STACK #241 November 2024

HOW TO AUTOMATE YOUR HOME

TECH FEATURE

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Smart buttons No, we’re not talking clothing here – yet. Smart buttons are a simple alternative to using a smart hub or speaker to control connected smart home devices and trigger preset automations. They are easy to program and offer one-touch convenience for a range of routines, such as controlling lights throughout the home, and can be fixed or portable. Some models offer multiple control options for different routines – tap, double tap, and rotate – and can also send alert notifications whenever the button is triggered. They can even act as an emergency button. Smart buttons are often only compatible with the brand’s ecosystem and may require a hub or bridge for connection to your network, so be sure to check first that they’ll work with your existing devices. TP-Link Tapo Smart Button • Requires Tapo hub (sold separately) • Portable switch • Multiple control options • Lighting control • One-click alarm with real time notifications • Up to 12 months battery life Switchbot Remote • Requires SwitchBot hub (sold separately) • One-click control • Dual buttons for two commands • Fully portable • Compatible with multiple SwitchBot devices

Comfort control is at your fingertips with one of these smart sensors, which can accurately detect the temperature and humidity levels in your home. They are ideal for managing temperature- and humidity-sensitive environments like a wine cellar, greenhouse or humidor, and can send alert notifications if the levels drop below a set range. A hub is generally required to control compatible devices like a smart plug to turn on a heater or a fan, and some sensors offer data storage options so you can observe fluctuations over time. Temperature and humidity monitors

Water controllers Water lawns and gardens remotely from a phone app, or instruct a voice assistant to turn the sprinkler on or off. Compatible with popular hose systems and a simple way to keep things green, smart water controllers can also cut the cost of your bill using timer controls to reduce wastage, and you can track real-time water usage and history. Plus, you won’t have to rely on a neighbour to hold a hose when you’re

away. Daily, weekly, and monthly watering cycles can be scheduled for set-and-forget convenience. Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller • Water usage tracking • Auto shut off • Weatherproof and UV resistant • Supports Bluetooth and Thread • Apple Home compatible

TP-Link Tapo Smart Desktop Temperature & Humidity Monitor • Requires Tapo hub (sold separately) • 2.7” display • Smart home device control • Real time notifications

• Up to 12 months battery life • Two years free cloud storage

44 NOVEMBER 2024

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