Now that we have been spending more time at home, I’m sure many of you are thinking about ways to improve your home security or overall functionality. I know we have been! It’s crazy how many different technology products are out there that can completely change your daily routine and make life a little easier. I am really looking forward to sharing ways we have improved our home security and functionality over the past month on today’s post – thanks to a collaboration with Amazon and Ring! Here are five smart home ideas for your home that I encourage you to look into! If you’re interested in more ideas to organize your home this spring, check out these Alexa Picks!
5 Smart Home Ideas For Your Home
Amazon Echo Show
Our New Amazon Echo Show 10 is no doubt a showstopper. No pun intended. It’s sleek, functional, and everyone in my family loves it already. This device is truly the hub of our smart home, and I have been so impressed with the functionality and ease of use. You can set up a morning Routine in the Alexa App to wake you up, tell you the news and brew a cup of coffee. It’s super easy! If you are looking for one new device to add to your home, in my opinion, this would be where to start.
The Echo Show 10 has a built-in smart home hub, so once connected to your account – this device can control your other connected devices without needing a dedicated bridge or separate hub. With Amazon Echo Show 10, you can ask Alexa to show you how to make a certain recipe (I asked Alexa to “show me how to make gluten-free pancakes”), watch shows on Netflix while you cook, or even use it as an intercom when connected to your other Echo Devices.
The screen also moves with you. If you are busy in the kitchen working on a recipe, the screen will move so it’s in view at all times. No need to touch the screen with those food-filled fingers! You can also choose to stop the motion, so it stays in one place if you prefer.
Our New Amazon Echo Show 10 also has many features to increase your home security. Once you download the Alexa App on your phone, you can pair it with your Echo Show 10 and activate Alexa Guard, which helps protect your home no matter where you are. Alexa Guard sends you smart alerts about activity while you’re away, and you can also Drop In on your pet, or do a quick scan of your space. Talk about comfort and ease!
Ring Video DoorBell
My other favorite device that everyone needs is a Ring Video Doorbell. I have the Ring Video Doorbell 3, but Ring offers both hardwired or battery-operated options so you can choose which install method works for you and your home. Our previous doorbell was not hardwired, and I love that we didn’t have to hire an electrician to wire it. It’s so easy and that was a huge bonus for me!
There are so many different reasons to get a Ring Video Doorbell, from security and peace of mind to overall convenience. The Ring Video Doorbell is triggered by both motion and when someone pushes the doorbell, allowing you to instantly see who is at the door through your Amazon Echo Show 10 or Ring App on your phone. It’s also fantastic for when you’re counting down the minutes for that anticipated package to arrive, or simply want the convenience of chatting with a visitor who is at the front door from anywhere, at any time. For security purposes and peace of mind, with a Ring Protect Plan you have access to full video recordings for up to 60 days, so you can look back and see when a package was delivered.
Amazon Smart Plug
If you are looking to expand your smart home collection, installing Amazon Smart Plugs is the next step. You can plug Amazon Smart Plugs in almost any three-prong outlet and convert it into a smart plug. I installed one for our downstairs lamp and now all I have to say is, “Alexa, turn on the lamp!” to turn it on from the comfort of my couch. You can also use it for appliances, like your mixer, and even set a timer to turn it on at a specific time of day.
Fire Stick TV
The Fire TV Stick is an easy and inexpensive way to bring over 500,000+ movies and TV episodes straight to your couch. The interface is so easy to use, and makes it simple to find a show or movie no matter what you’re in the mood for. The Fire TV Stick is also Alexa-enabled and works with our Amazon Echo Show 10. You can even create a Routine so that when you say, “Alexa, it’s snack time,” it pauses what you are watching and turns on the kitchen lights. It’s also perfect for when my little guy wants me to put a show on the TV for him. Now, I don’t have to leave the kitchen and can just ask Alexa for some hands-free help!
You can also connect your Fire TV and Ring Video Doorbell so that when you receive an Announcement that someone is at the door, you can easily say “Alexa, show me the front door” to be connected to your Ring Video Doorbell and start talking to your visitor.
eero 6 Dual-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Router
With all of your new smart home goodies, it’s time to make sure you have the absolute best Wi-Fi router to keep your family functioning at their best. You can connect up to 75 devices to the eero 6 Dual-Band Router, making this a dream for families who are working and learning from home right now. It also covers over 1,500 sq ft. Through the router you can also manage Wi-Fi access and set time limits for certain devices or individuals. This is such an awesome feature for parents managing screen time.
See It In Action
Click here to see my TikTok video on how I use these products!
About Taryn Whiteaker
Hi! I’m Taryn! The voice behind Taryn Whiteaker Designs. I launched this brand over 11 years ago when I became a stay-at-home mom. What started as a small craft and mom blog eventually grew into a full time design and DIY site. My goal has always been to inspire others (especially women!) with design ideas, DIY tutorials, entertaining ideas and give you the tools you need to complete them yourself!
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