STACK #241 November 2024

HOW TO AUTOMATE YOUR HOME continued

TECH FEATURE

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CHOOSE YOUR TECH Smart plugs Smart plugs are an easy and affordable way to begin automating your home – just insert one into a power point and plug in an old device to smarten it up. Smart hubs Also known as smart displays,

hubs combine the voice control of a smart speaker with an interactive touchscreen. Many 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 streamlined automation. It allows them to ‘talk’ to each other, so you can easily schedule routines. Unlike smart speakers, hubs can offer dedicated controls for supported devices and more customisation options. Smart hubs can also smarten up a room and double as a bedside clock or digital photo frame, as well as stream music and video content. Hubs keep the whole family connected and are best positioned in a common area of the home. Amazon Echo Show 8 (Gen 3)

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/deactivating plugged-in appliances remotely. Some plugs can also track the energy consumption of connected devices, and save you dollars by switching off ones in stand-by mode.

TP-Link Tapo Mini Energy Monitoring Smart Plug • Wi-Fi enabled • Real-time power consumption • Remote and local control • Voice control with Alexa or Google • Schedules and timers • Away mode monitoring in-app • No hub required

• 8” HD touchscreen • Built-in smart home hub • Alexa voice control • Inbuilt camera with

Smart speakers Smart speakers give you hands-free control of your automated home using voice commands: “Hey Google, turn on the lights.” Want to check the news, listen to a playlist, or need a question answered? Just ask. Compact and simple to set up, smart speakers are an ideal entry-level device to begin your home automation journey, and can be positioned anywhere. More than just a personal virtual assistant, they also pump out serious sound and can be linked for multi-room audio or intercom use. Smart speakers also play a vital part in managing a smart home, serving as a central hub for controlling connected devices. So make sure your new speaker is compatible with your voice assistant, be it Alexa, Google, or Siri.

privacy shutter • Spatial audio • Matter compatible Switchbot Hub 2 • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth • Supports older infrared devices • Dual smart buttons • Temperature and humidity sensor • Scheduling and geofencing • Compatible with Apple Home via Matter

Amazon Echo Spot • Control compatible smart home devices • Alexa voice control • Customisable clock face and display colour • Big, vibrant sound • Mic off button for privacy

42 NOVEMBER 2024

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