Top ten smart home tech for Christmas

Although this is probably the last thing you’re thinking about this year, but somehow - it’s almost Christmas. Whether we’re all going to be opening presents over a Zoom call or wearing face masks at the dinner table - that remains unforeseen at the moment.

But one thing we can count on is the exciting smart home gadgets that are bound to be on everyone’s Christmas list. From fancy thermostats to some of the latest technology from Google that is revolutionising home security - the possibilities are endless. But let’s narrow it down, here’s our top ten smart home gadgets to look forward to this Christmas…

1). Google Home Mini. 

This is the perfect gift for Christmas. Affordable, compact, and a gadget for the whole family. If you’re unsure what a Google Home Mini does, let me explain. Basically, by saying the magic words ‘Hey Google’, followed by a question or anything that’s on your mind. Such as, ‘Hey Google, what’s the weather like?’ or ‘Hey Google, what’s the capital of Lithuania?’ - the Google Home Mini will provide you with all the answers. It’s the new way of ‘Googling’ without actually picking up your mobile or laptop. 

You can even connect this to your Netflix or TV. Simply say, ‘Hey Google, play Elf on Netflix’ - and the Google Home Mini will do as you command without you having to move a muscle. Some may say it’s lazy, but being lazy has never been so convenient and let’s face it, cool. 

It's possible to link this gismo to other devices in your home as most new technologies support the Google Home Mini. Almost anything can be connected to your Google Home Mini and pretty much everything in this article can. Welcome to the new era of home technology. 

It’s great for Christmas parties too - or for those self-isolating - you can have Spotify listening parties. Invite up to five friends by clicking, ‘See Listeners’ and then send them a link to join. Why not check out BOXT’s big boiler playlist on Spotify? (We’re very pleased with ourselves).

2). Nest Protect Smoke Alarm and CO Detector. 

Now that we’re all spending much more time in our homes, it’s important that they’re as well protected as possible. Your home will be as secure as ever with the state of the art smoke alarm and detector, the Nest Protect. It’s perfect for putting minds at rest. Receive real life alerts to your mobile device and the battery status of your Nest Protect. You can even silence an alarm if you accidentally burn your roast potatoes. One less thing to stress about. 

The built-in voice provides you with all of the necessary information to keep you and your family well protected. It reveals the exact location of any potential hazard. Safeguard your home over Christmas with this clever, life saving gadget. 

3). Google Nest Learning Thermostat.

The thermostat has come a long way from just a small piece of plastic stuck on the wall. Sleek, cutting edge and surprisingly simple to use, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat is exactly what every home needs. Not only does it provide you with a clear reading of your heating but it also allows you to regulate it. 

Download the app and you’ll experience all of the Google Nest Learning Thermostat’s benefits. Turn your heating off, on, up, or down - you can even set heating schedules. Believe it or not, but as a result of keeping more of an eye on your heating - you can effortlessly save money on energy bills. 

4). ConnectSense Smart Outlet. 

The ConnectSense Smart Outlet is the a plug but with a slight difference. You're able to switch on (or off) any device in your home by simply using your vocal chords. For this to work effectively, it must be paired with a smart home hub, such as a Google Home Mini or Echo Dot. But you can also download the ConnectSense app to control your electrical appliances directly from your phone - wherever you are. 

This is a useful way of keeping track of how much energy your appliances are using and set heating schedules around it. An innovative way of saving energy, especially if you’re one of those families that are always falling asleep in front of the TV on Christmas day. For a plug it may be on the expensive side, but in the long run you could save a lot of money for the amount of energy you save. 

5). August Smart Lock Pro.

The future of home security has arrived and it’s everything you’d expect. The August Smart Lock Pro combines safety with cutting edge technology to provide you with the ultimate home lock over the Christmas period. Always losing your house keys? Then this was designed for you. All you need is your mobile - as the August Smart Lock Pro senses it as you as you approach. 

No more fuss trying to find your keys - you’ll have it on you at all times. It even connects to your Google Home Mini and Echo Dot - so you can let the inlaws in whilst you’re busy arguing with your other half during a game of Pictionary. 

6). Nest Cam Outdoor.

Another exciting gadget produced by the tech giants at Google is The Nest Cam Outdoor. Quick and easy to install, it redefines the basic ‘CCTV’ camera. No more pixelated images and dodgy movements. Instead, a live feed straight to your mobile that’s as clear as day. 

The genius doesn’t stop there. In fact, the Nest Cam Outdoor understands when it’s a person walking past your home or just a thing. Ideal for the crimbo season, so you can relax with your family knowing the Nest Cam Outdoor is keeping a watchful eye on your home at all times. 

7). Philips Hue Lightbulb. 

Arguably the most affordable smart lightbulb on the market, the Philips Hue Lightbulb makes an excellent Christmas gift if you want to impress your parents. Play with colour and transform your living room to suit the atmosphere that’s perfect for you and your family. By simply downloading the Philips Hue app, you’ll be able to choose from a plethora of colours and control the bulb straight from your mobile. 

8). Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed. 

Getting a good night sleep can be impossible sometimes - tossing and turning all night waiting for the z’s to kick in. But still nothing. The Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed was crafted for exactly that reason. It’s the smart bed that provides us with a greater understanding of our sleep. By using an app on your mobile device, you’re able to view your sleep patterns, health metrics, and gain an insight into how you can improve your sleep. 

This probably won’t be a stocking filler, mind as it’s more probably more on the expensive side. However, it highlights the possibilities of smart home technology and how far it’s come. 

9). Philips Hue Play Light Bar.

During Christmas, our living rooms are probably where we spend most of our time. Flicking through the channels, trying to find something we haven’t seen for the 1000th time. Now you can freshen up your Christmas with the Philips Hue Play Light Bar. Compatible with the Google Home Mini, it’s perfect for setting the mood during a family film. Choose from a range of exciting colours and revitalise your entertainment. 

10). Tailwind iQ3 Smart Automatic Garage Controller.

Open and close your garage door by simply asking it to. No one wants to get out of the car when it’s freezing, with the Tailwind iQ3 Smart Automatic Garage Controller - you can seamlessly exit and enter your garage without having to leave your passenger seat. Set schedules around your day and use voice commands as this clever piece of tech can connect to your Google Home Mini. Just don’t forget to ask Google to open the garage door before you leave to do the big Christmas shop. It’s easy, ground-breaking, and super convenient.