JOIN USTop affordable smart home gadgets to buy in India
Since the early 2010s, Internet-of-Things (IoT) such as connected camcorders, doorbells, smart plugs, fridge, TVs have become conventional home appliances in western developed markets. But, now, the smart home concept is steadily catching up in India.
Here are some of the top picks of smart home gadgets that you can buy off- the-counter according to your budget limits:
Smart speakers:
One of the primary reasons for increasing adoption of smart home gadgets in India is the launch of Amazon's Alexa-powered Echo speaker series and Google Home.
So. it would be apt for the prospective consumers to invest in any of the two brands.
They come in various price ranging from Rs 3,000 (Echo Dot) to Rs 11,999 (Echo Plus). If you want to have devices with a display, check out the Echo show and obviously, it doesn't come cheap and will set you back by Rs 18,399. Or go for the Echo Spot, which costs Rs 8,999. With these, consumers can use normal natural language commands to book a cab, order products on e-commerce site, play music, get news briefs, ask simple mathematical questions, know latest cricket or football or any sports' match score, trivia, history and more.
Another interesting aspect of Amazon Echo is that the company keeps adding skills to enhance the user experience. One that I particularly like is that consumers can now teach Echo speakers local languages lingos be it Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Bengali and others through Alexa skill app, Cleo.
You can also go for the standard Google Home for Rs 7,499 or the Home Mini for Rs 4,999. It can be noted that both the Amazon and Google-branded smart speakers can control compatible Internet-connected devices in the home.
Smart TVs
Xiaomi's latest MI Smart LED TVs start at Rs 12,999. They run Android TV-based PatchWall OS comes with standard connectivity features including Wi-Fi and support for Chromecast.
Consumers can also go for Samsung and LG smart TVs, as they are found to be good in over-all aspects such as sound, viewing experience, and after-sale customer service. The 32-inch models cost anywhere between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000.
Recommendations:
32-inch Samsung Series 4 HD Ready LED Smart TV (UA32N4310, 2018 model)- Rs 21,999
32-inch LG HD Ready LED Smart TV 32LJ573D- Rs 19,720
Smart gadgets for non-smart TVs
Amazon Firestick (price starts at Rs 3,199 ) and Google Chromecast (Rs 3,499) can make your ordinary television into a smart TV. All you need to do is plug the devices to the USB port of the TV and control the channels and volumes with a voice-command or through the smartphone. If you happen to own Amazon Echo or the Google Home, you need not even look for the phone or a remote, just talk to them to control the TV in the living room.
Smart Plug
Syska sells Mini Smart Plug for Rs 2,599. With just one click through the Syska Smart Home App, consumers can control any connected device using the Syska Smart Plug with Power Meter. The power meter is enabled to monitor voltage consumption of any device ever connected with the Syska Smart Plug. All the data ever collected by the power meter can be accessed via the Syska Smart Home App.
Smart doorbell
Maxbell Clever Dog Smart WiFi Doorbell: With this gadget, the consumer check who is in front of the door right from their smartphone. Also, he/she can speak with that person through the app, from any part of the world.
Another interesting aspect of the Maxbell smart gadget is that it doesn't require wiring and can be set up in just a few minutes. It houses a rechargeable Lithium battery that gives the bell almost 4-6 months of standby time. It is available for Rs 5,999 on Amazon.
Smart controller
AIFA i-Ctrl smart home device: With this, the consumer can control all their IR remote devices from anywhere, anytime all around the world using your smartphone. It doesn't require any wiring or sensors. he/she just need to plug it in and conduct a first time setup with their smartphone using Alfa’s official app AIFA i-Ctrl and you are all set.
It works like a universal remote which doesn't require any specialization or technician to get it installed. You can install it yourself easily. It is also Alexa enabled which helps you controlling all your devices via voice. It costs 3,799 on e-commerce sites.
Smart Switch
Goldmedal i-Touch Wi-Fi Switch: Once installed, consumer, can control connected devices lights, fans, drapes, TVs, ACs, and any others remotely using Goldmedal’s i-World mobile app.
This switch can also be operated by an RF Remote control or manually using a light touch. The backlit LED panel not only makes it visually appealing, it helps the users to operate in the dark. A unique feature of Goldmedal’s home automation switches is that you can retrofit them into your existing wiring - you don’t have to drill any new holes or change the wiring in your home, the company claims. Its price starts at 5,900.
Smart Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras
Motorola FOCUS85-B: It is a Wi-Fi HD (720p) home monitoring camera and comes with remote Pan, tilt and zoom options in addition to motion alert and motion-triggered recording. Consumers can view the live recording on smartphones, tablets, and computers via a free hubble app. It also offers free sound, motion, room temperature notifications, free manual video recording, and image snapshot. It costs Rs 6,998.
D3D D829 Wireless HD IP WiFi CCTV Cloud indoor security camera: It supports up to 128 GB SD card and also cloud storage option. It comes with fire sensor, gas leakage sensor, Door/Window sensor, inbuilt motion detection sensor, night vision (up to 10 meters), two-way video chat with audio options and full HD (1080p) recording option. Consumers can control the camera with Amazon Alexa voice commands and also through a smartphone app. It costs Rs 2,580.
Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera 360: It comes with full HD (1080p) recording, 360-degree recording, infrared night vision, two-way audio interaction and boasts AI motion detection feature, live-viewing option through smartphone Mi Home app. It costs Rs 2,699.
Smart LED bulbs
Philips Hue 10W B22 Smart Bulb (White & Color) is one of the most trusted brands here in India and costs Rs 2,482. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and the Google Assistant. If you want just white ambiance, you can for the Philips Hue 9.5W E27 smart bulb and is priced- Rs 1,249.
Another alternative is the Wipro Garnet Smart Light 7W B22 LED bulb and costs Rs 798. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant
Popular brand Syska too offer smart light 7W LED bulb for Rs 799. Like the other two mentioned above, it supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so that consumers can control the brightness and even change colours using just voice commands.
All the products listed above also come with app support for smartphones, so that users control the light anywhere in the world. This will come in handy when the owner is out of station and light up the home in the night, which can trick criminals that the people are in the house.
Get the latest news on new launches, gadget reviews, apps and more on personal technology only on DH Tech.