Wireless devices in the home are essentially any gadgets that don’t require a cord. This includes your television remote control, radio, GPS, cell phones, Bluetooth mice, and tablet computers. Wireless devices are also used to interact with other wireless devices. So, if you have a package like one of Cox cable packages, you should surely opt for internet bundles to connect your WiFi devices.
Wireless devices can also create a wireless local area network, commonly referred to as Wi-Fi. There are many options for wireless home equipment. These range from Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Smart hubs, and speakers. Which one is the best for your home?
Here are some of the best wireless devices you can buy for your home:
#1. Smart Plugs
A smart plug is a small device that plugs into an electrical outlet. It is connected to your home Wi-Fi network and can control appliances from a mobile phone or smart home hub. These devices can also be used as deterrents to burglars. The main benefits of smart plugs are ease of use, affordable price, and endless applications. You can install smart plugs in any room of your home.
Some smart plugs work with Google Assistant or Alexa, but you should verify this before you buy. These voice-controlled assistants make controlling smart home devices easy.
These devices will reduce parasitic electricity drawn from appliances and save money on energy bills. By scheduling the power supply, smart plugs can automatically start your dinner before you get home while ensuring that your electric blanket is on schedule. Smart plugs can even be used to turn off lights after you’ve left the house.
#2. Smart Hubs
There are two types of smart hubs. Those which lock you into the ecosystem of one manufacturer and those which are open to any manufacturer. The former is more limited in device options but offers a curated user experience. Nevertheless, these ecosystems hide proprietary protocols, certification stickers, and unjustified price premiums.
Most smart hubs have an app that you can install on your smartphone. This app allows you to set up and manage different devices from one screen. The app will typically feature a dashboard that enables you to manage all the devices connected to the hub.
Before purchasing a smart hub, make sure it has plenty of ports and expandable memory. You should also choose one compatible with as many smart home devices as possible. A good hub shouldn’t focus on one specific product but should offer integrated access to many different devices. This way, you won’t limit yourself to only one smart home hub.
#3. Bluetooth
Buying Bluetooth wireless devices for your home can be a great way to regulate a variety of tasks around the house. From playing games to controlling the temperature and lighting, you can find the right device for your needs.
Make sure to secure your devices. Bluetooth connections are often vulnerable to hacking, and enabling certain features can open you to attacks. You can also ensure that your devices are in “discoverable” mode to keep your information secure. However, you should be aware that Bluetooth does not have the same level of security as Wi-Fi, is slower, and has a shorter range.
#4. Wi-Fi
When it comes to smart home technology, there’s a new standard for the typical home network. Instead of just a single computer, most households now have at least two personal Wi-Fi devices, such as a smart TV or media streaming box. That’s just the beginning. But as the number of smart devices in homes continues to grow, the need for high-quality Wi-Fi connectivity is also increasing.
The router is probably the most important piece of Wi-Fi hardware. It converts the internet’s signals into a wireless network, which your computer can access. There are many different kinds of routers and different ways to set them up. In addition to your router, you’ll need a wireless network adapter for your desktop PC. Some newer devices come with built-in Wi-Fi receivers, and you may also want to invest in a Wi-Fi extender.
#5. Smart Speakers
There are various types of smart speakers on the market. These devices range in size and price from small Google Nest Minis to large Amazon Echos. You can also purchase one of the companies’ smart displays, smart speakers with touchscreens. These devices can be used to play music, movies, or other content.
Most smart speakers are equipped with voice assistants, allowing you to control many of the device’s features. They can be set up to play music, play audiobooks, and control many other smart devices around the house. Some even have voice recognition capabilities, and they can call your contacts. In addition, some smart speakers can integrate with a smart home system to automate tasks for you.