Working from home the smart way
Covid-19 pandemic resulted in new ways of working and enhanced remote working. In many companies, employees do not have to go back to the office ever! However, the joy of working at the comfort of your house comes with its own challenges. Could it be the plethora of distractions that constantly fight for your attention? Or the fact that just don’t know when to stop working and give family some time. Here are some smart appliances that will help your home a suitable and convenient work place
1. KASA smart plug
Do not let electronic devices distract you from you work. Control your microwave, television or even lighting remotely using the Kasa Smart Plug.
Functions
- Controls any home electronic appliance plugged into it remotely via remote and voice control
- Turns electronics off from the comfort of your office chair using the Kasa App.
- Also uses timers to schedule downtimes of any appliance.
- Requires 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi connection
- Plugs in into any standard socket
Pros
- Easy to set up and use.
- Voice control works with Amazon Alexa, Microsoft Cortana and even Google Assisant
- Supports up to 15A for flexible control and wide range plug in of devices
- You can schedule it to automatically switch on and switch off devices
- You can control many devices with one single button
- Power down or power up your house conveniently without having to press any button
- Allows you to keep your energy bill low by controlling the running time of your home appliances
Cons
- You need to download the KASA App for maximum use
2. KASA smart switch
Meet your lighting needs from the comfort of your office chair. The KASA Smart Switch allows not only to switch off but to also dim your lighting according to your liking without having to move and inch.
Functions
- Wirelessly controls lights by dimming and switching off using an app or voice control
- Works with voltage between 90 – 240 vac and a maximum load of 10 Amp
- Requires 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi connection
- Requires a neutral wire connection
Pros
- Easily replace your traditional switch with the KASA Switch to make it smart.
- Voice control works with Amazon Alexa, Microsoft Cortana and even Google Assisant
- 1 Smart switch can replace an existing 2 way switch
- You can schedule it to automatically switch on, switch off and dim lights
- Can control many devices and appliances connected to it.
- Power down or power up your house conveniently without having to press any button
- Allows you to keep your energy bill low by controlling the running time of your home appliances
- App has various program options to plan and synchronize as you seem fit.
Cons
- Works in a single pole set up only
3. Smart air purifier
Are you worried that odours, allergies, COVID and other problematic air conditions will hinder your working from home? Worry no more as the Dyson TP07 Air Cool will smartly purify your air from bacteria, emissions and even pet dander.
Functions
- Engineered to automatically trap and clean impurities from air - removes 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size.
- Not only purifies air but also has a fan to provide a cooling effect on you.
- Reports in any change in air quality through the phone app once it automatically detects the change.
- Has a dimmed display and more quiet sounds in its night mode setting that can be used to keep you less distracted while working.
- Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Microsoft Cortana enabled
- Is app enabled and connects to 2.4GHz wifi
Pros
- Has both 360 degree filtration system with activated carbon and a HEPA H13 filter to capture microns.
- The large oscillating fan can be used for cooling during hot days in the fan mode.
- Control it from the comfort of your working position through voice control
- Small and lightweight in design
- Easy to set up and use
- Intelligently purifies while cooling you
Cons
- Can be noisy
4. Smart thermostat
A day can have its fair share of problems which can affect your efficiency while working from home. This smart thermostat will enable you to know and control your working space’s temperature.
Functions
- Has smart sensors to enable you to adjust the temperatures of specific rooms instead of the whole house.
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Microsoft Cortana and Google Assistant
- Comes with smart sensors that are also used for security
- You can receive alerts through the Ecobee phone app
- Dual band wifi connectivity
Pros
- Learns your daily heating routines and preferences and adjusts itself accordingly
- The sensor enable control of temperatures in specific rooms thus saves energy
- The smart sensors also detect open windows and doors cutting down heating and cooling costs
- Detects also sound of a smoke alarm and alerts you through the phone app
- Advance voice control functionality
- The instructions are straightforward so easy to set up, install and use
- Includes third party integrations
Cons
- Came off as pricey compared to its peers but it has a good value for money
5. Pet camera
Your furry companions can be a pain the neck when you are working from home. Monitor them in a smart way and ensure a conducive work space with this smart pet camera.
Functions
- Barking detection with an alert system sent by phone app
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Microsoft Cortana
- Supports two way audio
- Respond remotely to calm down the pet or warn it through the phone app
- 1080p camera with full HD and night vision for maximum viewing
- You can receive alerts through the Furbo phone app
- Requires stable internet connection and stable wifi signal
Pros
- Toss treats to your pet remotely through the toss a treat option
- Easy to set up and use – plug it in, download the app, connect to the wifi
- Push notifications through the app show activity, barking and even person alerts and hence prompt the right response
- Allows you to see your dog remotely if you miss it – takes quality photos
- Advance voice control functionality