Must Have Smart Home Devices for 2019

Late last year with the help of PDL Schneider, we looked into smart home devices and home automation ideas, with our article technology ‘must haves’ for new homes. 

Smart speakers, quality security systems and in-home batteries are three of the smart home devices we’re seeing an increased demand for, but there are many options on the market.

Below we look into many of the must-have home automation options available in 2019, giving you a feel for what might be the right option for you.

Smart Speakers
Smart devices are becoming the way of the future, with specially designed devices and apps to control almost all aspects of life; and homes are now no different. Smart speakers are enabling homeowners to control their homes from lighting and alarm systems through to shutting down powerpoints, and even planning their day by just speaking to their device or pushing a button.

There are a few different smart speakers available on the market, and the one you choose will be dependent on a few things, most likely starting with the ecosystem that you're currently using i.e. if you’re using an Android phone you’re probably better off to go with Google Home.

We advise looking into the compatibility features of each device to ensure it fits with your needs, but in the meantime, here’s a quick look at the options available to you:

Google Home
Google Home is undoubtedly one of the leaders in home automation technology. Powered by Google Assistant, knows everything you need to know before you need to know it. Ask it for real-time information on things like traffic and the weather, and handy information like calculations or translations just by asking questions. Without the need to touch a button, all you need to do to get its attention is to say “Ok Google”. From there you can ask questions, turn on your favourite music, manage everyday tasks and even control your home from turning on your lights to streaming video on your TV via Chromecast.

Apple Home
Forgot to turn off the lights or lock the front door or even left the hair straightener going? Apple Home means these sometimes anxiety-inducing scenarios can be managed without a mad dash home to triple check you turned everything off. Apple Home is the latest Smart Speaker on the market, and more and more home accessories are evolving to be compatible with it, allowing people to easily control devices in any part of the house via their iPhone or iPad.

Amazon Alexa
This virtual assistant allows users to keep up to date with news, weather, traffic and to-do lists, while also having the ability to manage alarms, home automation tools and other apps, as well as playing music, podcasts and audiobooks. The software can be managed by voice interaction or by the push of a button. Alexa is the oldest of the Smart Speakers on the market, and as such, there is plenty of compatible devices and tools.

It’s certainly worth exploring the compatible options available to you when selecting the appliances for your new design and build.

In-Home Batteries
The ability to live sustainably is becoming an increasingly popular request for David Reid Homes clients investing in their dream home. Technology continues to evolve in this field, particularly in the form of renewable energy sources, like solar energy and water collection systems. In-home batteries allow homeowners to store any excess energy produced by their solar panels until it is needed. Here are a few of the available options:

Tesla
LG Chem RESU
Sonnen
Panasonic
Enphase ac battery
Solax Box

HRV has provided a handy comparison into the six options above. Take a read to work out which might be the best option for you.

Alarm and Camera Systems
Unfortunately, home security has become a necessity for many areas of New Zealand. While electronic alarm systems have been around for the past few decades, technology has evolved to include camera systems and systems which speak to you even when you’re away from home.

Here are a few options to consider when looking at home security for your design and build.

Nest
In keeping with smart home devices and technology, Nest alarms and camera systems provide innovative solutions when it comes to protecting your home, and the people you love. Nest Protect detects smoke or carbon monoxide in the home and speaks to occupants to warn them of the danger, and where it is detected. It also has the power to turn down the stereo, when it’s compatible with Nest. There is a heap of home systems compatible with Nest, with more being added regularly. The camera system allows homeowners to monitor comings and goings from the home when they aren’t there.

Morepork
Morepork allows you to keep an eye on your home, kids or pets remotely, with a number of triggers to alert you to movement at the house. Using the app, you can arm and disarm, receive alerts, take a look at what’s going on, and even look back at footage from the past 60 days. You have the ability to create settings to allow for pets, meaning the alarm shouldn’t be triggered if they’re left inside. With door and window sensors, motion sensors and video cameras, you can choose just how far you want to take your security level.

ADT Security System
Like the others mentioned, ADT offers a range of options for home security, from motion and entry point detection to CCTV. With remote access available, ADT also monitors your security system 24/7 and has the ability to deliver immediate support when necessary, including letting you know if your alarm has been activated, contacting your emergency contacts, and if required, contacting emergency services.