately, which choice is best for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and compatible devices. The cool thing is that the science fiction fantasy we've all dreamed of is just an app push away these days...

Andrew Medal

Entrepreneur & Angel Investor

Andrew Medal is the founder of The Paper Chase, which is a bi-weekly newsletter. He is an entrepreneur and angel investor.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Remote Side Hustle a 43-Year-Old Musician Works on for 1 Hour a Day Earns Nearly $3,000 a Month: 'All From the Comfort of Home'

Sam Ziegler wanted to supplement his income as a professional drummer — then his tech skills and desire to help people came together.

Leadership

Former Interrogator Shares 5 Behaviors Liars Exhibit and How to Handle Them

Five deceptive behaviors to look for and how to respond to those behaviors when you encounter them.

Business News

AI Is Impacting Jobs. Here Are the Gigs Affected the Most, According to an Analysis of 5 Million Upwork Postings

The researcher said in the report that freelance jobs were analyzed first because that market will likely see AI's immediate impact.

Business News

Tesla Paid No Federal Income Taxes Over 5 Years, While Paying Top Execs $2.5 Billion, According to a New Report

Between 2018 and 2022, more than 30 companies paid its top five executives more than they paid in federal income taxes.

Money & Finance

How Stock Market Fluctuations Really Impact Your Business (and How to Thrive Amidst Volatility)

The impact of stock market fluctuations is complex and far-reaching. It doesn't just affect individual investors; its ripple effect impacts businesses everywhere. Here's how.