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The Internet of Things: 5 Tech Additions to Turn Your House Into a Smart Home


Not too long ago, many of us were rewinding VHS tapes, dealing with tangled landline cords, and waiting impatiently for the dial-up tone to connect us to the internet.


Fast forward to today, and homes across the world are being transformed by emerging technologies designed to simplify our lives.


These technologies, many of which connect to the internet to exchange data, fall under the banner of the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT refers to the network of physical devices that communicate with each other through the internet. As the number of IoT devices continues to increase, so too does the need for a robust, reliable, and high-speed internet connection. Here are five popular smart devices that can transform your house into a smart home.


Ring Doorbell

Ring Doorbell

Battery powered, plugged-in or hard wired, ring doorbells allow you to see, hear and speak to visitors from anywhere. With access to a reliable internet connection, the ring doorbells can also act as a valuable home security measure, storing videos on the cloud and sending data to a centralised database. Ring doorbells provide peace of mind, making it easier to monitor your home, even when you’re not there.


Smart Speakers

Smart speaker on a table

Smart speakers have become virtual assistants, changing how we interact with technology at home. They offer a range of services, such as:


  • Entertainment on Demand: Stream music, listen to audiobooks, tune into radio stations, or play interactive games with a simple voice command.

  • Voice-Controlled Assistance: Issue commands to control other smart devices, set timers, or get answers to your questions—all hands-free.

  • Personal Organisation: Manage your schedule by setting reminders, alarms, or checking calendar events with ease.


Smart Heating

Smart thermostat

Smart heating systems take control of your home’s climate by connecting to the internet for remote automation. Through your smartphone or tablet, you can adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere. Many smart thermostats use AI to learn your habits and preferences, adapting automatically to optimise energy usage while maintaining comfort. This combination of convenience and efficiency makes smart heating a valuable addition to any home.


Robot Vacuums

Robot vacuum cleaner

Although robot vacuums have been around for a while, recent advancements have taken them to a whole new level. Today’s models can:


  • Navigate using lasers, cameras, or sensors to map the layout of your home for thorough cleaning.

  • Customise cleaning modes for different tasks or areas.

  • Automatically empty their dustbins and return to their charging docks.

  • Detect obstacles and avoid falls with built-in cliff sensors.


Smart Plugs

smart plugs

Turn your ordinary appliances into smart ones with smart plugs. These clever devices allow you to control electrical appliances remotely through smartphone apps or voice commands. You can switch devices on or off, monitor energy consumption, and schedule appliances to operate at specific times, helping you manage your energy usage more efficiently.


Why Full-Fibre Broadband is Essential for the Internet of Things

As more smart devices flood the market and new technologies emerge, it’s essential that households switch to full-fibre – a reliable and ultra-fast broadband connection that can handle the massive amounts of data generated by IoT devices and can futureproof households as the demand for bandwidth increases.


If you already own some of these devices or are looking to begin your smart home journey, the first step is upgrading your internet. Connect to the UK’s fastest and most reliable broadband technology at www.freedomfibre.com/connect.




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