The smart home devices making family life easier
Lighten the load at home with these tech-savvy gadgets.
You’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Smart home technology is at its peak right now.
Imagine controlling almost any device in your home – from AI personal assistants to robots that vacuum and mop your floors, and security systems that let you keep an eye on things no matter where you are. It’s all possible and easier than ever!
Investing in smart home devices can truly transform your home, making it a safer, more convenient, and efficient place for your whole family.
Here are some essential smart home devices every family should consider:
Smart home devices families will love
1. Smart hub
With Alexa and Google as your personal assistants, you can easily get weather updates, hear the news, check your calendar, listen to music and manage your shopping list – all without lifting a finger.
Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
from $429 at Amazon AU
Designed around Amazon’s virtual assistant Alexa, the Echo Show features a touchscreen display that can be used to display visual information to accompany its responses, as well as play video and conduct video calls with other Echo Show users.
You can also listen to Amzon music, stream Prime Video, YouTube and more. Plus, it’s your kitchen sidekick for timers, conversions, and shopping lists.
Key features:
- 10.1″ HD screen that’s designed to move with you, video calls and shows are always in view. The speakers deliver premium, directional sound.
- Video call friends and family or take a picture while the 13 MP camera with auto-framing and motion keeps you front and centre.
- Securely access the built-in camera to remotely monitor your home anytime with the Alexa app or other Echo Show devices.
- Ask Alexa to play your favourite shows, music, and podcasts from compatible streaming services.
- Get unit conversions, set timers, add to your grocery list, play music and multitask with ease.
- Use Amazon Photos to turn your home screen into a digital frame
- Place calls to your family and friends’ mobile-phones or make video calls by connecting to another Alexa device. Instantly drop in on other rooms in your home or announce to the whole house that dinner is ready.
- Electronically disconnect the microphones and camera with one press of a button. Slide the built-in shutter to cover the camera. Disable motion at any time.
Available at:
- $429 at Amazon AU
- $419 (usually $429) at MobileCiti
- $511.14 at Matt Blatt
Google Nest Hub Max
from $349 at Good Guys
Google Nest Hub is your go-to helper at home. With a vibrant 10″ HD touchscreen, use Nest Hub to stream your favourite shows or videos, listen to your favourite tunes, make video or voice phone calls to friends and family, display photos with Live Albums, create notes and even provide peace of mind by monitoring your home with the built-in Nest Cam!
Key features:
- Make a group call or join a meeting, and leave video messages to each other for extra love, just say ‘Hey Google!’
- Multi-task while making video calls with auto-framing – the camera keeps you in view, even when you are moving around the room
- Share your latest and greatest from Google Photos by showcasing them on the beautiful 10-inch HD screen
- Keep an eye on what is happening at home while you are away with the built-in Nest Cam. Check-in for a live view and get motion and sound alerts on your phone
- No more switching between apps, manage your compatible connected home devices from the dashboard or with your voice, all on one screen
- With Chromecast built-in, stream movies and TV shows from services like Google Play Movies, Stan and more
- With the help from Google Assistant, your reminders, calendars, commute and more are available at a glance
- Whether you are streaming TV shows, music or podcasts, everything sounds great with the premium stereo speakers
Available at:
- $349 at Good Guys
2. Smart adaptors
Ever wished your appliances were smarter? Enter smart adapters! These nifty devices transform ‘dumb’ appliances into smart ones. You can choose individual adapters for standalone items like lamps or fans, or opt for a smart power board to power multiple devices in one go, such as your TV, smart speaker, Wi-Fi modem, and game console, all in the same area. With smart adapters, you can bring the convenience and control of smart technology to all your household gadgets.
Meross Smart Plug WiFi Outlet with Energy Monitor (4 pack)
from $69.99 at Amazon AU
The Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug allows you to control your devices from anywhere using your smartphone. It works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings, seamlessly fitting into your smart home setup for ultimate convenience.
Key features:
- Turn devices on/off anywhere anytime with the Meross app.
- Works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings.
- Create on/off schedules or auto-off timers to work automatically.
- Works with the Wi-Fi you already have. No hub required.
- Apple HomeKit website listed.
- Integrates with Home Assistant.
Available at:
- $69.99 at Amazon AU
- $79.95 (2 pack) at Dick Smith
- $26.69 (1 unit) at eBay
3. Robot vacuums
A robotic vacuum cleaner will keep your floors clean without you lifting a finger. They can be scheduled to tidy up the house at specific times or summoned with a tap on your phone or a command to your virtual assistant.
ECOVACS Deebot T30 Pro Omni
from $1,499 (usually $1,799) at Amazon Australia
The new Deebot T30 Pro Omni is ECOVACS first-ever truly edge-mopping and tangle-Free robotic vacuum. New features such as TruEdgeTM Adaptive Mopping, ZeroTangle Technology combined with powerful suction work to give you spotless floors and hassle-free convenience.
Key features:
- TruEdgeTM Adaptive Mopping allows the T30 Pro Omni to reach hard-to-clean areas such as edges, corners, and tables and chair legs.
- Mini OMNI stations for space limits – 30% smaller in size compared to previous model and able to self-clean mop pads and empty the robot’s dustbin.
- ZeroTangle Anti-Tangle Technology with a specially designed V-shaped roller brush and dual comb teeth arrays to ensure a remarkable reduction in hair entanglement.
- 11,000 Pa suction power, an 80% increase when compared to the suction power on its predecessor.
- Tackle unexpected messes easily thanks to the dedicated spot cleaning button.
- Intelligent Mopping feature tackles stubborn stains.
- Never worry about damp carpets. When encountering rugs or returning to its station, the T30 Pro Omni automatically lifts its mop plates to 9 mm (4mm higher than its predecessor).
- Bluetooth quick pairing simplifies set-up.
Available at:
ECOVACS Deebot T30 Pro
from $999 (usually $1199) from Amazon Australia
This high-tech robot vacuum makes uses its TrueMapping navigation system to methodically clean every corner of your home, room by room. No more dragging heavy vacuums around or worrying about missing spots – just sit back and relax as this smart device does all the hard work for you, leaving your floors spotless.
Key features:
- 2-year warranty
- 4300Pa powerful suction
- Antibacterial filter and antibacterial dust bag let you say goodbye to the odor of pet hair
- Auto-Empty Station: 2.5L disposable dust bag holds up to months of dust and debris
- Built with an upgraded 5200mAh battery, DEEBOT N10 cleans for up to 300 minutes on a single charge and water fill, easily covering 400m²
- Unmatched vacuum and mop in-one-go from ECOVACS
- Multi-level mapping: Automatically recognize different levels of your home and choose the right map for the floor
- Advanced laser-based LiDAR navigation system with industry-leading dToF sensors
- With the intuitive ECOVACS HOME App, you can take control of your DEEBOT N10 PLUS from wherever you are
- Use your voice for hands-free control with Google Assistant or Alexa, like “Alexa, ask DEEBOT to start cleaning.”
Available at:
4. Smart doorbell
Investing in a smart doorbell provides some extra security for your home and is handy for answering unexpected knocks, receiving packages when you’re out, or knowing when visitors arrive while you’re busy in the backyard.
Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro
from $349 from Amazon AU
This Wireless Video Doorbell Ring will help protect your property. With enhanced HD video and Colour Night Vision, you’ll see everything clearly, even in the dark. Plus, 3D Motion Detection lets you track where visitors go with an aerial map view of your property. It’s simple, smart security for your doorstep.
Key features:
- 1536p HD VIDEO: Wireless Video Doorbell camera with the expanded view of 1536p HD Video that lets you see more of whoever stops by.
- HEAD-TO-TOE VIDEO: Check in on package deliveries at your doorstep and see more of visitors.
- 3D MOTION DETECTION & BIRD’S EYE ZONES: Pinpoint when and where a motion event begins in an aerial map view.
- LOW-LIGHT SIGHT: Get a clear view of what’s happening at your doorstep as the sun goes down, or even after dark.
- PACKAGE ALERTS: Get real-time notifications when a delivery arrives with the Package Alerts feature, available with a Ring Protect subscription.
- TWO-WAY TALK: Speak to whoever’s at your door.
- WORKS WITH ALEXA: Pair with a Ring Chime or a compatible Alexa-enabled device to hear audio notifications around your home.
- Standard features such as real-time notifications, Live View and Two-Way Talk are available out of the box and at no additional cost on all compatible Ring devices. Add a Ring Protect Plan (subscription sold separately) to record, review and share the moments you missed (30-day free trial included in your purchase).
Available at:
- $349 at Amazon AU
- $349 at The Good Guys
5. Smart white goods
Smart home appliances like smart fridges and washing machines bring convenience to a whole new level. Imagine a smart fridge that keeps track of your groceries and suggests recipes based on what you have.
Or a smart washing machine that lets you start or schedule a load of laundry from anywhere using your phone. With these devices, you can save time and effort while making everyday tasks easier and more efficient.
Samsung 636L AI Family Hub Refrigerator
from $4999 at The Good Guys
This fridge brings all of our futuristic dreams to life! It makes meal preparation easier than ever before. It boasts an internal camera that can recognise up to 33 food items, and then suggests recipes using those very ingredients.
Users can also set ‘use by dates’ so the refrigerator to notify you when the date is drawing near. Plus, with a 21.5” screen, you can share photos, messages, watch YouTube – all on your fridge door!
Key features:
- Ultra-spacious 636 litre capacity and industry-leading smart technology.
- This French door fridge boasts a stunning matte black finish.
- Has a generous 386 litre fridge capacity and 250 litre freezer capacity.
- Samsung’s exclusive Family Hub feature allows you to control your fridge, stream music, watch videos, and much more, all via the built-in touchscreen.
- Triple Cooling + Metal Cooling for optimum temperature control.
- Dual auto ice makers for endless chilled drinks, and big door bottle bins and veggie boxes for maximum convenience.
- Slide in shelves and the CoolSelect+ FlexZone provide the ultimate in organisation and flexibility.
- This fridge is also equipped with Samsung’s groundbreaking AI Vision Inside, which identifies foods and suggests recipes.
Available at:
- $4999 at The Good Guys
- $5099 at Samsung
Samsung 12kg BESPOKE BubbleWash™ Smart Front Load Washer with AI Wash and Auto Dispense
from $1435 (was $1599) at Appliances Online
One of your least fun chores just became a lot easier as this smart washing machine does it all for you. Its AI Wash system selects the perfect settings for each fabric type. With Auto Dispense, it releases just the right amount of detergent and softener.
And with the SmartThings app, you can set and monitor cycles and get notifications from anywhere. Easy, efficient, and hassle-free laundry? Yes, please!
Key features:
- $1435 (was $1599 ) at Appliances Online
- $1497 at Good Guys
- $1899 (was $1999) at Samsung
6. Smart calendar
Manage your family schedule more efficiently with a smart calendar that syncs across multiple devices, provides reminders, and integrates with digital calendar apps.
Skylight calendar
from $449 at Amazon AU
Get the whole family organised with chore charts, meal planning, and customizsable lists – all on one display the whole family can use.
Designed with the busy family in mind, the Skylight Calendar is more than just a calendar—it’s a connectivity hub that brings families together by simplifying the way you manage your time.
Key features:
- Integrate with your existing digital calendars from Google, Outlook, and more.
- Assign and track tasks effortlessly, making household management a breeze.
- Plan your meals for the week with ease, reducing last-minute grocery runs and fostering healthier eating habits.
- Keep your family connected with everyone in the loop about daily schedules and upcoming events.
- Skylight Calendar’s touchscreen allows you to interact with your events, add/remove events directly onto the device, view weather forecast at the time and location of your event, update your schedule with a Daily Meal Plan, and view your schedule in Day, Week, and Month views.
- You can also coluor code each event on your calendar, as well as create any kind of lists you choose using the ‘Lists’ feature in your Skylight mobile app and directly on the device.
- Skylight Calendar needs a WiFi connection at all times to operate.
Available at:
