Always wanted to switch off the lights in your home without having to physically get up from your comfy bed? Or better yet, wish you could switch on the aircon while you’re minutes from reaching home so it’ll get nice and cool by the time you get back? With help from these nifty gadgets, controlling appliances can be effortlessly done through an app or voice control. Here’s what should be in your shopping cart next time you’re browsing for appliances.
1. Smart vacuum
Vacuum cleaners you need to manually lug around are so yesterday. Let it roam around your home while you’re away, you can even control where it goes remotely from an app. Perfect for those of us with busy lifestyles, a smart vacuum cleaner like the ECOVACS Deebot N79 allows you to set it and forget it, giving you the luxury of spotless floors when you come home. The only downside is that it needs to be charged, but that’s a small price to pay for effortless cleaning.
2. Smart wi-fi plug

Beginner to smart home appliances? Kick-start your appetite for automated appliances by simply installing a smart wi-fi plug such as the TP-Link HS100 ($34). The plug can automate or turn any average appliance ‘smart’ by pairing with an app which allows you to turn it off and on no matter where you are. It also responds to voice control, similar to the Google Home. On top of that, it even has a security feature that will periodically switch on certain appliances in your home to simulate a lived-in house to deter potential home break-ins. Kiss those paranoia-filled days of worrying whether you’ve left something on at home goodbye.
3. Smart bulbs
How many lightbulbs does it take to shine 16 million colours? Thanks to smart bulbs such as the futuristic Phillips Hue series, it takes just one. Able to sync with the entertainment system in your home, the high-tech lights lets you change the ambiance of your home depending on your mood, the movie you’re watching, the scenery in your favourite holiday snapshot, the time of day – there’s also a setting that puts you to sleep and wakes you up gently by simulating sunset and sunrise.
Who says you need to splurge on a Tesla to experience smart tech? With the advent of smart home appliances, you can get the job done without the manual labour necessary – giving you more time and peace of mind to get you through your day. Thanks, technology!
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