After installing the nest thermostat yesterday (https://steemit.com/new/@spykemajeska/replacing-thermostat-is-super-easy-20171112t8933994z)
I was inspired to try out some other home automation tools. At first I hated the idea of the lights being controlled by the phone. I thought it was gimmicky like the clap on was in my youth. This is not the case. While setup was a little confusing at first, due to phillips hue being a pain in the ass, I got it working with ease. First thing you need to do with the Hue lights is nickname each of the bulbs (this will save you the headache later)
Philips Hue 464479 60W Equivalent White and Color Ambiance A19 Starter Kit, 3rd Generation, Works with Amazon Alexa
Now these lights have helped a lot, especially in the room where a previous tenant had destroyed the pull string for the fan lights... I would have to keep it on and unscrew the bulbs or replace the whole fan. Instead, now I have a desk light and table light set to game room and its awesome.
Google GA00216-US Home Mini Charcoal
This little grey circle of amazing is my new best friend. She plays games with me (mad libs is fun) and she lets me adjust the AC by just asking her. The lighting situation is handled in 3 rooms so far (had to stop spending money because I wanted it all) and our tvs are able to now be voice controlled. I will never get the cameras because that is creepy and something I don't trust, but I can live with a microphone in my house... At least google has already told the NSA to get bent once on releasing user information, so I feel a little safer. Also it won't order things off amazon based on a TV show like alexa does. I am happy and will share any cool hacks or tricks I do with her later.
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Interesting post. I am planning to put just light sensors so that the bulb switches on when a person enters the room. To save on electricity costs.
Let me know how that goes in your search. That would be awesome. Def would teach kids or friends about turning off lights when theyre done. However I hated the ones when i was in college... if i was studying and not moving too much i would be in the dark in about 20 minutes.