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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. all rooms

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. lounge, media, kitchen, bedroom

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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.

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.

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

AMAZON ECHO DOT SMART SPEAKER & ALEXA (5TH GEN) Powerful audio and Alexa voice assistant for hands free control of compatible smart home devices. GOOGLE NEST AUDIO (2ND GEN) Compatible with hundreds of devices including TVs, lights, locks and thermostats, via “Hey Google” voice assistance control.

GOOGLE NEST HUB SMART HOME DISPLAY (2ND GEN) Control compatible devices with a tap or voice command; watch live Nest Cam feed, stream media, and make hands-free voice and video calls on the 7” display.

APPLE HOMEPOD (2ND GEN) Premium sound and enhanced Siri voice

AMAZON ECHO SHOW 8 & ALEXA (2ND GEN) Features an 8” HD touchscreen with inbuilt camera that intuitively frames video calls. Can also stream media and double as a digital photo frame.

assistant built-in to control smart home devices on the Apple Homekit ecosystem easily and securely.

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. all rooms

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WIZ SMART PLUG Control older non-smart appliances, schedule on/off times. Works with Google, Alexa, Siri and SmartThings.

TP-LINK TAPO MINI SMART PLUG WITH ENERGY MONITORING (2 PACK) Works with Google and Alexa voice assistants. Track real time and historical energy use, and set schedules for automatic device management.

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

16 MARCH 2023

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