Turning your house into a smart home is now easier, thanks to Amazon's Alexa and the Amazon Echo. These devices can be turned into your smart home's hub—something that was previously challenging as you have to buy several brands and devices to turn your home into a smart home.
To start the process, you will have to get the needed devices first.The most important of all is the Amazon Echo Dot, which is Alexa enabled. You can get any of the Echo speakers, or even third-party speakers, as long as they are powered by Alexa, Amazon's AI assistant.
You can get any of the following:
Echo Dot (3rd Gen) - Get it now for $22 and save $27.99 (originally at $49.99)
The Amazon Echo Dot 3rd gen is the smaller version of the Echo speaker.
The 3rd Gen Echo Dots have a better speaker and have a better design. It's also a smaller version of the Amazon Echo, which is perfect if you don't have enough space.
All-new Echo (3rd Gen) - Get it now for $59.99 and save $40 (originally at $99.99)
The Amazon Echo has great audio quality and simple design.
If you prefer a bigger speaker, the Amazon Echo is a great choice. Just like its smaller counterpart, it has crisp and powerful audio, as well as a simple design.
Echo Show 8 with 8-inch HD Display - Get it now for $79.99 and save $50 (originally at $129.99)
The Amazon Echo Show 8 has an 8-inch HD smart display.
The Echo Show 8 has an 8-inch HD display and is Alexa enabled. So, this is more of your choice if you want a screen.
Echo Spot with Adjustable Stand - Get it for $19.99
The Echo Spot is Alexa enabled.
Just like with the Amazon Echo Show, the Echo Spot has a small display. But this one is smaller and has a more compact design compared to the Show's similar appearance to tablets.
Echo Plus (2nd Gen) - Get it now for $149.99 and save $31.96 (originally at $181.95)
The Amazon Echo Plus includes a Zigbee controller.
The Echo Plus works similarly to the Amazon Echo speaker, but it includes a Zigbee controller, which means you could control some of the devices you have without needing a different hub or an app.
It can basically "talk" to the device directly, so there is no need to follow with the usual setups. It is common with the Philips Hue. But since you don't need the app, you can't access the advanced settings, so just bear this in mind.
Now that you have your hub or the control system, you'll want to set up your smart home devices, especially the ones that you currently have.
You only need to follow the manufacturer's instructions, such as plugging it, connecting your chosen hub to the router, installing the applicable app, and connecting to the device.
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Then, you will need to choose the devices for your smart home. Here are some of what you can get through Amazon:
Philips Hue White LED Smart Button Starter Kit - Get it for $99.99
Turn your lights or on off with voice commands.
This starter kit includes smart bulbs, the smart button, and the hue hub. You can change the bulb's hue if you wish.
Hive Heating and Cooling Smart Thermostat Pack - Get it for $109.98
Activate your thermostat from anywhere in the house.
It's now easier to turn your home cooler or warmer with just your voice as Hive connects your thermostat to Alexa.
Hive Active Plug for Smart Home - Get it for $27
Turn your electrical appliances on or off anywhere in the house.
Smart plugs help you control your devices from a distance for better safety and security in your home.
