Smart home devices are all the rage now, and if you’re still considering which ones to get, we’ve got a list to get you started!

FYI: The first batch of smart-enabled flats are in Punggol Northshore and they come equipped with smart distribution boards and smart sockets that help residents track energy consumption in real time and make quick decisions on energy savings. The infrastructure also supports the adoption of a wide selection of smart home devices and solutions available in the market for a smart home design.

Punggol Northshore is HDB’s first smart public housing district

1. Smart Home Hub

Smart home devices appliances like air-conditioners and washing machines, robot vacuum cleaners and voice-activated lighting are all great on their own. But controlling this ecosystem of appliances through a central application would require a smart home hub and compatible smart home devices. Think Google Home, Xiaomi Mi Home and Samsung SmartThings as examples of these systems that can offer remote control, voice activation and automation by equipping these devices with associated sensors or smart plugs.

Whether you are looking for a starter pack with 2 or 3 connected devices or a fully connected smart home system, it is useful to consider the type of central system would best suit your smart home design, current home devices and budget.

A smart home hub acts as a convenient control centre or all connected appliances

2. Smart Plugs for Smart Home Devices

A smart plug is like an adapter between your power socket and the appliance you would like to control or track. Essentially, it allows home owners to power on/off via smart home devices via a mobile application. With a smart home design, more features could be available at your fingertips – including scheduling on and off timings, voice-activation and energy consumption tracking which could be helpful if you’re trying to save on electricity bills.

Smart plugs and sockets are the easiest way to turn an ordinary appliance into a smart one

3. Smart Lighting

Smart lighting is probably one of the simplest features of a smart home design. In some cases, a simple swapping of existing bulbs with smart bulbs can offer you a range of colours, intensities and scheduling options. Paired with motion sensors, smart lighting could also provide a safe environment for elderly and children when moving around at night. Check out this list for more smart home devices!

Smart lighting can not only provide remote control, scheduling and motion activation options but adds mood and character to suit every occasion

4. Smart Lock

A small but significant feature of a smart home design, this lock means never having to carry a physical key around, and being able to unlock your door remotely for visitors. A smart lock would be especially important for those who find themselves often stressing about whether they had remembered to lock the door on the way out.  Smart locks could also be complemented with a doorbell camera for enhanced security.

Say goodbye to lost keys with smart locks!

Still on the fence about a smart home? Find out more about the smart living experience from residents in Punggol Northshore, HDB’s first smart public housing district.

This article was first published on 29 Dec 2022.

  • Joanne Lim

    Communications specialist by day, gamer by night. When she's not strategising her next move as a digital content creator, she'd like to think she's the hard carry your e-gaming team needs. Let the girl dream.