The smart home devices for 2016 offer more than comfort and energy savings. Smart lights, thermostats and Co. make our lives easier because they can be controlled by further via app and WLAN connection. In addition, intelligent technology does not necessarily have to be expensive and difficult to install. We have a few examples today - the 10 best 2016 smart home devices from various manufacturers including Amazon, Belkin, Philips, Nest, Ecobee3, August and Skybell.
Amazon Echo
Amazon Echo can be ordered from the USA (Amazon.com) and have it delivered to Germany. The device will most likely appear on the German side (Amazon.de) this autumn. The functions of Amazon Echo are numerous: Echo connects the Internet via WLAN and reads Wikipedia entries, plays music by voice commands and even has a shopping function. The device can be operated so quickly via the app.
Amazon Echo Dot as a cheaper variant
The other Amazon model is much cheaper compared to Echo and is called Echo Dot. The device has no display, has only a microphone and a simple loudspeaker. If you want to listen to music, it is advisable to join additional speakers.
Unfortunately, this device is not yet available in Germany. Another disadvantage is that you have to be a Prime member of Amazon and your voice has to be used by Amazon Fire TV or Amazon app to order Echo Dot. In other words, you cannot go to the website, put the product in the shopping cart and just go to the till.
Automation by IFTTT with Belkin Wemo Switch + Motion
A few months ago there was another smart home device on the German market - the Belkin Wemo Switch + Motion was released. The set contains a socket and a motion detector. When someone comes home, the device recognizes the movement and it can also be saved and evaluated. The goal is to record movements within a radius of around 3 meters and to automatically illuminate dark corners in the house.
Thanks to the IFTTT function (if this, then that = if this, then) you can set the socket so that it automatically switches on the light after sunset or switches off the lighting every day at 11 p.m. Unfortunately, the Belkin Wemo Switch + Motion can only perform simple tasks and does not right with the complicated tasks, such as light exchange, if the motion detector has no movement for 2 hours.
Philips Hue Wireless Dimming Kit reduces energy costs
You can easily install and use the Philips Hue Wireless Dimming Kit in your apartment. You can connect up to ten Philips Hue Lampen to the switch and in this way regulate several lights using the dimmer at the same time.
The magnetic dim switch is battery operated and individually placed, so that you can either use it as a remote control or wall switch without giving up comfort. You can continue to attach it to the fridge.
Modern nest thermostat for your home
The manufacturer Nest offers an intelligent smart home solution for at home. A smart thermostat that adapts to the temperature preferences of the residents and does not have to be programmed like other gadgets.
If necessary, the temperature can be easily controlled at any time with the smartphone via iOS or Android app, so that according to statistics you can pay up to 20 percent low energy costs with the automated mode.
The Apple Watch Compatible Ecobee3 Thermostat
The Ecobee3 is considered a nest competitor at the smart thermostats. The device controls the temperature intuitively to secure your comfort. Compared to the nest, the Ecobee3 is compatible with the Apple Watch, offers a high level of comfort, a smart design and improved control.
Nest and ecbee3 thermostats are in competition with the smart home devices
With 32 sensors and Wi-Fi connection, the device is perfect for larger rooms or offices without losing control. Both gadgets have advantages regarding energy savings, but Nest is more well known as an ecbee as a brand for end consumers.
August Smartkock Homekit - Connect Castle with WLAN
August Smartkock Homekit is the next gadget of the smart home devices that we have prepared. In addition to the WLAN Castle, the company offers a keypad that can be used on the other side of the door to open it with the help of a code instead of a key. Alternatively, you can control the door by August app.
Everyone who owns an Apple iPhone are able to open the front door by voice command. You get push notifications from the app while the camera ensures extra control. An essential disadvantage can be seen in the fact that you can currently only pre -order the castle in the USA.
WLAN and camera at Skybell door bell
The skybell doorbell is equipped with WLAN and camera and is one of the most intelligent smart home devices of 2016. Thanks to the motion sensor, you can find out every time someone is at the door, regardless of whether they have already ringed or not yet. In the absence, this gadget is particularly useful.
Data and images are quickly transmitted on your smartphone via the iOS and Android app. Skybell doorbell takes up videos and news from visitors via WLAN. With this smart device you never lose control, so it is absolutely recommended for your home.
Ismart alarm system as a safety system
Smartphone and app control can be found more and more in alarm systems today. This modern wireless ISMART alarm system serves as a safety and surveillance system and can be installed easily and quickly into every apartment.
The functions are easy to use with 4 buttons: turn it on, homemodus and panic button. The alarm system reacts quickly and sends notifications via livestream directly to you. Currently only in the USA and Canada and unfortunately not yet to be bought in Germany.
Smart light in a few seconds with switchmate
Switchmate always recognizes when you are at home and automatically turns on the light in a few seconds. The financial resources for this project were collected by a campaign on the Indiegogo website.
If you have this device, you can control the lighting via the smartphone at any time. Switchmate is modern and it seems that someone stayed at home at any time. In addition, you don't have to get up to switch off the lighting.
