Front Yard: Creating a Well-Lit and Secure Entrance

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In the ultimate smart home, technology greets you even before you step through the front door. Some of the most valuable connected home devices start in your front yard, beginning with outdoor security cameras. 

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Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera: Your Eyes on the Property

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Our top choice for keeping an eye on your home through your smartphone is the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera. This weather-resistant, high-resolution security camera records motion-triggered video and illuminate any activity on your property with a bright light. It's wireless, easy to install, offers detailed 2K video with colour night vision, boasts precise and intelligent motion detection, and provides numerous integration options.

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Ezviz DB1C Wi-Fi Video Doorbell: Affordable and Efficient

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When you want to see who's at your door, whether a delivery person or an unexpected visitor, a video doorbell allows you to do so without leaving your seat. Beyond convenience, video doorbells can act as the first defence against property theft, home invasion, and porch theft. They allow you to see and communicate with the person at your doorstep and record footage of visitors approaching while you're away or unable to answer. Our favourite budget-friendly choice is the Ezviz DB1C Wi-Fi, offering sharp HD video with a wide viewing angle, support for local and cloud video storage, and compatibility with IFTTT, Alexa, and Google Assistant voice commands.

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Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi Smart Lock: The Versatile Door Guardian

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Another technology you might consider for your front door is a smart lock. These devices, arguably the most critical aspect of a fully connected home, offer security and convenience. They enable you to come and go freely and monitor who enters and exits your home when you're not there. Our current top pick is the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi, a reliable and versatile smart lock that allows you to lock and unlock your door using your voice, fingerprint, keypad, mobile app, or traditional key.

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ADT Command: The Pinnacle of Security

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Consider a professionally monitored smart home security system for the utmost level of security. ADT Command, one of our top choices, offers nearly everything you need for comprehensive protection, although it comes at a substantial cost. While slightly more expensive than Vivint, another Editors' Choice winner, ADT boasts superior customer service.

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SimpliSafe Home Security System: A DIY Approach to Safety

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If you're looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, do-it-yourself smart home security systems are ideal for homeowners who want to self-monitor their homes. The SimpliSafe Home Security System, our favourite DIY option, allows you to remotely secure and monitor your home without breaking the bank or committing to a long-term contract. However, remember that DIY systems require you to take action when an alarm is triggered.

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Living Room: Cozy Conveniences for Entertainment and Relaxation

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Living room tech is more than TVs and soundbars. It can enhance your space with ambience, convenience, and security.

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When it comes to smart living rooms, a smart speaker is a must-have. These devices go beyond just playing music; they act as the central hub for controlling all your connected gadgets using your voice. The first step is choosing the right voice assistant platform for your home: Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, which all support most major smart home product brands.

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• Alexa Enthusiasts: Consider the Echo Studio for impressive audio quality or the fourth-generation Amazon Echo for an affordable option.
• Google Assistant Fans: Opt for the Nest Audio.
• Siri Supporters: Go with the HomePod or HomePod mini, but ensure your other smart home devices are compatible with Apple HomeKit or Matter.

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Keep in mind that the Sonos Era 300 and 100 support Alexa but not Google Assistant or Siri.

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Enhance with a Smart Display

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Why stop at a smart speaker when you can have a smart display? These devices offer the same voice assistant features but come with a handy touchscreen. With a smart display, you can view live feeds from your smart doorbell or security camera, make video calls, and control your connected gadgets effortlessly. Plus, when it's not in use, your living room smart display can double as a digital photo frame to showcase your cherished memories or curated art.

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• For Alexa Lovers: Explore the Amazon Echo Show 10.
• For Google Assistant Enthusiasts: Check out the Google Nest Hub Max.

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Brighten Up with Smart Light Bulbs

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Swap out your old incandescent bulbs for smart bulbs that offer app and voice control. Enjoy the convenience of adjusting lighting without leaving your seat. Smart bulbs enhance convenience and save energy and money in the long run.

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Top Pick: Wyze Bulb Color

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The Wyze Bulb Color is a fantastic choice, offering Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for app control and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands. It provides various colours and white tones to set the perfect ambience for any occasion.

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Stay Comfortable with a Smart Thermostat

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A connected thermostat can significantly boost convenience and energy savings. Monitor and control your home's heating and cooling system through your smartphone or voice commands. Our top recommendation, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, comes with remote sensors for consistent temperature control throughout your home.

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Budget Option: Wyze Thermostat

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The Wyze Thermostat is an excellent choice for those on a budget, offering smart thermostat functionality without breaking the bank.

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Control Your Devices with Smart Plugs

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Convert any device that plugs into the wall into a smart, controllable device with a smart plug. The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim With Energy Monitoring is a reliable choice, supporting voice commands and working with various third-party platforms.

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Safeguard with a Smart Surge Protector

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The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300 is a smart surge protector with six independently controllable outlets. It supports IFTTT, allowing you to automate actions based on events like camera motion triggers.

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Monitor Your Living Space with Smart Cameras

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Enhance security and surveillance in your living room with Wi-Fi-connected indoor home security cameras. The Eufy S220 Indoor Cam is a standout option, offering high-resolution video, local and cloud storage, automatic motion tracking, and compatibility with major voice assistants.

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If you have pets, consider a pet camera to monitor and interact with your beloved animals even when you're away. The Furbo 360 Dog Camera offers features like barking notifications and remote treat-tossing, ensuring you and your pets stay connected.

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Kitchen: Must-Have Connected Cooking and Cleaning Tools

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Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and with the best smart kitchen gadgets, you can bring unparalleled convenience to your cooking and meal planning. Whether you're a culinary expert or a takeout enthusiast, these smart devices will make life in the kitchen easier.

Smart Displays for Cooking Assistance

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Can't decide what's for dinner? Need quick conversions or ingredient substitutions? A smart display on your countertop is the answer. With Alexa or Google Assistant in your kitchen, you can effortlessly set timers, add items to your grocery list, and play your favourite cooking tunes with voice commands. Amazon's second-generation Echo Show 8 is an ideal kitchen companion, offering recipe inspiration through Food Network Kitchen.

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Master Your Recipes with Smart Appliances

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Once you've settled on a recipe, top-tier smart kitchen appliances can guide you through every step of the cooking process. The Anova Precision Oven is a multi-purpose oven that can bake, roast, slow cook, sous vide, and steam food perfectly. You can control and monitor the oven from your phone using its companion app, and load cooking presets with a tap. The app also provides detailed, step-by-step cooking instructions for professional-grade results.

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A World of Smart Kitchen Appliances

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You'll find a smart version of nearly every kitchen appliance, from full-size ovens and refrigerators to compact gadgets like air fryers and the Instant Pot Pro Plus. Recent innovations showcased at CES 2023 include the LG MoodUP refrigerator with customisable LED door panels and a built-in Bluetooth speaker for impromptu kitchen dance parties. Samsung's AI Wall Oven can detect your cooking and suggest optimal settings, while the Wall Mount Hood adjusts ventilation based on your culinary activities.

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The Perfect Brew with Smart Coffee Makers

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No kitchen is complete without a coffee maker, and even your coffee machine can be connected to a smart home tech. Smart coffee makers offer app and voice control, allowing you to start your brew with a few taps on your phone or a simple voice command like "Alexa, turn on my coffee maker." The Hamilton Beach Smart Coffee Maker is a prime example, supporting voice commands to adjust brew strength and even enabling you to set up Alexa routines for automated brewing at specific times.

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After a delicious meal, cleaning up can be a breeze with the help of some smart cleaning gadgets. Here are some top picks to keep your home spick and span:

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Robot Vacuums for Effortless Floor Cleaning

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Say goodbye to the hassle of manually vacuuming your floors. The Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL R101AE is a standout choice. It works quickly and efficiently, rarely gets stuck, and boasts a large dustbin in its base station that only requires emptying about once a month. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the iRobot Roomba 694 offers a seamless app setup and impressive navigation abilities.

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Self-Emptying Robot Vacuums for Convenience

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Tired of constantly emptying your robot vacuum's dustbin? Consider a self-emptying model like the Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni. This premium all-in-one robot not only self-empties its dustbin but also features a self-cleaning mop and a built-in voice assistant for added convenience. For pet owners, the iRobot Roomba j7+ comes with a Pet Owner Official Promise (P.O.O.P.) guarantee, ensuring it avoids solid pet waste within a year of purchase or provides a free replacement.

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Robot Mops for Spotless Floors

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You'll want a reliable robot mop to tackle stubborn streaks and spills. The Bissell SpinWave Wet and Dry has two spinning microfiber pads and supports various cleaning solutions to keep your floors pristine. Alternatively, the iRobot Braava Jet m6 sweeps and mops your floors until they shine.

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Smart Trash Cans for a Hygienic Touch

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Consider a smart trash can with an automated lid if you're conscious of germs. The Simplehuman Dual-Compartment Rectangular Sensor Can, while not tested here, features separate bins for trash and recycling and responds to voice commands like "open can," "stay open," and "close can." This touchless feature keeps your hands clean and minimises the spread of germs.

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Bedroom: Tech for a Better Night's Sleep

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Getting a good night's sleep and feeling comfortable in your bedroom is super important for your overall health. Here are some top-notch bedroom tech options that can help you achieve a more restful night:

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Personalised Comfort with the Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed

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Consider the Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed for the ultimate nighttime comfort. Although it's an investment, this bed allows you to adjust the firmness of each side independently. Whether you prefer to sleep on a cloud or your partner prefers a firmer feel, you can both have your way. 

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Regulate Room Temperature with the Eight Sleep Pod Pro Cover

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Room temperature plays a crucial role in sleep quality, and maintaining an ideal sleeping temperature can be challenging. The Eight Sleep Pod Pro Cover is a smart mattress topper that lets you control your bed's temperature from hot to cool using your smartphone. Additionally, it offers advanced sleep health tracking capabilities, ensuring you have the best conditions for restful sleep.

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Smart Air Conditioning for Ideal Sleep Conditions

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If you don't have central air conditioning, a smart air conditioner can help you create a comfortable sleeping environment. These devices offer app and voice control, allowing you to schedule cooling cycles efficiently and save on energy costs. The Midea 8,000 BTU U-shaped Air Conditioner is a reliable option, known for easy installation and quiet operation, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable during the night.

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Breathe Easy with a Smart Air Purifier

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A smart air purifier like the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 is a valuable addition, especially if you have allergies or asthma. This versatile model combines HEPA air purification with an oscillating fan. It boasts a compact design and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control it via your phone or with voice commands.

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Set the Mood with Smart Lighting

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For a relaxing ambience that helps you drift off to sleep, consider the Govee Lyra floor lamp. It supports various colours and preset scenes and has six music modes that react to your tunes. You can schedule it to turn off after you fall asleep or use voice commands with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

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Smart Speaker for Convenient Bedside Assistance

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A smart speaker is an excellent bedside companion. Models like the Amazon Echo Dot With Clock and the Google Nest Mini are compact and offer features like setting alarms, playing music, checking the weather, and controlling other smart devices—all with voice commands. They won't clutter your nightstand and provide easy access to information and entertainment.

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Organise and Monitor with a Smart Display

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A smart display offers the benefits of a smart speaker while organising your smart home controls on a single screen. The second-generation Nest Hub is compact, tracks sleep patterns and room conditions and provides insightful data to improve your sleep quality. For Alexa enthusiasts, the third-generation Echo Show 5 offers video call capabilities and remote home monitoring.

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Peace of Mind with a Smart Baby Monitor

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Parents with little ones can benefit from a smart baby monitor like the Nanit Pro Complete Monitoring System. Sure, it's a bit of an investment, but it's worth it for the peace of mind. The baby monitor will track your baby's sleep patterns and alert you to any critical events, like if they stop breathing. That way, you can be sure your little one is safe and sound.

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Bathroom: Grooming Gadgets for Stress-Free Mornings

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Technology has entered the bathroom, offering convenience, hygiene, and entertainment. Here are some smart bathroom gadgets that can transform your daily routines:

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Smart Toilets for Comfort and Hygiene

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Consider a smart toilet like the Kohler Veil if you're building a new house or renovating. While it hasn't been reviewed, it promises impressive features. These include hands-free opening and closing, eliminating seat up or down debates, a night light, a heated seat, warm-air drying, automatic deodoriser, UV light-based self-cleaning, and an emergency mode for power outages.

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Voice-Controlled Smart Showers

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In the ultimate smart bathroom, you can start your shower with voice commands. The U by Moen is a wall-mounted smart shower controller compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant. Use your voice to turn on the water and set it to your preferred temperature for a luxurious, hands-free shower experience.

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Smart Vanity Mirror for Makeup and Music

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Upgrade your vanity with the Simplehuman Sensor Mirror Hi-Fi. It offers customisable light settings for flawless makeup application and features a built-in speaker for enjoying music or podcasts while getting ready. The mirror lights up automatically when it detects your face and even supports Alexa voice control for added convenience.

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Stay on Top of Your Health with a Smart Scale

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A smart scale is a handy tool for weight management and health monitoring. The affordable Wyze Scale tracks 12 metrics, including BMI, body fat percentage, heart rate, and more. It's a comprehensive solution for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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Fun and Educational Oral Care for Kids

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Instilling good oral hygiene habits in children can be challenging, but the Colgate Magik can help. This manual toothbrush pairs with an augmented reality smartphone app for children aged five to ten. The app turns brush into a fun game where kids can "brush away" virtual Cavity Monsters, earn diamonds for rewards, and explore engaging AR worlds.

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Home Gym: Interactive Exercise Machines to Crush Your Goals

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Whether you have a dedicated workout room or just a small corner for exercise, the world of smart home gym equipment offers plenty of options to help you achieve your fitness goals from the comfort of your own home. Here are some standout choices:

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Interactive Workouts with the Peloton Bike+

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The Peloton Bike+ offers a level of interactivity that sets it apart. It provides access to a vast library of guided classes with knowledgeable instructors, tailored workouts based on your goals and fitness level, and the motivation of competition. It's like having a personal trainer in the privacy of your home. For an alternative experience, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike offers a more meditative, dance-focused approach. At the same time, the MYX II emphasises personalised heart rate zone training at a more affordable price point.

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Low-impact, Full-Body Workout with Smart Rowing Machines

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Rowing machines offer a low-impact, full-body workout that's easy on the joints. The NordicTrack RW900 provides access to iFit workouts filmed in stunning locations around the world, adjusting resistance to match environmental conditions. The Hydrow, though more expensive, offers a luxurious experience with live-streaming workouts.

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User-Friendly Treadmills for Daily Cardio

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Treadmills are user-friendly and comfortable, making them a great choice for daily cardio. The NordicTrack Commercial 2950 stands out with its iFit streaming workout library, automatic incline, and speed adjustments. If space is a concern, the Echelon Stride offers a more compact and affordable option that connects with your devices for live and on-demand running and walking classes.

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Strength Training Made Smart

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The Tempo Studio offers an easel-like design for strength training with a 42-inch touch screen for streaming trainer-led workouts, complete with weight storage and form feedback. The Tonal is another excellent option, offering digitised weights with up to 200 pounds of resistance in a sleek wall-mounted machine. The Peloton Guide camera offers strength training guidance with minimal setup on a budget.

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Space-Saving Workouts with the Mirror and Forme Studio

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If space is limited, the Mirror is a wall-mounted fitness solution that offers a wide range of live and on-demand classes, including various workout types. The Forme Studio takes this concept to a premium level with a full touchscreen and 1:1 health coaching features.

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Garage: Design an Automated and Organized Multi-Purpose Space

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Your garage can be used for a bunch of things, and there's a ton of smart tech out there to make it more useful and easier to use. Here are some smart garage solutions to consider:

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Quieter and Smarter Garage Door Openers

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If your current garage door opener is noisy and outdated, consider upgrading to a belt-driven smart garage door opener. These are much quieter and offer the convenience of remote control via your smartphone. The Genie QuietLife Connect is an excellent option with Wi-Fi connectivity, voice command support (Alexa and Google Assistant), and a relatively simple installation process. Garage door openers compatible with the MyQ app even offer in-garage delivery service from Amazon, adding an extra layer of security for your packages.

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Add Connectivity with MyQ Smart Garage Hub

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If you're not ready for a new garage door opener, the MyQ Smart Garage Hub can add smart connectivity to your existing setup. It's compatible with most garage door openers manufactured after 1993, allowing you to control your garage door from your phone and benefit from features like in-garage Amazon Key delivery.

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Smart Sprinkler Controller for Lawn Care

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The Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller is a valuable addition for homeowners with lawns and gardens. It allows you to remotely control your in-ground sprinkler system via your phone and automatically adjust watering schedules based on weather forecasts. This keeps your lawn healthy and helps you save on water usage.

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Backyard: High-Tech Amenities for an Open-Air Sanctuary

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Transform your backyard into the ultimate outdoor oasis with these smart home devices that enhance entertainment, lighting, and convenience:

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Outdoor Speakers for the Perfect Ambiance

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Set the mood for your outdoor gatherings with the Sonos Move, a powerful outdoor speaker built to withstand splashes and rain. Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control offer an immersive audio experience. Consider the rugged Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 for a more affordable option. Pair your sound with a picture using an outdoor projector like the Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser, boasting native 1080p resolution.

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Smart Outdoor Lighting

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Keep the party going after dark with smart outdoor lighting. The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Lily Outdoor Spot Light Kit lets you create customisable lighting scenes with 16 million colours, making your backyard shine in every hue. Easy to install and weather-resistant, these lights work seamlessly with voice commands and can even reflect your favourite sports team's colours when they score.

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Outdoor-Friendly Smart Plugs

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Automate your string lights or decorative water features with an outdoor-friendly smart plug like the Wyze Plug Outdoor. This versatile and weatherproof plug works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant supports IFTTT, and includes a built-in light sensor to turn your lights on at dusk. It also tracks your power usage.

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Grilling and BBQ Gadgets

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Impress your guests with delicious barbecue using the Traeger Ironwood 650, which lets you barbecue, roast, and smoke with wood pellets. Other options like the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker and the Weber Genesis EPX-335 Smart Gas Grill also produce mouthwatering results. For those on a budget, the Weber iGrill Mini connected thermometer allows you to monitor food temperature from your smartphone, freeing you to enjoy time with friends and family.

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Robot Lawn Mower for a Pristine Lawn

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Achieve a perfectly manicured lawn with a robot lawn mower like the Greenworks Pro Optimow 50H Robotic Lawn Mower. While it lacks Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, it offers long battery life and quiet operation, controlled through a user-friendly companion app.

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Mosquito Repellent System

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Don't let pesky mosquitoes ruin your outdoor fun. The Thermacell LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System helps create a mosquito-free environment to fully enjoy your backyard.

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Is Smart Home Worth the Investment?

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Investing in a smart home can be a great idea. It makes your life easier and more efficient. You can control things like lights, temperature, security, and entertainment with your smartphone. This saves you time and can even help you save on energy bills. Smart home devices also provide extra security, with features like remote monitoring and smart locks. You don't have to start big, you can begin with simple devices like smart plugs and add more later. 

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If you're considering making your Airbnb short term rental smarter, it's a wise choice! Smart features for Airbnb attract tech-savvy renters, simplify management, and increase rental yields. It's a worthwhile investment.

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Seamless Rental Property Management with Houst

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Elevate your property rental management with Houst! If you're seeking a hassle-free way to handle your rental property, Houst has you covered. From Airbnb hosting to maximising your Airbnb revenue, their team of seasoned experts understands the ins and outs of the rental industry. Instead of stressing over the details, entrust Houst to manage it all. Experience the advantages of effortless property rental management, simply Houst it!

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