Smart IoT apps for the Home

February 11, 2016

Whether it’s turning on the lights, adjusting the temperature, monitoring the alarm or turning the coffee machine on in the morning, almost anything in your house can now be controlled by your smartphone. We’ve already mentioned many of the ways that the Internet of Things (IoT) is helping the working world, but these apps also clearly show how IoT is also changing our everyday lives. At RSAWEB we love learning about the latest technologies and devices that can help us work and live, and so we took a look at some of the latest apps to help you at home.

 

 

Here are some great apps that will help you around the house:

Rachio Iro – Rachio Iro allows you to take control of the sprinkler system in your garden and uses the most accurate weather data and irrigation research to create the perfect garden watering schedule for you. Rachio Iro is so clever that it even allows you to configure your sprinklers to your landscape by calibrating the soil, vegetation, slope, sun exposure and nozzle types. You can also easily adjust sprinkler times and set rain delays so that you can enjoy a healthy garden while saving water.

Philips Hue – The Philips Hue app gives you control over every Philips Hue product in your home. By using alarms, timers and alerts you can set your lights to turn on and off automatically as needed, plus you can program your lights to turn on in the morning when you want to wake up or even to remind you when your favourite TV show is on. You can use the app to control your lights remotely wherever you are and create the ideal lighting for every occasion. With geofencing technology you can also set the lights to turn on as you walk in your front door. This is a great way to save electricity and can be used as an added source of security as the lights can be turned on and off at key times to make it look as if someone is at home, even if they aren’t.

 

DStv Now – The DStv Now app links to your DStv account and gives you the ability to set recordings remotely on your DStv Explora and to view a full 8-day TV Guide. The useful app also enables you to stream or download with DStv Catch Up whenever it suits you. You can also get QueueView and other similar apps to help you manage your Netflix account from your phone.

 

Kevo Smart lock – With Kevo and the Kevo Bluetooth Enabled Deadbolt, your smartphone is now your key. There is now no need to scratch in your bag to find our keys as you can simply touch the lock of your door with your phone to open it. Kevo also allows you to send eKeys to a visitor anytime, anywhere and to control access with a scheduled guest key feature. The app also tracks the history of all lock and unlock events to ensure you know who is coming and going and when. Goji Smart Lock and Bolt from Lockitron also offer similar products.

 

 

These are some of our favourite IoT apps for your home. Do you have any that you love using? Comment on Twitter with #IoTHomeApps