Where interior design is concerned, creating a home with a particular style that “speaks to you” is every design-savvy homeowner’s dream. But what if your home could, quite literally, talk to you? Inspired by the success of internet-enabled smart speakers like the Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant that provide hands-free help around the home, the latest releases of home appliances are certainly doing much more than just sitting pretty, and this is especially evident in the living room.
Home hubs like the Google Home offer the management of all smart home devices from one connected interface. Instead of using the traditional wall switch, you can ask the Google Assistant to turn on the lights as you enter each room – a nifty trick for when your hands are full from carrying shopping bags.
There’s no denying that smart home automation enables homeowners to now tap into high-tech functionality and luxury that wasn’t possible in the past. And as automation continues to develop, so will the effectiveness of appliances, which will in turn help in making our home life that much more easier and enjoyable.
Here are 5 smart devices for the living room to get you started on home automation.
Klipsch Three wireless speaker
A smart speaker is the hub of any good smart home, and the Klipsch Three wireless speaker combines the best of form and function with top-notch acoustics and built-in smart functionality. With Google Assistant at your disposal, not only will you be able to play music and audiobooks easily from your favourite streaming apps, but you’ll also be able to control your home with voice command.
FurniQi wireless charging side table
Messy charging cables equate to a cluttered living space and a cluttered mind but the FurniQi wireless charging side table is here to save the day. Simply place your Qi-enabled devices – which includes iPhone, LG, Samsung and Sony models – on the laser engraved spot and it’ll start charging up without having to be plugged in. And with the option to add an audible notification, the table is easy to use even at night when the lights are off.
LIFX Wi-Fi LED Smart Lights
Another major player in the smart lighting game is LIFX, where its bulbs come in a variety of different shapes and sizes that make it suitable for all areas of the home. Besides automating the bulbs with a simple tap on the accompanying smartphone app, the system’s compatibility with all major voice assistants means that you’ll be able to control temperature and brightness of the bulbs by simply speaking to it.
Samsung Cyclone Force POWERbot
It’s not easy keeping a house clean, but the Samsung Cyclone Force POWERbot can certainly help. Slimmer but more powerful than its predecessors, it cleans difficult-to-reach places effectively and thoroughly. But what’s most impressive is the Intelligent Power Control, allowing the vacuum cleaner to automatically detect the type of flooring it’s cleaning – from hardwood floor to carpets – and change the suction power accordingly.
Google Chromecast
Yes, you could buy a brand new smart TV but why would you when the Google Chromecast is available? Simply plug this into your existing set-up, connect it to your home network, and your existing television will now have all the smart features you desire – including mirroring what’s playing on your smartphone to the TV. And if you have Google Home, you can even use your voice to command Chromecast to play your desired programmes on screen.
This was adapted from an article originally published in the February 2019 issue of SquareRooms
