If these is one thing that was very clear from the CES 2019 show in Las Vegas in January, it is that ‘internet of things’ and smarter homes are going to be big this year.
Coming this year sees a lot more of these gadgets integrating into people’s homes. Here is a list of some of the big ones to look out for.
Seriously? A plank of wood
So let’s start with the weirdest gadget at the show, expected in stores some time this year, depending on the success of their kickstarter campaign. A plank of wood.
It’s true. The Mui smart display has a touch sensitive screen, built in Google assistant that can display as text or be read aloud, and all built into the surface of the wood.
It can also display visual data outputs and touch-control functions like a thermostat, clock, weather information, dimmer controls for your lights, text-based messages or slogans, and even a way to access your voicemail.
Check the weather while brushing your teeth
Yes you guessed it. The Smart Mirror is coming from Capstone Connected home. Google-enabled and with both voice and touch screen functionality you can indeed check the weather, stream music, talk to Google Assistant and whatever else you need.
They are even looking into making some apps accessible and giving access to social media. It is then supposed to just look like a normal mirror when not in use.
Super smart security lighting
There was an excellent launch by the company Ring, expanding their range of smart lighting to incorporate floodlights, security lights, with pathlights and step lighting – all with motion detectors. The really clever part is how when the motion sensors go off, all the lights come on, and video recording starts. All controlled and viewable via an app. It makes the home look nicer and expands the reach of the detection zone around the house. And prices are super reasonable so you can light your home up like a national landmark.
The intelligent toilet
If the smart mirror is not for you, perhaps you’d like your music when you’re sat on the throne? The Numi 2.0 Intelligent Toilet by Kohler is integrated with Amazon Alexa and can play tunes through powerful speakers but also set different lighting and personalised cleaning functions.
Your very own pet sitter
Another product announced is the Petbites 2. It allows you to keep in touch with your pets when you’re at work or out of the house. You can watch them and talk to them, and can even let you release a treat and order more dog food. Perfect for keeping your furry best friend happy.
No smart home is complete without a smart TV on smart sockets
If you are running on smart sockets in your home it is definitely time you did. Not only can it save you money on you electricity bill, but it is just pretty cool. And completely affordable and accessible for normal people.
Smart TVs are slowly becoming a staple of most tech friendly homes, with built in apps for all your favourite streaming sites. And expect more to come in this field this year,, including updated firmware for TVs already out there.
No more dumb homes
So while we wait for these new and innovative, if somewhat odd, gadgets to hit the market, you can meanwhile start to take a look at what is already out there through the online shopping center Buyviu.com, now launching in the UK. From smart TVs to smart cookers, you can make your home smarter too.
