The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, as the holiday season drew ever near.
“But Daddy, but daddy,” a little one said. “What if I wanted to control something, but just with my head?”
The dad simply smiled and pulled out a box with a bow. The little one ripped it open, to find an Alexa, her face now a-glow.
“With this you can control everything you see,” the father said as he beamed. “Try it out and see, you don’t even need to scream.”
And one by one, lights twinkled on and off. Every device could now be controlled, if she spoke loud or soft.
But just where does one pick up such a present? Shopping at your local custom integrator, you peasant! With this handy list, you need never fear. Here’s 10 awesome home devices: Use them with Alexa and every instruction will be heard loud and clear.
1. Lighting
Light switches, light bulbs, dimmer switches, LED bulbs, and even LED light strips can all be bought in smart, Alexa compatible versions. No longer will you have to live life in the dark ages and control your lights by getting up and walking all the way to the other side of the room to turn them on and off. Welcome to the future, now with voice controlled everything.
2. Plugs
Have an appliance that you want to be able to control with your voice, but can’t find a voice-equipped model? Have no fear! It is the holiday season after all! Santa wouldn’t let you sit around all December with a frown on that face.
Instead, grab a smart plug. This way, you can control power to said device with your voice, even if the device itself isn’t able to work with Alexa. Of course, if you are worried about setting up your appliance with a smart plug – or want to make sure you are setting up any of your new electronics safely this holiday – give us a call! We’re always here to help with any electronics inquiry.
3. Cameras
Home safety is important, especially during the holidays. Thieves are always lurking around in the shadows of the night, trying to find a weak spot in your home security system so they can make a getaway with all of your new electronics and presents.
Well, not this year! We weren’t able to get you a voice controlled personal Batman, but you can get the next best thing: voice controlled smart cameras.
4. Door Locks
If you are the only person left on your block without a smart lock, what are you waiting for? They not only make your home safer, but they also integrate and work with Alexa. That’s right – you’ll be able to combine safety and voice control. Give us a call, and we can walk you through all the smart lock options that work best for your home.
5. Thermostats
It’s the time of the year when you spend more time under blankets and near the fireplace than anywhere else. And there’s nothing worse than having to get out from the nice, warm comfort of your favorite blanket to get up and change the temperature on the thermostat.
Poof. Fixed. Thanks, Alexa.
6. TVs
‘Tis the season for giving, and there’s nothing better to give someone you love – yourself included – than a brand-new high-quality TV. 4K is starting to hit its stride – and you can even go further into the future with 8K sets now, both of which let you control your TV with Alexa.
Still aren’t sure which TV you should make the centerpiece of your home theater? Don’t waste time this holiday fretting over the decision – give us a call instead! We’ll be glad to help you find the perfect screen for your holiday movie marathons.
7. Home Theater
Holidays and holiday music go together like, well, eggnog and presents, and stockings, lights, and wreaths and everything else holiday related! Given that, there’s no reason that you shouldn’t also be able to control your music with the same voice that you use to belt out the chorus to “Jingle Bells” year after year. With Sonos and Alexa, you can.
8. Vacuums
Not all voice control applications need to be fun -- some of them can also be functional, too! Your home is bound to get dirty over the holidays no matter how hard you try to keep things clean, so some voice-automated vacuums are sure to go a long way.
No matter what your electronic needs are this holiday – be it voice controlled TVs for the kids or smart home tech for you – you can’t go wrong shopping local with us. All year round we’re here to help you integrate custom products into your life, and our commitment to that doesn’t stop during the holiday season!