Smart home devices have become an integral part of modern living, bringing convenience and efficiency to our daily lives. This post explores the realm of undercover tech, showcasing the best hidden smart devices for your home. We’ll dive into how these devices provide invisible support to improve your life. From smart thermostats and blinds that help cut down on energy costs, to cleverly designed furniture that can wirelessly charge your devices. These devices are designed to blend into your home’s environment so well that you might forget they’re there. Join us as we explore the world of discreet technology and discover how you can incorporate these hidden gems into your own living space.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats like the Nest 3rd Generation Smart Learning Thermostat are designed to manage the heating and cooling systems in your home. They automatically switch between heating or cooling mode to keep your home at the perfect temperature. They operate without requiring manual adjustments because they have the capability to learn your daily patterns. Over time, they can even automatically change the temperature settings based on knowing where you are or the schedule they observe. They aim to provide a comfortable environment when you’re at home and save energy when you’re away.
Smart Blinds and Shades
Adding smart blinds and shades with devices like the RYSE SmartShade with BatteryPack are a great way to modernize window shades. These devices allow you to convert your existing window shades into smart shades. Most smart shade controllers offer the convenience of controlling shades either through physical buttons located on the device or through a mobile application. Most can even automatically adjust the blinds depending on a schedule that you set in the app, or the angle of the sun. Smart blind controllers like this install super easily, and they are designed to be user-friendly. Smart blinds have been shown to significantly reduce energy costs to heat and cool a home, so this is definitely a smart investment.
Smart Switches
In wall smart switches like this TP-Link Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Dimmer Switch are great for adding invisible smarts to “dumb” devices. They allow you to turn on lights, fans, and other switch controlled devices with an app, remotely, or on a schedule. They are usually compatible with all major smart home platforms, including Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. Installation of switches like these does require some electrical knowledge since you will be wiring this into your house, so if you are not handy it is best to have a professional install these.
Smart Bulbs
Smart bulbs like these Govee 800LM RGBWW Smart LED Bulb 4pk are an inexpensive, easy way to add smart lighting to your home without requiring changing electrical wiring. These bulbs fit into existing lamps and light sockets, allowing you to upgrade your lighting without the need for specialized fixtures. The bulbs can be controlled via an app, which simplifies the process of adjusting brightness, color, and on/off states. This level of control extends to the ability to set automated timers, ensuring lights turn on or off at scheduled times. Most smart bulbs are compatible with the main smart home ecosystems, which also gives you voice control over your home’s lighting.
Invisible Smart Locks
Invisible smart locks like the Level Bolt are designed to transform an existing lock into a smart lock without altering the external appearance of the door. They are installed inside the existing lock, allowing you to keep your current lock design. Smart locks are great to allow guests or other visitors access to your home when you may not be able to open the door. Hidden models like this aims to provide users with the convenience of smart lock technology while preserving the aesthetic of their home’s design. This allows you to have a smart lock without having a keypad or other device on your front door.
Hidden TV’s
TV’s that can hide in plain sight, like the Samsung 75-inch Class The Frame QLED 4K UHD Smart Tizen TV, are designed not only to be a television but also to serve other purposes. In this case, Samsung’s The Frame displays artwork when it is not being used as a TV. When the TV is on, it utilizes a technology known as Quantum Dot to deliver a wide spectrum of colors, making images appear vibrant and detailed. This technology enables the TV to achieve 100% Color Volume, which means it can produce a vast range of colors that match the standard used in cinema screens and high dynamic range movies. The screen is capable of showing a billion colors, enhancing the viewing experience with rich and accurate hues. In addition to its color capabilities, this TV has a feature called Art Mode. This function allows the TV to mimic the look of a framed piece of art. When activated, Art Mode transforms the television into a platform where one can showcase art pieces or personal photographs, effectively turning the TV into a piece of decor. The Frame offers a way to merge technology with personal style, providing a dual function as both an entertainment device and an element of interior design.
Hidden Tech in Furniture
Furniture with smart tech built in, like this Soundstream Sound Table V2, are multi-functional pieces of furniture. This table can serve as an end table, charge your Qi enabled devices, and also functions as a speaker and smart light system. It features a spill proof tempered-glass top that is both durable and resistant to scratches, ensuring it maintains its appearance over time. This table is designed to cater to the charging needs of various devices with the inclusion of two fast-charging wireless chargers and an additional USB port. Connectivity options include built-in Bluetooth Audio, which allows users to stream music from their smartphones using popular apps. The Sound Table V2 is equipped with a premium 5.1 surround sound system, which includes a 6-inch down-firing subwoofer for bass, two 3-inch midrange speakers, and two 1-inch tweeters for higher frequencies. An added feature of this table is the mood lighting, which can be controlled via the new SoundTable Version 2 Smartphone app. This RGB lighting can enhance the atmosphere of any room. Additionally, users have control over the built-in equalizer, allowing them to customize the audio experience to their preferences. The SoundTable V2 is designed to be a versatile and user-friendly addition to any space.
Smart Sprinkler Controllers
Smart sprinkler controllers like the Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller are designed to water your yard in the most efficient way. This allows you to save money and water over time, as the controller waters your yard. It comes with an app that helps you create an optimal watering schedule for your landscape. One of the key features of this controller is its ability to adapt the watering schedule based on local weather conditions. This is through the Weather Intelligence Plus feature, which automatically adjusts the watering plan to account for real-time weather changes, leading to water conservation and healthier plants. Smart sprinkler controllers are relatively easy to install, with a user-friendly setup process. They work quietly in the background, saving you money while watering your plants intelligently.
Voice Assistants and Smart Speakers
Voice assistants and smart speakers like the Google Nest Audio Smart Speaker are designed to provide you with high-quality audio performance and help managing your smart home. These smart speakers are equipped with voice recognition capabilities, allowing you to interact with it using voice commands. By initiating commands you can request the speaker to play music or provide assistance with various tasks. This lets you control your other smart home devices and the speaker hands free, letting you play music, manage your home’s temperature, or turn on lights all with your voice ( provided you have other appropriate smart devices connected ).
Smart Plugs
Smart plugs like this Tapo TP15 are a great way to discreetly bring some smarts to dumb devices. They let you control the devices that are attached to them via an app, or your voice if they are connected to a smart controller. Most are able to work with the major smart home platforms such as Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. They are perfect for controlling things like lamps where you can just leave the device switched “on” and let the plug handle turning it on and off. They also let you control devices on a schedule, so your lamps can automatically turn on at dusk, or your hair straightener can turn off when you are supposed to leave the house.
Smart Thermostat for Electric-In-Floor Heaters
Smart thermostats for heated floors like this Mysa Smart Thermostat for Electric In-Floor Heating are specifically created for high voltage in-floor heating systems. They are engineered to improve energy efficiency, which can contribute to reduced energy costs. Users can manage their heating remotely via an app. In addition to remote management, the thermostats are usually designed to work with home automation systems such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This lets you control the smart floor heater with your voice, on a timer, or through some other trigger from your smart home controller.
Adding hidden smart devices into your home can streamline your daily routines and enhance security while preserving your living space’s aesthetic. From lighting that automatically comes on to smart speakers disguised as decor, these gadgets blend seamlessly into your home environment. Smart thermostats can also help in managing energy consumption without being obtrusive. With the advancements in technology, these undercover devices offer both functionality and discretion, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a smart home without compromising on style.
