Although the “Connected Home” space can be a little intimidating for those of us who aren’t self-proclaimed tech gurus, these products are designed to simplify your everyday life.
Keeping that in mind, Best Buy has started rolling out Connected Home sections to more than 400 stores across the country so that customers are able to see some of this exciting new technology in action. All of the stores will be completed in time for holiday shopping.
But before you head to your local store to play with the hands-on demos, here’s a heads up on a few of the high-tech products and associated features that can make your life easier and provide peace of mind:
Home Automation:
- Honeywell Lyric smart thermostat – This thermostat is equipped with geofencing technology where your thermostat will turn off when you leave your home and turn back on once you’re within a five mile radius
- Nest smart thermostat – This thermostat learns your habits and patterns to accommodate your lifestyle while also saving energy and money in the process. Forget to turn the thermostat down before you head out of town? No problem – Nest lets you do it through your smartphone
- Belkin WeMo LED smart lighting – If you’re nervous about leaving the house unattended during your holiday vacation, WeMo can kick into “simulated occupancy mode” to deter burglars
- LIFX Bulbs smart lighting – By teaming up with the Nest Thermostat, these bulbs are able to switch themselves into Away mode if you forget to turn them off when you leave home
- Philips Hue smart lighting – These bulbs can be programmed to slowly turn on in coordination with the sunrise or illuminate the rooms of your house in a rainbow of color
- Mother control hub (coming to BestBuy.com and select Best Buy stores Nov. 2) – The user can be alerted to a home intrusion, know their kids got home safe from school, count their steps to stay fit, or be reminded to take medication, all with one device
Security:
- Dropcam security camera – This camera not only makes sure your home is secure while you’re away, it also allows you to keep tabs on the wacky things your cat or dog does to pass the time
- Chamberlain garage door accessories – Using an app on your smartphone, you’re able to double check that the garage door is closed without having to turn your car around
- Kwikset smart locks – This smart lock allows your neighbors or friends to use a virtual access code to enter your home while you’re away to either feed your pets or bring in the mail
Networking:
- NETGEAR Nighthawk – This router offers a parental controls option that allows parents to filter content to each connected device based on individual specifications
For more information, visit your local Best Buy Connected Home department or the online Connected Home experience at www.bestbuy.com/connectedhome.