Must-have smart-home gadgets for an intelligent living space in 2024

In today's day and age, we can't deny that we're heavily reliant on technology to simplify our lives. This dependence extends to our personal spaces, aiming to eliminate that extra effort and enhance our comfort.

So buckle up — we're about to guide you through the must-haves for transforming your home from ordinary to smart!

Smart speakers

Part music player and part robot-assistant, smart speakers can seamlessly integrate into your favourite ecosystem, offering control over your home, or simply playing great music.

Whether you prioritise exceptional sound quality or the ease of seamless integration into your home system, the plethora of smart speakers available may feel intimidating — however just make sure you know where your priority lies and take it from there!

Try: Sonos One (S$319) or Amazon Echo Dot (S$102.16)

Smart locks

Gone are the days of fumbling through your bag for keys or worrying about misplacing them! A smart lock offers a hassle-free way to navigate your daily routine and seamlessly enter your home.

Whether it's a thumbprint-activated lock or one with a PIN, these locks not only provide the highest level of security, requiring your physical presence to unlock, but they are also a sustainable choice in the long run, eliminating the need for traditional keys.

Try: Samsung Digital Fingerprint Door Lock (S$1,008) or Xiaomi Automatic Smart Door Lock (S$599) 

Video doorbells

This is undoubtedly a boon for all the socially anxious folks out there — not only does it help you identify potential stranger danger, but you also don't have to fret about awkwardly shutting the door in someone's face if their presence becomes uncomfortable or keep tabs on who's lingering at your doorstep even when you're away.

The benefits of owning one are endless, and to top it off, almost all of them are USB rechargeable, saving you the money you might otherwise spend on basic doorbell batteries!

Try: Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (S$279) or Xiaomi Smart Doorbell 3 (S$77.90)

Automated laundry rack

As much as hanging clothes outside under sunlight might be the cheaper and faster option for airing out your laundry, in today’s times, the unpredictable weather has made it unsafe to leave your clothes outside unattended, only for the rain to come and ruin all your hard work!

Having an automated clothes rack takes away the extra effort needed to hang your laundry indoors as you extend and retract the clothesline with the push of a button — with some brands also including creature comforts such as solar heat-air drying, wind air drying, and UV disinfection so your clothes can be dried quickly and efficiently without the added worry.

Try: Yu Home's Yu Nique (S$1,239) or Steigen's Solar Sonic Gen 2 (S$1,199)

Roomba

Of course, we've all heard about this nifty little device that can suck up all the dust and gunk from your home without you even lifting so much as a finger to do so. However, many people shy away from investing in a good Roomba due to its extravagant price point and the maintenance needed to keep this little guy going.

Nevertheless, in the long run, it does help you save time typically spent on cleaning, allowing you to engage in activities you might actually enjoy.

Moreover, it is smarter than you might expect, as it can sense changes in the surface underneath and adjust accordingly — no matter the floor type, this robot can handle the cleaning task perfectly.

Try: Ecovacs’ Deebot T20 Omni (S$999) or Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X10 (S$719.10)

Smart sofa

This also took us by surprise a little, as most smart sofas we know are just straight-up massage chairs. However, that is not the case here, as smart sofas nowadays seem to do it all. Designed for work, play, and rest, it's time to pamper yourself with comfort in every moment, regardless if you're alone or with your loved ones.

It gives you the option to work, lounge, and even have a quick massage while maintaining that sleek outlook that works seamlessly with however your home interior is designed. Plus, it's also half the size of a traditional massage chair, giving you more floor space!

Try: OSIM uDiva Smart Sofa (S$3,699)

Motorised drapes

Although these window treatments perform the same function as traditional blinds, motorised blinds offer added functionality that takes convenience to a whole new level. With just the push of a button, these tech-savvy shades can open, close, and tilt on command, allowing you to effortlessly control the amount of sunlight and privacy in your space.

Some models even come with handy presets, such as simulated "at home" modes for when you're away on vacation, automatically opening and closing on schedules to give the illusion of occupancy. Moreover, beyond their ease of use, many motorised blinds are designed to maximise energy efficiency by automatically adjusting throughout the day to regulate lighting and temperature.

Whether your style leans modern, transitional, or classic, the wide range of options available makes upgrading your shades a breeze.

Try: YEELIGHT Smart Curtain Motor & Stitching Track (S$399)

Alarm clock rug

If sleeping through alarms is the norm for you, then this gadget is probably a staple for your bedroom. Whether you use a traditional alarm clock or your smartphone, getting up has always been a drag. Alarm clock rugs provide a different approach to embracing your mornings.

Built with a touch-activated countdown, you'll have to step on the rug for a few seconds before it stops ringing — failure to do so, and snoozing again will make them ring, loud. Plus, its incredibly soft, slow-rebounding memory foam padding makes you feel like you're stepping on a cloud every morning, and what could be better than that?

Try: Ruggie Alarm Clock (S$100) 

LED mirrors

Probably one of our favourite inventions, LED mirrors, although they may sound common, they aren't really that common in people's homes.

Not only do these gems give you the added lighting you need when you're getting ready to take on the day, but some of them also come with an anti-fog feature, perfect for installing in your bathroom without worrying about the steam that's coming from those warm showers.

An added bonus, its sleek outlook makes it so easy to seamlessly integrate with the rest of your home design.

Try: LED Mirrors from Shopee (S$299++) or Urban Mood (S$176++)

Automated pet feeder

This one is for your furbabies — one aspect of pet care that is often overlooked is feeding. We get it; it can be challenging to manage feeding times, especially if you have a busy schedule or you're prone to travelling frequently. That's where automatic pet feeders come in.

Connected via Wi-Fi, these advanced feeders make it easy and convenient for you to ensure that your pets get fed on time and with the right amount, all with the touch of a button.

Try: SMARTPAW Burpurr Basic Pet Feeder (S$79) or PETLIBRO Automatic Pet Feeder (S$72.91)

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This article was first published in City Nomads.