We all know that there’s no place like a home for the holidays. That old saying rings especially true when the home in question is equipped with the latest and greatest smart home gadgets.
Today, we are sharing a few ideas for making the season bright using smart home technology. If you are more of a visual learner, watch our latest Tech Tip video to follow along with tech expert Katie.
(Smart) Lights All Aglow
First, deck the halls with boughs of holly and smart holiday lights. Gone are the days of digging through a dozen strings of lights to find that one broken bulb. With smart LED lights like Twinkly, you can control your decor directly from your smartphone, create custom patterns and designs, and even sync up your lights with your favorite carols.
Sync Your Smart Speakers
Set the mood by syncing multiple smart speakers like the Amazon Echo or the Nest Mini. While the exact methods vary between systems, they usually involve setting up speaker groups. Once you have done this and chosen the tune you want to play, you and your guests can enjoy the sweet sound of Silver Bells in every room.
Feast Without the Fuss
Cooking for a crowd doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you have a Smart Display like Amazon Echo Show or Google Nest Hub, which combine a smart speaker with a touchscreen. A simple voice search like “Hey Alexa, find me a recipe for cranberry sauce” brings up several recipes. Just swipe to find one you like, tap to start, and the display will read you the instructions, moving from step to step at your command.
Say “Hello” With a Smart Lock
Next, you’ve made your list and checked it twice, and a smart lock can make greeting your guests extra nice. A smart lock allows you to greet guests and unlock your door all from your smartphone, so you don’t have to run back and forth to the door and risk burning the marshmallows on your sweet potato casserole.
Keep Your Guests Comfortable
Finally, with friends gathered ‘round and chestnuts roasting on an open fire, it can start to get toasty inside as the night wears on. With a smart thermostat, you can make adjustments to your home’s temperature right from your smartphone. Better yet, if your thermostat is compatible with your smart speakers, you can just call out to your voice assistant to turn down the heat.
With a few smart home tricks up your sleeve, you can be the host with the most this holiday season. That’s it for this edition of Tech Tips! Check back soon for another tip to make your technology work for you.
