Hey there, future homeowner! Imagine walking into a room, and the lights adjust to your preferred brightness as if by magic. Your curtains gracefully glide shut at sunset, shielding you from India’s intense sun. And as you approach your front door, it unlocks with a simple tap on your smartphone. This isn’t science fiction; it’s the reality of a smart home.
But before you dismiss it as a luxury for the wealthy, think again. Creating a smart home in India is not only straightforward but also surprisingly budget-friendly. You can take it one step at a time, beginning with just one smart device – no need to splurge upfront!
Why should you consider a smart home?
Before delving into the details, let’s talk about why you should embrace the idea of turning your ordinary home into a smart one. It’s about more than just wowing your friends (although that’s a nice bonus). A smart home is all about convenience and efficiency. And, thankfully, most of the tech is easily available in India for cheap.
Imagine never groping for light switches again. Picture being able to control your home’s temperature and security from your smartphone, no matter where you are. And consider the energy savings by optimizing your home’s lighting and heating. All of this becomes possible with a smart home.
Starting small and embracing the tech
The best part is that you don’t need to dive headfirst into a world of smart gadgets or break the bank. Building a smart home in India can be done gradually, one gadget at a time. It’s like creating a tech wishlist and checking items off at your own pace.
You don’t need to throw your old gadgets into trash bins either. A lot of add-on devices can convert your existing gadgets into smart gadgets.
Let’s start with the basics, beginning with smart home gadgets available in India that won’t drain your wallet. These are user-friendly, even if your tech knowledge is limited.
Smart lighting
Welcome to the world of smart lighting! Smart bulbs are your gateway to a brighter, more energy-efficient home. These advanced bulbs and batons offer more than just brightness control – you can adjust their colors to suit your mood or the occasion. Want a cozy atmosphere? Choose warm, soft hues. Hosting a party? Go for vibrant and colorful lighting. What’s fantastic is their compatibility with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Just imagine sitting on your couch and saying, “Alexa, dim the lights,” and it happens! It’s like having your personal digital genie.
In India, where electricity bills can be a headache, smart lighting shines. You can schedule them to turn on and off at specific times or integrate them with sensors to light up only when someone’s in the room. This not only saves money but also contributes to a greener planet.
Whether it’s setting the perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner, creating a study-friendly workspace, or adding a touch of magic to your home, smart bulbs and batons have you covered. And the best part? You can start with just one or two and expand your collection over time, making it budget-friendly for all.
Most bulbs in the market start at around Rs 500, while batons start at around Rs 800. The more expensive ones can also be controlled with Bluetooth on your phone, allowing them to work even when your WiFi is down. Popular brands include Syska, Philips, Mi, Wipro, and others.
Smart Plugs & switches
These plugs may resemble traditional ones, but they’re intelligent, responsive, and incredibly user-friendly. Plug them in a 6A or 16A socket and you can convert any device into a smart one, be it a table fan, a geyser, a heater, or some other device.
These plugs can allow you to set a schedule, monitor your electricity usage, and turn on or off with a simple voice command. The new ones come with BlueTooth to ensure all-weather connectivity.
Similarly, smart switches can do a similar job. They can replace your existing switches (or switchboard) and make most of the connected appliances smart. There’s a whole variety of such switches, starting from a single switch, to a switchboard, to smart power strips, that even have surge protection features and USB A ports with decent power output.
Don’t fret if you’re not tech-savvy; most smart switches are designed for easy installation, even for beginners. It’s an affordable and practical way to embark on your smart home journey.
Lots of brands are available in the market, but we’ve highlighted a few tried and tested ones below.
Smart Curtain Closers
Smart curtain closers are your modern-day saviors, adding convenience and sophistication to this age-old task. These devices allow you to control your curtains remotely, enhancing comfort and style. In India, where the sun’s intensity can be extreme, especially in summer, managing curtains effectively is crucial. Smart curtain closers let you open and close curtains with a simple app on your smartphone or through voice commands. So, during a lazy Sunday afternoon movie marathon, you can block out the harsh sun without leaving your comfortable spot.
These devices offer automation options too, letting you schedule when curtains open and close. It’s like having a personal butler, maintaining your home at the perfect temperature and privacy level.
Moreover, smart curtain closers work with various curtain types, from traditional drapes to blinds and even sheer curtains. Designed for easy installation and use, they’re accessible to anyone seeking modernity and convenience in their home.
I have purchased Switchbot curtain closer and it does a decent job. While it can be frustrating to watch the little robot take over 60 seconds to close or open the curtains, most of the time, I don’t even notice it. Price starts from around Rs 7,000 for a single unit.
Smart Doorbell
Your home’s entrance is its first line of defense, and a smart doorbell acts as a digital sentry guarding your castle. These devices combine the function of a traditional doorbell with advanced features like a built-in camera and motion sensors, turning your front door into a high-tech gateway. Imagine this scenario: You’re at work, and your doorbell rings. With a smart doorbell, you receive a notification on your smartphone, complete with a live video feed showing who’s at your door. You can even talk to your visitor using the built-in microphone and speaker, all while sipping your coffee at the office.
This level of control and security is invaluable, particularly in India, where safety concerns loom large. Whether it’s a package delivery, a family member visiting, or an unexpected guest, you can always see and communicate with them, even when you’re away.
Another advantage is that smart doorbells record video footage, crucial for incidents or monitoring your home’s surroundings. Some models even offer cloud storage for these recordings, ensuring access when needed.
Installation is typically straightforward, and many smart doorbells can use your existing doorbell wiring. They integrate seamlessly with other smart home devices, creating a robust and interconnected security system.
There are multiple brands available in the market right now, including the likes of Wipro and Qubo from Hero.
Smart Locks
Smart locks offer a more convenient and secure way to access your home. These futuristic devices replace traditional locks with digital technology, enabling you to lock and unlock your door via a smartphone app, PIN code, key fob, or even your fingerprint. In India, where security is paramount, smart locks provide an additional layer of protection for your home and loved ones. Traditional locks may be vulnerable to picking or lock bumping, but smart locks feature advanced encryption and authentication methods, bolstering resistance to unauthorized access.
A standout feature of smart locks is their ability to grant temporary access to guests or service providers. Imagine a plumber coming over while you’re at work; you can provide them with a temporary access code that expires after the job’s completion. Secure and convenient.
Moreover, smart locks integrate with other smart home devices. You can pair them with your smart doorbell, enabling you to see who’s at the door and remotely unlock it if needed. It’s like having a virtual doorman.
Installation varies by model, but many smart locks can retrofit your existing door, making it a DIY-friendly project. They often include backup keys for emergencies, ensuring you’re never locked out. Usually, the prices start around Rs 10,000.
Smart Remote (IR HUB)
If you’re tired of juggling multiple remotes to control your TV, set-top box, streaming devices, and other entertainment gadgets, it’s time to meet the superhero of your living room—the smart remote. Think of it as your universal remote on steroids. With a smart remote, you can consolidate control over all your entertainment devices into a single, user-friendly interface. No more searching for the right remote or struggling to remember which button does what.
Here’s how it works: You set up your smart remote to communicate with all your devices including televisions, ACs, set-top boxes, and basically anything that uses an IR remote. It’s like teaching it a universal language that your gadgets understand. Once everything syncs up, you can navigate through TV channels, adjust the volume, switch between streaming apps, and even power devices on or off—all from a single remote.
What sets smart remotes apart is their compatibility with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Simply speak your commands, and the remote executes them. It’s like having a personal assistant for your entertainment needs. You can do things like turn on the AC in your room 10 minutes prior and make sure it is cooled down to your desired temperature with a simple voice command. You can even pair it with a smart thermostat or thermometer to automate the room temperature.
Setup is usually straightforward, and most smart remotes offer intuitive user interfaces for easy configuration. They frequently receive updates to stay compatible with the latest devices and services, ensuring your home entertainment remains cutting-edge.
Fan controller
While some people can’t be made smarter, your dumb fans can, fortunately. All you need to do is retrofit a smart fan controller, and you can now control the fan, including the speed from your phone. It’s a cheap price to pay for the convenience and can be done on most of the brands available in India.
Now you might be wondering if all this automation is going to turn you into a couch potato. Fair to say, it might. Well, that’s the price you pay for convenience.
Google Home or Amazon Alexa
And while you can control all these gadgets using your phone, a much more easy way is to use a home assistant such as Google Hub or Amazon Alexa. These devices are always on standby to take your verbal instructions and execute the command. It’s convenient because you don’t have to take out your phone every time you need to do something or juggle through umpteen different apps. It also ensures that your room can be controlled by your family members rather than only someone who has the relevant apps installed and has access on the phone.
Plus, you can do a lot more with these assistants like playing music or videos, listening to news, or learning new trivia.
Conclusion
Building a smart home in India isn’t reserved for tech enthusiasts or those with deep pockets. You can start small and gradually add smart devices to your home, making it more convenient, efficient, and secure. From smart bulbs that create the perfect ambiance to smart switches that simplify your daily routines, from smart curtain closers that manage your home’s lighting and privacy to smart doorbells and locks that enhance security, and finally, the smart remote that brings all your entertainment together, these technologies are designed to make your life easier.
So, why wait? Start your smart home journey today and experience the benefits of modern technology without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned enthusiast, these smart home devices are here to make your life more comfortable and enjoyable. Embrace the future of home living and take the first step towards a smarter, more connected home today. Your future self will thank you as you enjoy the convenience and peace of mind that come with a smart home in India.
