Four Smart Home Devices Everybody Wants in 2017

We’ve covered and reviewed a variety of smart home devices over the past few months, providing you with hands-on demonstrations and explanations of what each device can provide. Ultimately, more and more homeowners are opting for smart home integration as one way to boost energy efficiency, convenience and even safety.

Take a look at any home builder website these days and you’ll likely see smart home integration services being offered to those who are either building or remodeling their homes. If you’re already settled down in a home, but nevertheless want to retrofit it with some of the latest smart home gadgets, then you’re in luck: today, we’ll briefly look at four smart home devices that 2017 has brought us.

1. Belkin WeMo Insight Switch

The new Belkin WeMo Insight Switch is an improvement over its old design. Not only can you simply plug the switch into any outlet and subsequently control any devices plugged into it from afar, but it now features a new power tracking feature that’ll let you know just how much power is being used at any time.

Currently available for around $50, this is a great choice for anybody seeking to retrofit the home with smart outlets that can be controlled from a mobile phone from anywhere in the world.

2. Abode Starter Kit

Home security is a big deal. Homeowners who have reason to be worried about potential burglars, rogue babysitters and other troublemakers have been snatching up Abode Starter Kits in large quantities.

The kit features a siren-equipped hub, a battery powered motion detector and camera, two door/window sensors, and a key fob. This package can be expanded upon greatly with additional Abode modules such as environmental sensors, live streaming cameras, water sensors and door openers, just to name a few.

The base starter kit is available for around $300 through major retailers, and also works with a variety of other smart home products such as Nest.

3. Osram 60W Replacement Ultra LED

Talk about value: light bulbs are one of the most commonly replaced elements in the home. Finding ways to save money and reduce energy output is a prime goal for many homeowners, and this is what makes the Osram 60W LED bulb so appealing.

Currently available for less than $10, you’ll likely never have to change bulbs again once you install it. Perfectly compatible with existing smart tech infrastructure/outlets in the home, the Osram 60W bulb also offers dimming functionality for those who prefer it.

4. August Smart Lock

Having full control over entry to the home is crucial. With August’s second generation Smart Lock system, we’re happy to report some stylistic and technical changes have been unveiled.

A new design makes it easier to grab and use physically, while all of the existing features such as Bluetooth and auto lock/unlock features (either by time or by physical distance from home) are still there.

Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with HomeKit, so you can tell Siri to lock or unlock the door for you as well. All of this functionality is currently available for around $230 through the company’s website and through major retailers.