Top 10 Apps Smartphone Owners Use to Remotely Control Their Homes
Home automation systems have been around for a while, but they haven’t been easily accessible or affordable for the average person—until now. Smartphones and gadgets are beginning to close that technology gap with apps that make controlling your home more cost effective and easier. However, home automation isn’t as simple as downloading a smartphone app — you have to have “connected” devices and gadgets to make the apps work.This involves a bit of setup, which is typically the most expensive part of the home automation process. You might need to have wiring done or install new “connected” devices. You can also buy devices that have internal Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone, which is the simplest way to connect your gadgets and devices.After this initial setup phase, you don’t have to shell out more money for a remote control to go with your system — you can use your smartphone! Apps can easily be downloaded to your smartphones to control the now connected devices in your home.This allows easy control over your home, even when you’re not there!
If you only want to automate certain things in your home, take a look at the smartphone apps and devices you can use below. Here are the top 10 things in your home that you can control via smartphone apps.
10. HVAC
HVAC ranks 10th in the Top 10 Apps Smartphone Owners Use to Remotely Control Their Homes list.Digital thermostats let you control the temperature in a room throughout the day, but a thermostat that is connected to your smartphone gives you even more flexibility and control over your HVAC system from anywhere! No its no longer a problem if you forgot to switch off the AC before leaving or want to switch it on 5 minutes before you get home! There is a smartphone app for this from MeZo.
9. Lights
This is one of the simplest things to automate in your home. You can either buy Bluetooth light bulbs or plug your lamps into outlets that have been wired to your home network. TaHomA has an innovative lighting solution that works with almost all smartphones. This app even goes one step further by not only giving you control over turning on and off the lighting in a room but also dimming it to your desired brightness. You can make a room dim or bright according to your mmod.
8. Window Coverings
If you’re going to spend a lot of money on custom window treatments, you might as well spend a little more on blinds that can be connected to your smartphone, such as those from Budget Blinds. Wouldn’t it be great if you could set your blinds to open and close at a certain time of day to maximize the sunlight in your house?
7. Smartphone controlled Power Outlets
Just about anything you can plug into an outlet can be controlled with your smartphone if you use a connection device on the outlet that controls the power flow, such as one from Droidmill. For instance, you can turn on digital picture frames, alarm clocks, appliances, and more all from your smartphone.
6. Garage Door Opener
You can check to make sure you closed the garage door when you’re not at home with a smartphone app from Craftsman AssureLink.This is especially important for letting family and friends in who don’t have or lost their garage door handheld control or passcode.
5. Home Alarm System
You can setup security cameras in your home and then watch the video live from your smartphone with an app from Brick house Security. This is great if you want to monitor what happens in your home when you’re not there, like when you have a babysitter. Ultimately, you can keep everyone in your house safe by using this home alarm remote app on stylish prepaid phones.
4. Door Locks
There are already electronic locks that let you enter your home on a pass code, but you can also buy locks that are controlled by a smartphone from UniKey. This is great for when your kids forget their keys, because you can unlock the door for them remotely.
3. Audio/Video
Home automation doesn’t have to be just for practical things — you can use it for entertainment, too. There’s no reason to stop at home security and environment control when the technology is there to make your life even simpler.Several stereos come with a remote control, but you can buy a stereo that is controlled by a smartphone app – there are some available from Beacon. You won’t have to get up to switch a station or skip a song. Depending on the stereo you choose, you may be able to create play lists and the set the stereo to turn on at a certain time.
2. Television
If your TV remote isn’t handy, you can use your smartphone to change the channel or adjust the volume. All you need is a TV that can be connected to your smartphone with Bluetooth or some other type of connection and the Digit smartphone app.
1. DVR
DVR ranks first in the Top 10 Apps Smartphone Owners Use to Remotely Control Their Homes list. Some TV service providers like Direct TV are now offering the option of a DVR app that can be programmed remotely from your smartphone. So, if you forget to set it to record your shows, you can do it while you’re away from home.
What apps and devices do you use in your home for automation? Are they worth the value?
