According to Green Match, by 2027, around 50.2% of households will have some sort of smart technology. These smart devices range from voice-controlled speakers, to security cameras and those able to control appliances like lights, the kettle and even the vacuum cleaner!
The most common is the smart speaker. They are a small, voice activated speaker that can help with everyday tasks. This includes online searches, making shopping lists, playing your favourite playlist and more. According to the latest stats from YouGov, around 35% of us in the UK have one.
In this article:
- What is a smart home?
- What are smart speakers?
- Smart TVs are everywhere
- Bright ideas with smart lights
- A smart thermostat can switch the heating on and off any time
- Other smart home tech
- Smart home insurance
What is a smart home?
A smart home is simply a home with connected devices. They can be wired or linked through the internet. You can control them using a device like a smart phone, tablet, computer, speaker, or games console. Once set up, you can manage your lighting, heating, security, and even your washing machine.
A smart home can help you save money by reducing heating bills. For example, it can heat your home only when you're there, or turn on the heating when your car pulls up.
But there are risks too. If the internet stops working, the devices won't work. Or someone could hack into your system through your kettle!
To stay safe, change the default passwords on your Wi-Fi and devices. Use strong passwords and consider using encryption software to protect your files and information.
What are smart speakers?
Think of them as easy-to-use virtual assistants.
You usually activate them by calling them by a given name like ‘Alexa’ or ‘Siri’. Then ask them to do something, like “Play the greatest hits of Rihanna.”
Ask it a question and your virtual assistant will search the internet for the answers and read them back to you. Ideal if you have curious kids who want help with their homework. You can also ask it to play your favourite radio station, playlists, or podcasts.
If you want, you can ask it to turn off the lights or heating. As long ask your devices are connected, they'll do it.
You can also change the voice to a different accent or gender.
Some of the fancier models can speak two languages. That’s useful if your family speaks different languages or if you’re learning one.
Where can I get a smart speaker?
There are many brands to choose from. From Amazon to Google, Apple to Bose, there’s a smart speaker to suit all uses.
If you want to try one, it won’t break the bank. You can get a basic model for less than £50. And during sales, you might find some great deals, especially when companies upgrade to new models.
Before you buy, ask yourself, ‘Is it compatible with my other devices?’ because in the future, you might want to connect it to more gadgets.
Smart TVs are everywhere
Most people have a smart TV already. If your TV connects to the internet and can show services like Netflix, it’s a smart TV.
You can also use it to:
- Check social media
- Surf the web
- Control other smart devices in your home
- Use your smart speaker if you have one.
If you have an older TV, you can also plug in a cheap smart stick into the USB port, to turn it into a semi-smart TV.
Bright ideas with smart lights
Smart lighting is a growing market. With some clever kit, you can control your lights remotely from your phone. So, if you’ve forgotten to turn off the bathroom light for example or want to give the impression you’re at home when you’re away, not a problem.
Some smart lights use Bluetooth to pair directly to your phone. Others use wireless signals, which work faster and mean you can control your lights when you’re not at home. But some bulbs can be controlled without one as they come with their own cloud service.
You can buy just bulbs or whole light fixtures. The major brands are Philips Hue and LIFX, but brands like Nanoleaf are changing things up with light fixtures that are more like works of art. Research the benefits of each brand to find the right fit for you.
If you use an iPhone, you can set up your smart lights easily with a QR code. Though you’ll still need a hub, such as a HomePod Mini or an Apple TV 4K, to control them when you’re not at home.
There are dimmer options, but smart bulbs go much further than that. You can choose from 16 million different hues - yes, 16 million!
There’s even a feature that turns the lights off automatically when you leave your home and take your phone with you.
Make sure your smart lights work with your smart speaker and other gadgets.
A smart thermostat can switch the heating on and off any time
With a smart thermostat, you can also turn on the radiators just before you arrive home. They cost between about £100 and £250, depending on make and model. Most makers will put you in touch with a professional installer. It can cost between £50 to £100 to install. You can be warm and cosy all year round, only paying to heat your home when you or the family are there.
Other smart home tech
Lighting and heating are just the start. Here’s a quick run-down of what else is available:
- smart washing machines that can run while you’re out
- smart bins that compress waste to help with recycling and carbon dioxide emissions
- smart vacuum cleaners that clean on their own
- smart smoke detectors that check air quality
- smart kettles that boil water when you need it
- smart fridge freezers with cameras and screens that show you what’s or make shopping lists. Some even have a TV screen on the front so you can watch cookery shows!
- smart toilets that spray and dry, with lights to see at night.
Smart home insurance
If you already have smart technology in your home, AXA Home Insurance covers it.
Just make sure your cover is set at the right level. Check to see that you have accidental damage cover if you’re worried about spilling coffee on your expensive piece of kit. We offer three types of policy:
AXA Premier Home Insurance offers accidental damage for contents insurance as standard. With the others you need to add it as an optional extra.
And remember, if you do invest in a new piece of smart equipment, feel free to make changes any time in your online account.
