Its that time of year again. The holiday season is quickly approaching, and gift buying is probably overwhelming your mind. If you’re stuck on what to buy and need some inspiration, take a look at part three of our holiday gift guide, focusing on goodies for the smart home.
blink video doorbell
Granted, it’s not the sexiest gift, but definitely a great idea. Priced at C$49.99 and available from Best Buy, it features 1080p HD video with two-way audio, motion and chime app alerts, and last, but not least, compatibility with Alexa. It is worth noting that according to product fact sheet, It is easy to install, whether it is wired or wire-free. It allows you to check on your home at any time, receive real time alerts when someone is near your door, and listen in and talk to visitors from your phone or tablet.
The Blink comes equipped with a pair of non-rechargeable AA batteries as well as a mounting kit that includes corner mount screws and anchors.
Google Nest Audio Smart Speaker with Google Assistant
The holidays should include a little chill time and there’s no better way than to sit back, relax, and put this handy device to work. Nest Audio is all about sound – just say, ‘Ok Google, play me some tunes.’ Plus, it’s also programmed to control the smart home, whether that means turning on the lights or turning the high-definition television on or off.
Available in a selection of colors from canada computer and electronicsIt lists for C$69.99, which is C$60 cheaper than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
In addition, according to the manufacturer, the device is 75 percent louder than the original Google Home smart speaker, and has 50 percent stronger bass.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Make it a double gift if you want, also available with the 3rd Generation Nest Learning Thermostat canada computer and electronics and retailing for C$329. Google says, ‘In most homes, not every room has the same temperature. With the Nest Temperature Sensor, you can tell your Nest Learning Thermostat which room should be a certain temperature at a certain time of day. Simply put it on a wall or shelf in the room that matters most, such as the living room or a child’s room. and get the temperature right where you want it.”
All the necessary parts for installation come with the device and most people, again according to Google, “set it up in 60 minutes or less.”
Meros Smart Outdoor Plug
Available from Amazon Canada and costing C$35.99, this handy plug is ideal not only for outdoor use in the backyard or deck, but also for indoor-use electrical appliances like washing machines or dryers.
Compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings, Remote Control, Timer, FCC and ETL Certified, A key feature is the remote and voice control, where each of the two sockets can be controlled individually from anywhere and anytime Could Schedule and timer settings can automatically turn it on or off, providing the added benefit of energy savings Amazon Canada Product fact sheet explainsWhen plug-in appliances are not needed or are accidentally left on.
PANASONIC KXHNB600 Base Unit (Hub) for Panasonic Home Monitoring System.
This smart electronic device, called The Hub, is the brains behind the Panasonic home monitoring system, according to Panasonic. All devices connect directly to the hub via DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology). This standard, which originated in Europe, allows “up to 50 meters indoors and up to 300 meters outdoors” between additional devices and the hub. Connect and control up to four cameras and up to 50 additional devices from a single hub.
available Online from Canada Computers & Electronics, and priced at C$74.88, this system syncs with handsets, cameras, sensors and smart plugs, and also sends system alerts to a smart phone or tablet.
