Entertaining the smart home way

Smart hubs

Also known as smart displays, hubs combine the voice control of a smart speaker with an interactive touchscreen. Some also include a camera for video calls and home monitoring.

A hub is basically the nerve centre that controls each type of connected device via a centralised app for a streamlined smart home. It enables them to talk to each other, and the user to easily set scenes and schedule routines. Unlike smart speakers, hubs offer dedicated controls for supported devices and more customisation options.

Smart hubs will smarten up a room and can double as a clock or digital photo frame, and stream music and video content.

Top tip: Hubs keep the whole family connected and are best positioned in a common area of the home.

Smart speakers

Smart speakers provide hands-free convenience via voice assistants to control smart home devices: “Hey Google, turn on the lights.” Want to check news, listen to a playlist, or ask a stupid question? Your wish is their command.

Simple to set up, they are an ideal entry-level device to begin your smart home construction, and can be positioned anywhere. A central point in the home is usually the best location for easy access by all family members.

They also pump out awesome audio and can double as a portable music speaker, although check durability and water resistance for outdoor use.

Top tip: Choose one that’s compatible with your chosen ecosystem and smartphone OS.

Smart power

Smart plugs are a simple way to lay the foundation of a smart home, and add further control to an existing ecosystem. Just insert one into a power point and plug in a “dumb” old device to smarten it up.

Smart plugs operate over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and many support Google and Alexa for voice control, feature timer functions for setting weekly schedules, and a companion app for activating appliances remotely – fire up the coffee machine from bed using your phone, or turn lights on/off when you’re out.

These versatile plugs can also track the energy consumption of connected devices, and save you dollars by switching off ones in stand-by mode.

Top tip: Always check for weatherproofing if using smart plugs outdoors.

Smart lighting

If you’re after an exciting update to your living space, one of the easiest ways to add some flair is to get creative with smart lighting.

Whether you’re looking to retrofit your existing lighting or add to it, ready for any mood ranging from chilled party to full-on rave, there are options aplenty. Plain white? Literally millions of colours? Bulbs? Downlights? Lamps? Strips? Start with a simple setup, or go all-in? The choice is yours.

Smart lights are a doddle to get going – just install your chosen product’s smartphone app and it’ll guide you through the necessary steps such as hooking into your Wi-Fi. The hardest part is making layout decisions for your snazzy new smart lighting setup!

As the name suggests, smart lighting plays nicely with various smart home ecosystems such as Google Assistant and Alexa, allowing you to do what you’re meant to do, and that’s getting on with life while your tech does the work.

Top tip: If you’re used to referring to your required light bulbs as “bayonet cap” then look out for B22 fittings. If you’re after a “screw” fitting, then you’ll want E27.

Smart TVs

Smart TVs deliver dazzling 4K Ultra HD picture quality and come preloaded with the major streaming apps in one simple, easy-to-navigate interface. They can learn your viewing preferences and tailor recommendations, and you can call up episodes and movies using a voice assistant. Plus you can browse the web and social media on a big screen!

When integrated into a smart home ecosystem, the TV can act as a hub to directly control compatible smart home devices like lighting and cameras from a dedicated dashboard. Access live camera and doorbell feeds onscreen (be alerted mid-movie when the pizza delivery is at the door) and set smart lighting to sync with the onscreen action.

Top tip: Choose a Mini LED or OLED TV with HDR and Dolby Vision for the best possible picture quality.

Smart projectors

Smart projectors not only bring the cinema experience home, they also feature internet connectivity and share many of the perks and functionality of smart TVs. Depending on the model, this can include preloaded streaming apps and Google’s Android TV platform, as well as inbuilt voice assistants to navigate content.

Compact portable projectors offer the flexibility and convenience of use anywhere, while larger and more premium models suit a dedicated home theatre/media room or main living area.

Top tip: The brighter the projector, the better the image quality. Look for one with a high number of ANSI lumens.

Smart soundbars

Soundbars are a more powerful audio alternative to the internal speakers of a smart TV and can include multiple speaker channels, a subwoofer, upward-firing speakers and Dolby Atmos support. They easily connect to a smart TV’s HDMI ARC and eARC inputs.

Many feature Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast, and Airplay 2 connectivity for wireless music streaming and casting content from a smartphone, as well as inbuilt voice assistants that can also control the TV and other compatible smart home devices. They can also be linked to compatible speakers throughout the home for a multi-room audio experience.

Top tip: Adding a separate smart speaker to a standard, internet-connected soundbar can invest it with smart functionality.