From lawn and garden improvements to reducing package theft, there are plenty of smart home solutions to meet homeowners’ outdoor needs.
WASHINGTON – With the warm days of spring in full swing, many homeowners are motivated to refresh their outdoor spaces and update their security systems. It's the perfect time to dust off your patio furniture, fire up the grill, and consider upgrading your outdoor lighting and security setup. With summer fast approaching, many homeowners would rather enjoy the sunshine than mow the lawn. Consider some technologies that can help save you time and keep your home safe.
Smart Irrigation
Automatic sprinklers have been a lawn care staple for decades, but advances in technology have made these systems significantly more powerful. Products like Rachio's smart irrigation controller, which connects to local weather forecasts, and Moen's newest system with humidity sensors are designed to optimize watering schedules, reduce water waste, and save money.
Robotic Lawn Mower
Advances in lawn care technology have finally brought me to the robotic lawn mower I've been waiting for for years. My yard isn't that big — about 1/3 of an acre — but after a day of house viewings and deal negotiating, mowing the lawn is the last thing I want to do. The problem with most robotic lawn mowers is that they set up boundaries like an invisible dog fence. Many of the existing models behave like the old robot vacuums, resulting in weird, random grass patterns. And they're pretty expensive.
The new Worx Landroid Vision aims to make up for the shortcomings of its predecessor by using GPS and an onboard camera to meticulously navigate and maintain your yard. Amazingly, it has lights, works day and night, and has sensors to avoid obstacles like pets and toys. It also has an anti-theft alarm and requires a PIN to operate, so it could also be used to manage vacant properties.
Smart Grill
Efficiently automating lawn care leaves more time for enjoyable activities like grilling. “Our latest smart grills, like the new Weber Searwood Pellet Grill and Summit Smart Grill line, were designed to give owners more confidence when grilling, and our smart technology, Weber Connect, helps create delicious meals cooked to perfection,” explains Mike Jacobs, Weber's chief operating officer. The technology suite includes overall temperature control, monitoring food temperatures, providing cooking instructions and sending grill status notifications directly to a mobile device through the Weber Connect App 2.0.
Outdoor Security Camera
To further enhance the security of your home, it's important to choose the right technology that offers both vigilance and convenience. Home security cameras such as the Reolink Argus Track and Duo 3 PoE come equipped with advanced features that enhance the safety of your property. Known for its dual lens system and 4K resolution, the Argus Track offers auto-zoom tracking and is both battery and solar powered, providing flexible installation options and eco-friendly operation.
Meanwhile, the Duo 3 PoE system boasts a robust 16MP dual-lens setup that covers a wide 180-degree field of view, allowing you to monitor every corner. With night vision, motion detection, and smart home integration, both cameras are powerful tools against intruders and are great choices for anyone looking to increase their home security with minimal fuss.
Smart Lockbox for Luggage
To address the growing problem of package theft, Loxx Boxx offers an innovative solution: a Wi-Fi and LTE service-enabled lock box that can be installed outside a home and used for deliveries. “Solutions like doorbell cameras and sensors are becoming increasingly popular, but they only capture footage of theft at the front door and don't prevent the actual theft. Oftentimes, customers just watch as their packages are taken,” says Kathy Sides, co-founder of Loxx Boxx. The product aims to significantly reduce package theft by providing a secure and durable solution.
Looking to the future, Mark Benson, head of SmartThings, predicts that smart home technology will bring even more innovative solutions to outdoor living. “As smart home technology evolves, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions for outdoor living,” he said. “From automated irrigation systems to intelligent lighting and climate control, the future of outdoor living will be increasingly seamless, efficient, and customized to the needs of the modern homeowner.”
The search for the latest technological solutions for the home and garden highlights the trend to integrate convenience and safety into everyday life, making homeownership more enjoyable and manageable.
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