Yes, according to their needs, walk-in tubs are introduced for the reliability and independence of those kinds of people. There are many benefits of using walk-in tubs with showers to use in smart homes. Especially it gives freedom to every person who is sick or cannot use a traditional bathroom. There are numerous options to choose from in the market. Meanwhile, some are good with more advantages, and some are ordinary. We always like to choose extraordinary over regular. The 7 best walk-in tubs with showers are going to be discussed in this article, and you can read our reviews of top-rated tubs below.

Ella Ultimate Acrylic Walk-in Spa Bath Tub

This ultimate bathtub provides every feature that is required by a senior person. This is a complete package of comfort and reliability. There is a dual drain that allows the tub to be filled and emptied easily and quickly. 26 air and water jets are available for the massage of a person’s back sitting in the tub. This feature of these bathtubs cannot be ignored by the people who really need them. Easy-to-use handles are there in the bathing tank, and there is a nicely textured floor for stability.

Moreover, the company provides a lifetime warranty on crucial elements of the tub for the reliability of people. Only wheelchair accessibility is missing in this fantastic walk-in tub because of the narrow entrance. You or your elderly family members can enjoy every other feature of this extraordinary walk-in bath tube due to the high quipped elements available in this bathtub.

On the contrary, if acrylic walk-in bathtubs are expensive for you then you can also consider using inflatable tubs for adults. They are super easy to use and also less risky for people of all ages. You can utilize these free tub user manuals to operate such bathtubs.

Kohler Elevance Rising Wall K-1913-LB Walk-in Tub

Kohler also offers one of the most comfortable and safest walk-in bathtub options for you. This bathtub is designed for a person with limited mobility. This bathtub is wheelchair accessible and perfect for the disabled person who does not want to depend on some caretakers, especially for a bath. The comfortable design of the tub helps you to relax while taking a shower in the tub.

Interestingly, the tub can be filled in 5 minutes and emptied in less than two minutes. The company gives a lifetime warranty on seals, which makes it a more reliable option.

Ariel 3060 Walk-in Bathtub

The Ariel 3060 Walk-in bathtub is one of the most valued tubs because it meets all essential requirements at a very economical price. The safety features of this bathtub make it a better option for disabled people or people with limited mobility.

A low entrance door helps the person to enter the tub quickly and effectively without getting help from anyone else. Grabbing the bar in the tub helps the individual with stability. These basic features of the tub make it the best choice at a cheaper price rate with comfort and safety.

Jetted Jacuzzi Whirlpool Massage Bathtub Spa

It comes with Siena Computerized Steam Shower Sauna and yes, this walk-in bathtub will provide you with more features than any other walk-in tub. The shower is CD and MP3 compatible with comfort and relaxation while taking a bath. You can enjoy foot massage, aromatherapy and rainfall ceiling shower to give you a complete spa feeling.

There are 16 whirlpool massage jets in the walk-in bathtub. This bathtub is a complete package including the spa which provides more comfort and relaxation to the person taking a bath in this bathtub. It comes up with handlebars, emergency alarms and an automatic safety shut-off feature for protection and safety.

Sanctuary Small Shower Enclosure Walk-In Tub

Sanctuary Small Shower Enclosure Walk-In Tub is one of the best walk-in bathtubs because of its durability and long-lasting life. Industrial grade acrylic and stainless steel frame make it more durable as compared to other tubs.

A person with limited mobility can use this walk-in bathtub and also shower while sitting in the tub. The non-slippery floor of this tub is helpful against any kind of physical injury while entering and going out of the washtub. It gives the option to add water jets, air jets and both.

Step-Through Tub-to-Shower Conversion Kit 

This is a kit that is helpful to convert your tub into a useful walk-in bathtub. You do not need to remove your old bathtub to insert it in your bathroom. This is made for people who cannot walk through the traditional tubs.

They can easily use these bathtubs due to the low threshold entrance. You can easily install this kit in your bathroom in a few hours, and it is a very cost-effective option for anyone. You will have to install handlebars for the safety of the person who will use this walk-in tub because there is no pre-existing safety measure.

Safe Step Walk-in Tub

Safe Step Walk-in tub is one of the most comfortable and most reliable walk-in bathtubs because of its design for people who need it. The low step-in helps the people enter the tub comfortably without any kind of help from another person. This feature of the tub helps people to become more independent in their lives. These bathtubs are equipped with hydrotherapy systems to assist in relieving pain, releasing stress and improving mobility.

The extensive lifetime warranty of these bathtubs makes sure about the quality. These walk-in tubs also include hydro-jets and anti-scald technology for providing the right package. People can enjoy bathing reliably without having any kind of issues while taking a shower by using these highly equipped walk-in tubs.

All in all, DigitalCruch tried its best to provide detailed reviews about the best walk-in tubs for its readers to convert their homes into smart spaces to live in. However, if you think we should add more tubs here, then we can share your views by writing to us.

The post 7 Best Walk-In Tubs with Shower for Smart Homes appeared first on DigitalCruch.

Now, all these devices require a network connection to work, meaning they also pose a cybersecurity liability. 

If you’re into gadgets and automation, you should know how to keep your smart home devices safe.

1. Make Sure Your Router Is Set Up Securely

Your router is the central data point that helps you connect all IoT devices to the internet. If it’s set up poorly, you risk letting strangers into your home by allowing them access to your devices. 

First thing’s first – you need to make sure that your router is set up securely, both digitally and physically. Before you even plug it in, make sure that it’s positioned near the center of your home. You don’t have to do a perfect job at this, as long as you don’t put the router in a far corner somewhere.

Now, plug in the cables and access the router’s settings through a computer or a phone. Here, you can access everything your router has to offer. Some settings aren’t essential, but here’s what you must do:

• Pick a unique name for your router – leaving the router model name out in the open may be inviting for hackers.
• Enable encryption for your network – any form of WPA will work, with WPA2 being the best option until WPA3 becomes mainstream.
• Create a complex password – use a mix of lower and upper case letters, special characters, and numbers.

2. Secure Your Main Devices

Having a secure network for your IoT devices means nothing if you neglect cybersecurity on your computer and your phone. Since you control most IoT gadgets from these devices, you should keep them safe and sound. 

A few things to consider: 

• Protect your credentials, especially for apps you use to control your IoT devices
• Use anti-malware software and update it regularly (alongside your OS)
• Use a VPN – encryption will keep you safer on the internet 
• Control the permissions you give to apps. No, your vacuum cleaner app doesn’t need access to your phone’s camera. 

3. Designate a Network for IoT Devices

A properly set-up router will do just fine on its own, but there’s a way to make your IoT devices even safer. We’re talking about a separate network, on the same router, for your smart devices. 

Most modern routers will allow you to create multiple networks, and you can do this as soon as you set up the router. Go to your router settings and create a new network, usually marked as a guest network. Rename it so you know it’s a network for smart home devices, and set a complex password for it. 

Use this network only for your IoT devices, and use a separate network for browsing. This way, if you infect your mobile device or laptop with malware, it won’t spread to all of your IoT devices.

4. Keep Everything Updated

Update notifications may be annoying, but when it comes to smart devices and IoT gadgets, they’re crucial for security. Through firmware and software patches, IoT companies make sure that their products are safe from cyber threats. 

This alone should be reason enough to keep up with updates. If there’s an auto-update option, turn it on. 

5. Try To Stay Within The Same IoT Ecosystem

This is more of a piece of advice than a warning. Smart devices and IoT gadgets work better together if they’re made by the same manufacturer. They sync better and have a similar “vibe” to them. But, most importantly, staying within the same ecosystem lowers the chances of your IoT devices misbehaving. 

You can’t turn back time to buy and match all IoT devices in your home. But you can plan ahead before your next big purchase.

6. Test or Disable The Features You Rarely Use

One of the best things you can do to improve your smart home is to cut down on what you’re not using. Or, if you want to leave yourself with the option to use something again, at least test it every once in a while. 

Let’s say that you bought a smart juicer, used it over the summer, and forgot about it. You should either turn it off entirely or check if it’s working ok every few weeks. If you do decide to leave it on, remember to install updates if there are any.

7. Put Passwords Up Wherever Possible 

Most IoT devices are controlled through an app on your smartphone. This isn’t bad per se, but if your network gets compromised, all of those devices go down with it. 

Password protection won’t be offered as default on all IoT devices. So make sure to check the manual and see if you can turn it on manually. Remember – create a complex and unique password!

8. Stay Informed

If you decided to automate everyday stuff with IoT gadgets and devices, you probably already know this. But, for all the non-tech-savvy people out there, the amount of reading that comes with smart homes can be a bit cumbersome. 

So, try making it a habit (let’s say once a month) to google your devices and smart home systems. Most likely, this process will last a few minutes. However, if some large cybersecurity flaw happens (and it does happen), you can react and prevent all sorts of damage. 

Enjoy Your Smart Home

All in all, if you commit and set up your router and devices carefully, the chances of someone hacking into your smart home come close to zero. The tricky thing about cybersecurity is that there’s not much you can do once an attack has happened.

That’s why it’s important to work on prevention. Nothing big, just set up your router, create a network for your IoT devices, update regularly, and cut out what you’re not using. 

Stay safe and enjoy your cyberpunk home!

The post 8 Ways To Keep Your Smart Home Devices Cyber Safe appeared first on DigitalCruch.

Smart protection is also required to create a smart home. Fireproof safes are helpful to protect your professional documents safely and sound even in case of fire at home. That is the reason that fireproof safes for homes are being used widely in developed countries. You can also protect your paper money by using fireproof safes as a proactive approach for emergency cases of fire at home.

There are numerous fireproof safes available. However, the top 10 best fireproof safes for your homes are listed below with detailed features to help you choose the best safe.

1. Steelwater Fireproof Safe

Temperature  —  Remains undamaged at 1850°F for two hours

Walls  —  2 layers of steel walls and door

Lock  —  Electronic keypad with 4 to 16 digits pin code

Steelwater AMSWEL-530 safe is one of the best fireproof safes for homes. 2 layers of steel walls, and doors remain undamaged at 1850°F for 2 hours. It makes sure that your documents and all other things in the safe will stay safe and sound.

It contains an electronic keypad for lock including 2 locking bolts in the safe. The keypad allows you to set a pin code of 4 to 16 digits which can be much more complex to hack. The slide-out drawer is also available in it to manage all your paper quickly.

2. SentrySafe Fireproof Digital Combination Safe

Temperature  —  Remains undamaged at 1700°F for 1 hour

Dual Lock  —  Electronic pin code with keypad & key lock including 4 locking bolts

Interior  —  Water Resistant, Locking drawer and light inside the safe

SentrySafe SFW123GDC Safe is not only fireproof but also waterproof to keep things safe in case of flood and fire. The lock allows you dual functionality for the locking system, i.e. electronic pin code and key lock. This safe will keep your things safe from fire for 1 hour at 1700°F. There is another drawer inside the safe with a key lock.

3. First Alert Fireproof Safe

Temperature  —  Withstands temperature of 1550°F for 30 minutes

Size  —  Large Size to store large-sized documents and more stuff

Lock  —  Camping Style Latch with key lock and also includes digital media protection

Interior  —  Water Proof when completely submerged

First Alert 2030F Safe is another option to protect your documents, USBs, DVDs and other stuff safe and sound in case of fire and water. The large size safe helps you to put your letter-size documents and more things in it. It includes a key lock for safety and includes digital media protection.

4. Verifi Smart Safe

Security  —  Biometric fingerprint sensor, security key, 3 attempts failure alert

Power Consumption  —  PicoPower technology to extend battery life

Lock  —  Auto-lock system

This fireproof safe is designed with a biometric fingerprint sensor to make it more reliable and secure. There is also a security key for backup. Tempering alerts and other security measures are taken while introducing this safe for the users.

5. SentrySafe Fire Safe Chest

Temperature  —  Withstands temperature of 1550°F for 30 minutes

Lock  —  Simple Key Lock Protection

External Handle  —  Easy carry handle

SentrySafe CHW20221 safe is specially made to keep your documents and other stuff safe from fire. The theft protection capability of this safe is meagre. The safe can bear 1550 degrees Fahrenheit temperature for 30 minutes. It uses a simple key lock for security.

6. FireKing SureSeal Fireproof Safe

Resistance  —  Fire & Water Resistant

Interior  —  Large Space

Warranty  —  Seven Year Warranty

This is another one of the most useful fire-resistant safes for the security and safety of documents inside the safe. It also resists water up to a certain level. The ample space to keep more things inside the safe is very useful for the people.

7. SentrySafe SFW205CWB Fire & Water Proof Safe

Temperature  —  Resists 1700°F of heat for one hour

Interior  —  Wide Space & Water Resistant

Lock  —  Six Live locking bolts

SentrySafe SFW205CWB Safe is another useful option for people to keep their important stuff safe and sound from fire and water. The security measures are taken by using 6 live locking bolts. It can bear 1700 Fahrenheit temperature for a complete hour.

8. SereneLife SLSFE12 Fireproof Safe

Resistance  —  Fire Resistant

Security  —  Dual Bolt Locking Door

Lock  —  Dial Pad Lock & Backup Key

SereneLife SLSFE12 is one of the most secure and reliable safes to protect your belongings from fire with enough security measures. A dual bolt locking door makes it secure with a keypad lock. The lock key can be used as a backup for opening the lock in case of forgetting the pin code.

9. Hollon Fireproof Security Safe

Resistance  —  Fire Resistant at 1850°F for two hours

Security  —  Dial Code Lock System & heavy-duty steel doors and walls

Interior  —  More Space to protect more documents and stuff

Hollon HS-500D is one of the best options to protect your belongings from fire and theft. It can protect your stuff from the fire at 1850 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours. Dial code lock system makes it more secure and reliable for smart protection.

10. Honeywell Fire Resistant Safe

Resistance  —  Fire Resistant

Security  —  Dial Pad Lock System & 2 entry keys

Manageable  —  Easy management of cash and documents in Honeywell Safe

Honeywell Fire Resistant Safe is one of the best options to choose for document security from fire. The Honeywell 6108 security box can be the best option for you to keep your documents and other stuff safe from fire and theft through the dial padlock system.

Final Words

There are thousands of options to protect your documents and other stuff from fire and water. Withal, the above safes provide higher security measures for important documents, USBs, DVDs and other stuff. You can choose any of the above safes to protect your belongings.

We always welcome readers to share their views about the best fireproof safes for homes via our comment section. So, you can share your opinions by commenting below!

The post 10 Best Fireproof Safes for Smart Homes in 2022 appeared first on DigitalCruch.

Identify Entrance Location of Sound

However, before starting the soundproofing process, you must be aware of the exact location of the sound. Yes, you should identify that from where noise is entering into your room. Likewise, it could be windows, walls or even floor. In this way, you would able to decide wisely, which cheap ideas to soundproof your room would work effectively. After proper identification, you can go with some specific soundproofing methods. For example, if the sound is coming from the windows, then furniture replacement, windows covering and air seals would be enough to make your room soundless.

Smart Ideas on How to Soundproof A Room Cheaply

After knowing from where the sound is coming, you can choose relevant ideas on how to soundproof a room cheaply from our list. Here, we go:

Reposition Furniture Strategically

Luckily, to reposition your furniture strategically to make your room soundproof you don’t need money. Yes, you only need to use the furniture that you already own, and with some effort, you can replace it. Rearrangement of furniture wouldn’t only overcome the noise but also has the capacity to absorb the outside noise and vibrations. Withal, you should be aware which furniture piece would work in soundproofing, and it is better to use heavy mass pieces. You can also see our suggestions in this regard:

Full-Wall Bookshelves — The placement of full-wall bookshelves against walls from where noise is coming would be a great idea. It wouldn’t cover the noise entrance area, but the presence of books in the shelve will also absorb the sound because they are sources of sound consuming mass.

Dresser & Wardrobes — Due to dense mass, dresser and wardrobes also have the ability to help you to make your room soundproof. However, they should be installed in the right places.

Tables — On the other hand, if the main entrance of sound is your floor as compared to walls, then tables are the best choices. Especially, heavy tables would assist you to stop echoing.

Use Thick Carpets & Rugs for Floor

If you are living on the ground floor then maybe the floor is not the source of noise in your room. But in case you are a resident of an apartment or even second or third floor in a double or triple storey house then floor matters a lot. Actually, the pipes, neighbours’ TV, and elevators make your home noisy. That’s why the use of thick carpets or even the use of both rugs and carpets give great comfort to stop unwanted noises. Yes, the synthetic fibre and wool which is used to make rugs and carpets have the qualities to absorb sound.

On the contrary, if you are already using carpet but it is not thick enough then you can also use foam under the carpet which is available in the market at very affordable rates. Luckily, the use of carpets wouldn’t only make your room soundless but also help to make the room below your room less noisy.

Use of Blankets

Another cheap or almost free way to soundproof a room is the use of old blankets. Hopefully, many of you have quilts that you don’t use. You just need to hang these blankets in the front of doors and windows. The heavier they are the most noise they will stop. However, it is essential to share with our readers that the instalment or hanging of blankets shouldn’t look messy, and you can decoratively use them. You can also use them instead of curtains.

Use of DIY Soundproof Curtains

On the other hand, if you are not willing to use the blankets, then you should use soundproof curtains. Yes, a variety of soundproof curtains are available in the market and not much expensive. Howbeit, if you don’t want to invest soundproof curtains, then you can make them at home with great ease. The secret behind the soundproof curtains is its multilayer. Therefore, you can make your own multilayer curtain at home with 2 or 3 old sets of curtains. Moreover, you shouldn’t forget you still have the opportunity to hang blankets as soundproof curtains.

Install Weather Stripping for Doors & Windows

Many of construction experts noticed that air space inside doors and windows is the primary source of home noise in many cases. That’s why it is suggested to install weather stripping for doors and windows. First of all, it is important to clarify that weather stripping is very inexpensive and you can install it at your home without any professional help.

This slim rubber tapping wouldn’t only stop the outside sound from entering your room but will also protect you from the severe weather effects and insects’ attacks. It is not a weather stripping, but you can consider it as an airtight, waterproof and soundproof magical stripping.

Use of Window Blockers

Though several kinds of window blockers are available in the market that works very well against the sound but you can also make window blockers at home. You only need a wooden board and rug that fits into your window and install it in the right manner. This window blocker will assist you to absorb outside noise and vibrations. On the other contrary, you can also mount an old blanket on your window and fix it properly with nails if you don’t have enough budget.

Use of Soundproofing Panels

In this steady life, most people think soundproofing panels a perfect solution to soundproof a room or house. They are not much expensive and easy to install against walls. However, if you think you couldn’t afford them, then you should make DIY acoustic panels at home with some effort.

All in all, the core purpose of sharing this article with readers to make them aware of the cheapest soundproofing ideas. However, if you have used other methods to soundproof your room inexpensively, then you can share via comments. We would also love to add more worth reading ideas of cheap soundproofing here.

The post How to Soundproof A Room Cheaply: 7 Smart Ideas appeared first on DigitalCruch.

Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Generation)

If you are looking to purchase smart speakers for your condo, you won’t find anything better than Amazon Echo. Yes, Amazon Echo is one of the best smart home devices, which is essentially a hands-free speaker that you control with your voice. Its Dolby-powered technology delivers on audio as well, with clear 360° audio and outstanding bass deep bass for crystal clear 360° audio.

Ask Alexa to make you happy with a prank, read you the news, the weather outside, or a “how-to” question with clear audio commands. When paired with your music streaming service, Alexa can play you your favourite songs or set up a playlist for you. You might be thinking why you absolutely need the Amazon Echo Dot while you are already supervising your smart home devices via smartphone?

With Amazon Echo set up as your central smart hub, you can literally control everything from turning off the lights at night to unlocking at the door when you arrive home. It also has a four-microphone array which can hear you over things such as loud music or the cooker hood going full pelt in the kitchen. Possessing over 50,000 skills, you can keep discovering new skills that will help you with everyday tasks.

Philips Hue Hub

Don’t you hate coming home to pitch darkness, fumbling blindly for the lights, with your hands full of grocery? This is why you need to switch to smart HD lights. They make sure you are never left in the lurch since they can be activated via your voice commands to Alexa. Even better, if you roughly know what time you will be back home, you can set the timer to have the lights switched on before you reach home. Moreover, you can dim or brighten the lights via voice commands instead of having to walk up to the switches or set a timer to have the lights turn off automatically after you sleep.

The best part: Philips hue bulbs are great for creating moods and scenes for spaces, as well as setting lighting schedules. This is really convenient to use handy when you are willing to unwind or relax or set the mood for a party.

Google Nest Hub Max

If you are willing to see either your smart speaker got your instructions in the right manner, then Google Nest Hub is the option to see them. Though Amazon has also launched Echo Show but Google Nest Hub Max will totally transform your experience of turning audio into visualization. It also has a camera on the top, and many households take it as a security concern. However, Google is trying its best to overcome such security issues by providing them with 100% privacy.

Ring Video Doorbell

As someone who’s always on the go, you would really appreciate the Ring Video Doorbell. It pairs easily with your wi-fi to allow you to answer the door remotely. Its built-in microphone lets you communicate with visitors via the built-in microphone. The smart doorbell sends you an alert as soon as someone rings your doorbell or it detects motion. This comes in handy when it comes to detecting unexpected activity or keeping tabs on deliveries.

The best thing about the Ring doorbell is that it streams video in 720HD, letting you see who’s outside your door clearly. Even when it gets dark outside, you can enjoy crystal clear vision with infra-red vision. If you travel a lot or leave your house unattended quite often, you can quickly check in on your home with the remote access ability.

Nest Thermostat

After leaving the house, did you forget to turn off the thermostat? If yes then, Nest Thermostat is one of the most amazing devices that lets you control your home temperature via a voice assistant or your phone. Simply uttering a command such as “Alexa, turn down the heat”, would turn down the thermostat, helping you save energy and money splurged on electricity bills. Simply fire up the app and adjust the settings to the right temperatures.

On your way back home, you can turn up the heat remotely, so that you don’t come home to a bleak, frigidly cold space. According to an expert of Toronto Condo Team which deals in sale and rent for condos in Toronto, “what we like best about this cool new thermostat is that its easy-to-read display shows a leaf icon when you set your temperature on an energy-efficient setting. For condos especially, it can mean relief sign for residents.”

Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller

Do you usually ask your neighbours or friends to water your plants when you are away? And doesn’t the news of a sudden heatwave back at home give you a mini heart attack? Well, with Eve’s clever tap attachment, you never have to worry about your plants back at home. With it in place, you can schedule the tap to turn on at a specific time every day and for a pre-defined duration. Similarly, you can control the duration whenever you want, no matter where you are, directly with your phone app. This discreet works smoothly to make sure you come home to a flawless garden.

August Smart Lock Pro

Do you want a smart lock that connects your phone via Bluetooth? Or letting you assign and revoke virtual keys to anyone? Or at any time, be it your housekeeper or your neighbour, from wherever you are, at no extra charge? Well, the August smart lock pro is your answer. Not to mention, it is a breeze to install, even for an amateur. No need to replace the lock mechanism itself. Yes, the device just fits over the internal thumb latch of your existing deadlock, so you can continue to use your physical key as well. Not only can you access the lock from anywhere, but you can also connect to Siri, Google Assistant or Alexa.

iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum

Whether you live in a spacious single-family home or a tiny condo, cleaning your home can feel like a drag. What if you can clean your floors with the swish of a wand or more realistically, through voice command with a Wi-Fi cp iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum. Oh, and the best part; you don’t need to be home to oversee the cleaning. You can schedule your vacuum beforehand, and it will alert you when the job is done.

The robot cleaner recharges automatically and can work for up to 75 hours straight tirelessly. It features a 3-stage cleaning system, the high-functioning filter captures a vast majority of dust, pollen, and allergens. You can easily control the vacuum with your voice since it is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Sleep Number’s 360 Smart Bed

Technology has given us many ways to track our sleep. Yes, it assists smartwatches to fitness trackers and wrist bands, but what can measure your quality of sleep better than your mattress itself? There is where Sleep Number smart bed comes into play. With biometric sensors, this mattress not only tells you how you slept last night. It also tries to learn how to improve your sleep quality by viewing your health metrics and sleep trends. Don’t be alarmed at its price tag though. It may be a hefty investment, but it is an effective and comfortable way to help you sleep better.

The Wemo Mini Smart Plug

This smart plug permits you to control your household appliances from your tablet or smartphone. By connecting to your existing home WiFi network, the device gives you charge of all electronics at your home, such as fans, heaters, lamps, and much more. In this regard, you have to plug all of your electric connection with your smart plug. Worried that you might have left the lights on at home? Tap into your phone, fire up the free Wemo app, and simply switch them off remotely, no matter where you are.

In short, DigitalCruch tried its best to provide you with some of the best smart home devices to improve your living experience. However, if you think we should add more options here, then you are welcome to come with your suggestions by contacting us. We would like to add fantastic smart home devices on our list. You can also share your experiences about smart home devices by commenting below!

The post 10 Smart Home Devices to Turn Condo into a Futuristic Hub appeared first on DigitalCruch.

What Is Smart Lighting?

Smart lighting is basically lights that you can control from either an app or a smart hub. The system lets you change the brightness of the bulbs, and if they’re coloured LEDs, you can switch between colours too. You can also control the lights depending on a chosen activity, whether it’s for movie nights, dinnertime, or even for reading.

Smart light controls aren’t limited to apps and hubs, either. If you have home AI devices like Amazon’s Echo, Apple’s Homekit, or Google Home, then the lights can be controlled via voice commands. Depending on your presets, you can say something like “Alexa, lights on” or “Siri, set the lights for reading” and the smart bulbs will respond to your commands.

The Benefits of Smart Lighting

Besides the convenience of never having to touch a light switch, smart lighting has plenty of other benefits. Here are some of them:

Saves Energy

All smart bulbs come in LED form, which means they consume less power than your traditional bulb. For comparison, a typical smart spotlight bulb consumes around 9.5W, while an incandescent bulb will consume around 60W.

Longer Life Span

The average incandescent bulb has an average lifespan of 750 to 2,000 hours, according to a comparison on Tom’s Guide. On the other hand, LED smart lights can work continuously for about 35,000 to 50,000 hours, and even more when you turn them off when they’re not needed.

Increased Security

Plenty of smart lighting systems offer motion detection as one of their features. As such, they can be programmed to send mobile alerts when there’s unwanted activity happening in your home.

Blink Notification

Smart lights can also notify you when there’s a guest. For instance, if you’re having a party with loud music, it’s possible that you won’t hear the doorbell, much less someone knocking. Smart lights can be programmed to blink if a guest is at the door.

Installing Smart Lighting into Your Homes

Choosing a Smart Bulb

The bulb costs vary depending on the type of smart features you’re looking for. For instance, a Sengled Smart LED bulb by Amazon ($7.99) is one of the best quality, lowest-cost smart bulbs that you can get. Wyze smart bulbs are a bit more expensive ($12), and they’ll work with nearly any AI assistant. On the other hand, if you’re looking for maximum energy efficiency, then Kasa states that their smart bulbs are 80% more efficient than most commercial brands, at a cost of $17 each.

Calculating the Upfront Costs

Smart lights may save you energy, but their upfront costs aren’t so easy on the pockets. Not only do you have to pay for the bulbs, but there are also the costs of switches, wires, and other pieces you need to consider. CNet presents a rough estimate for every part: $60 for (all) switches, $15 for every bulb, and a whopping $1,100 for the actual installation. Of course, you can save money by forgoing the switches if you already have in-house AI. But it’s really not recommended as you won’t be able to control your lights if your internet connection fails.

You can also do your own installations for bulbs (as this part requires no technical knowledge). However, you still need to call a professional to install your switches since it involves tampering with wires.

The Future of Smart Lighting

With all these tech advancements underway, it can seem like we’ve reached the peak of development, but there’s so much more potential to grow. In fact, an article on Medium states that we’re on the verge of a potential future where electricity itself is wireless. If this is true, it will reduce common issues associated with lighting your home, with HomeServe putting loose wire connections as the number 1 light switch issue homeowners often have to deal with. Motion sensors also rely on light to track movement, so Den Garden explains that they tend to face the same faulty wire problems regular lights do. The good news is that smart lighting is the first step toward a truly wireless lighting setup, which will both save time and money in the future.

So at this point, is smart lighting worth buying? The answer is yes, and not just because of lower utility bills. From telling Alexa that you’ll be heading off to bed to set the mood during a dinner date, smart lighting makes every experience much more interesting. Plus, some of them have neat features too, like motion detection. And while more advanced offerings like wireless lights may not be available at the time of writing, ongoing developments assure that they’ll come sooner than you think.

The post Why Your Home Should Make the Switch to Smart Lighting appeared first on DigitalCruch.