Technology sometimes has a bad rap. Video games and smartphones are blamed for alienating family members. Your smart home products can actually help bring your family together.
We’ll show you how a smart home virtual assistant can link and manage those products into a harmonious, smart home.
1. Smart Cams Work as Great Baby Monitors
A smart camera may offer more functionality and versatility than a traditional baby monitor. Position the Wi-Fi camera in the nursery, and plug it in. Many products include a magnetic disc for attaching the camera to the wall. You can aim the camera’s lens down into the crib and have an unblocked baby view over the crib slats.
Traditional baby monitors have limited viewing options. They usually only include a single device with a screen or in some cases, a speaker for you to listen to a baby. In a smart home, you can view and hear your baby in different, convenient ways.
You can also view the feed on your smartphone with your camera app. Many Smart cameras have motion-detection features that can notify you when the baby starts to wake from their nap.
2. Streaming Music Isn’t Just for Teens
Now that your baby is down for a nap and you’re checking on them with the smart cam, it’s time for some lullaby music. In today’s smart home, you can play just about any type of music whenever you want to hear it, in any room.
Some smart devices are designed for children’s bedrooms and include extra security enhancements.
Music streaming is great for the whole family. Which music type you and your family prefer, playing it is just an Alexa request away. Try saying “Alexa, play some good Jazz.” Or maybe “Alexa, play some of the latest alternative hits.”
3. Family-Friendly Smart Home Games and Activities
Alexa provides a Jeopardy game spin-off of the popular TV game show, “hosted” by the voice of the late Alex Trebek. Just say “Alexa, play Jeopardy.” There are multiple entertainment options including trivia and games. Say “Alexa, what are some good family games?”
Some fun games you might try include:
The Tickle Monster Game Would You Rather Song Quiz Animal Game Popcorn Tycoon Either Or
4. Smart Calendars Help You Remember All Your Family Appointments
All the sports practices, doctor’s appointments, music recitals, birthday parties, and other events are difficult for parents to remember without a reminder. Your smart home virtual assistant can help. You can create a calendar that everyone in the family can check.
Alexa includes a built-in calendar. You can say things like “Alexa, add dance recital to the calendar on Monday.”
Alexa will ask what time the event should go on the calendar that day. Once you’ve inputted your busy schedule, Alexa can remind you of upcoming events. You may never forget to take your kid to soccer practice again.
You can also set alarms and timers. Say “Alexa, set an alarm for eight in the morning.” Alexa will ask you if you want this alarm to go off every weekday.
Your virtual assistant can provide helpful timers. For example, maybe you have a pizza in the oven for the kids. You can say “Alexa, set a timer for 12 minutes.” Alexa links with different calendar types including Google and Apple.
5. Smart Ways to Keep Your Pet Healthy
Here are some examples of things you can discuss with these skills:
My cat is vomiting My dog is itchy and scratching My cat is urinating outside their litter box My dog’s eye is red
6. Keeping the Whole Family Entertained
Alexa can help you control not only what you watch, but where you watch it. For example, you could say “Alexa, open Hulu on the basement TV.”
Parental controls can help ensure your kids are not watching something you feel is inappropriate.
7. Taking Smart Technology to the Front Door
Doorbell cameras help you view the front door when someone rings the bell. The technology can also offer useful knowledge and peace of mind. Did your kids make it home from school? They don’t always remember to text you.
A doorbell camera can notify you when there’s motion at your front door, such as when your kids arrive. If you don’t feel like setting up motion detection, watch your camera’s live view when it’s time for them to come home.
A Smart Home Can Help Bring Your Family Together
Today’s smart products are there for every household member from mom and dad to the kids, and even the pets. There are many fun, easy-to-use games, cameras, apps, TV shows, music services, and utilities.
The technology serves your needs and blends into the background, helping you focus on what is important: your family.
