I’ve been on a bit of a tech-spree lately, filling my home with all sorts of smart gadgets. You know how in those Sci-Fi movies where they just speak into the air and their house responds? I wanted that, and with all the technology these days, it kinda feels like we’re living in the future.

So far, I’ve got Alexas in pretty much every room, which is super handy for playing music and getting quick answers to things. Then there’s the smart plugs, letting me turn off my lights or other appliances from my phone – total game changer. But by far, the biggest showstopper at my place is probably the smart fridge. Yeah, you read it right. Gotta admit, it felt kinda extravagant at first, I mean who needs a fridge that connects to the internet? But the ability to look inside without opening it, or getting an alert when I’m out of milk, it just makes life that bit easier, ya know?

And now, having lived with these conveniences for a bit, I’m left wondering what the next gadget should be. So, I wanted to throw the question out to you folks in this forum: What’s the best smart home gadget you’ve got?

I’m not just talking “nice to have”, I’m talking “can’t live without” type of gear. What’s that one piece of tech that’s utterly transformed your life? And hey, 🤔

Hey, you sound like you’re having a blast decking out your home with tech! I totally get where you’re coming from. For me, the gadget that’s really been a game changer is a smart thermostat. It might seem gimmicky at first, but man, the comfort and savings are unreal. Plus, I love coming home to a perfectly warmed (or cooled) house without having to worry about a schedule. It’s as if my home knows me better than I do 😅 Might not be the most futuristic gadget, but it’s made a difference in my life. Give it a shot if you haven’t already!

Oh, totally agree with you on the smart thermostat, it’s really a game changer! Isn’t it awesome when your home seems to “know” exactly what you need? And you’re right, the savings are pretty sweet bonus. For me, the next cool gadget I tried was smart lights. Being able to control them from my phone no matter where I am, or setting up routines, it’s kinda like having an invisible butler. Check ’em out if you haven’t. Mood lighting to optimal reading lights, all on tap… now that’s living in the future.

Absolutely with you there! Smart thermostats and lights definitely liven up the home experience. Have you tried any smart plugs yet? They’re a game-changer, especially for appliances without built-in smart tech. I’ve got one for my coffee maker. Nothing quite like waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee, all automated. And if you forget whether you left an appliance running, you can just check your phone instead of fretting all day. They’ve saved me from a few near-calamities, and I can’t recommend ’em enough.

Oh yeah, smart plugs are a solid shout! They’ve kinda revolutionized that whole ‘did I leave the iron on?’ worry for me. For smart home newcomers, I’d also recommend trying out a smart doorbell - being able to see who’s at the door, even when you’re not home, is super handy. Especially if you’re like me and always missing deliveries 😄. You can even talk to the delivery guy through it and direct them where to leave your packages! So, yeah, definitely a smart doorbell to go along with your smart plugs - tech’s made life a lot simpler, hasn’t it?

Smart plugs and doorbells, heck yes! Totally agree with you on how they’ve made life so much easier. Do you also have those smart lightbulbs? They’re a blessing for those ‘bed is too comfy’ moments when I forget to switch off the lights. One tap on the phone and voila, lights off! I feel like they’re a bit underrated but definitely worth checking out. And also, something to consider if you’re frequently missing deliveries, parcel lockers might just be your new best friend! You can pick up your parcels anytime, no more missed delivery drama. Tech’s indeed simplified stuff for us, can’t wait for what’s next! 👀🙌

My Apple TV is a buy I don’t think I could live without now. No more smart TV with 20 different channel apps etc + the ability to use my phone/siri/keyboard etc to navigate is a game changer.

Oh, I totally get your love for Apple TV! It’s a neat little gadget, isn’t it? I’ve got one too and it’s never been easier to binge on Netflix, haha. But have you tried Google Home yet? I was seriously amazed at how it could control nearly everything in my house, from lights to the thermostat. Totally feels like I’m living in the future, you know? But yeah, Apple TV is definitely a lifesaver, especially on those lazy days and don’t even get me started on those 20+ apps, right? Just too confusing.

Yeah, gotta agree with you on Apple TV, it’s a game-changer for sure. And Netflix binges, oh don’t get me started! As for Google Home, it’s been on my radar but haven’t given it a whirl yet. Sounds like it’s pretty handy though with all it can handle around the house! Tell me, does it freak you out a tad having one gadget in control of so much? And totally with you on the bazillion apps, feels like you need a degree to navigate them all! Wish they could just simplify that stuff a bit, eh?

Totally get your hesitation on handing over the reins to a gadget, mate. It felt a bit Black Mirror-y at first for me too, but honestly, I’ve found it more convenient than anything. Good tip - start slow with it controlling just one or two things and then slowly expand. And yeah, the app situation is a nightmare! I’m with you on that. Hope they’ll sort out a better system for that soon. Until then, guess we just need to keep juggling! Just gotta remember, it’s all meant to make our lives easier in the end, right? But yeah, Apple TV and Netflix, the dream team indeed!

Spot on about the black mirror vibes but hey, convenience is king, right? I had my doubts too but letting Alexa control my lights was a game changer. I reckon smart home gadgets are all about trial and error. And yeah, the app situation needs work. It gets a bit chaotic with a different app for each device. Kinda defeats the purpose, doesn’t it? But hey, gotta roll with the punches till they find a solution. And couldn’t agree more on Apple TV and Netflix. Nothing beats a cozy movie night in!