Smart home deals for Cleaning

Eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum Cleaner

• Features: 8,000 Pa suction, dual mops, AI obstacle avoidance, auto mop washing, and self-emptying.
• Discount: 28% off. Buy now on Amazon for £579

Dreame X40 Ultra Complete Robot Vacuum Cleaner

• Features: 12,000 Pa suction, self-cleaning mop, extensive cleaning capabilities.
• Discount: 27% off. Buy now on Amazon for £949

Eufy L60 Robot Vacuum Cleaner with Self-Empty Station

• Features: Hair detangling technology, ultra-strong 5,000 Pa suction, and laser navigation.
• Discount: 26% off. Buy now on Amazon for £259

Smart home deals for Energy-Efficient Climate Control

Tado° Smart Radiator Thermostat (3-Pack)

• Features: WiFi-enabled multi-room control, easy installation, and compatibility with Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant.
• Discount: 44% off. Buy now on Amazon for £112

Tado° Wireless Smart Thermostat Starter Kit V3+

• Features: Boiler and hot water control, energy-saving capabilities, and voice assistant support.
• Discount: 37% off. Buy now on Amazon for £85

Pro Breeze 20L/Day Smart Dehumidifier

• Features: Laundry drying, automatic humidity sensor, and sleep mode.
• Discount: 30% off. Buy now on Amazon for £153

Smart home deals for Next-Level Connectivity

TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro Mesh Wi-Fi 6E System

• Features: Coverage up to 2,900 ft², support for 200+ devices, and 8K streaming compatibility.
• Discount: 30% off. Buy now on Amazon for £349

Tapo Smart Plug (4-Pack)

• Features: Energy monitoring, Alexa and Google Home compatibility, and remote control.
• Discount: 45% off. Buy now on Amazon for £27

Smart home deals for Enhanced Security and Monitoring

Eufy Security Video Doorbell E340

• Features: 2K HD video, dual cameras, color night vision, and no monthly fee.
• Discount: 41% off. Buy now on Amazon for £95

Eufy Security Floodlight Camera E340

• Features: 3K resolution, 360° pan and tilt, and dual-band WiFi.
• Discount: 27% off. Buy now on Amazon for £159

Other Smart home deals

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen)

• Features: Smart energy-saving thermostat with sleek design.
• Discount: 28% off. Buy now on Amazon for £159

Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier

• Features: HEPA filter, auto mode, and ultra-quiet operation.
• Discount: 40% off. Buy now on Amazon for £149

Smart home technology simplifies everyday living, enhances energy efficiency, and adds a layer of security to your space. With these incredible smart home deals, there’s never been a better time to invest in your home.

Hurry though! These deals are only available for a limited time. Explore the full list of smart home deals to transform your home today and our top 60 smart tech gift ideas.

The post Smart Home Deals – Save Big on Smart Living appeared first on Smart Home Energy.

• Energy saving smart tech gift ideas
• Practical smart tech gift ideas
• Smart home smart tech gift ideas
• Smart tech gift ideas for camping
• Smart tech gift ideas for the garden
• Smart tech gift ideas for entertainment
• Smart watches
• Creative smart tech gift ideas

Energy saving smart tech gift ideas

1. Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)

Automatically optimizes heating and cooling schedules for energy savings. With a larger bezel-free screen complete with gorgeous animations and advanced AI features, the new Nest Learning Thermostat is a major upgrade. Includes a separate Nest Temperature Sensor in the box. This device lets you set a target temperature for a specific room rather than rely on the main sensor built into the thermostat itself. It also comes in more finishes including Polished Silver, Polished Obsidian and Polished Gold.

Buy Now on Amazon for £410

2. Hive Thermostat for Heating (Combi Boiler) with Hive Hub

Equipped with advanced sensors to control temperature and reduce energy use.  Hive Heating Plus – 50% off annual plan included with this purchase to help you save even more. Set up to six daily time slots. Helps prevent frozen pipes. Set heating alerts when you leave or return home.

Buy now on Amazon for £115 

3. Tapo Smart Plugs with Energy Monitoring

Monitors energy usage and allows remote control of plugged-in devices. works with Alexa and Google Home, No Hub Required. Monitor the average power consumption of the load to determine the usage of electricity and monitor everything from your smart phone. Schedule the smart plug to automatically power electronics on and off as needed.

Buy now on Amazono for £15.49  (2 pack)

4. Meross Smart Plugs with Energy Monitoring

Tracks energy consumption and provides insights to lower usage. Works with Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, Smart Socket Remote Control Timer Plug, No Hub Required. Helps users schedule when to switch appliances on and off optimally, aiding in electricity bill reduction. Users can input the cost per kilowatt-hour to get an estimate of their electricity bills. Furthermore, the plug can monitor the electricity generated by solar panel installations. Compatible with both Alexa and Google Home, allowing for voice commands like “Alexa, turn off the light”. Customised schedules and timers let you turn devices on and off according to your routine.

Buy now on Amazon for £18.99 (2 pack)

5. Refoss Smart Plugs with Energy Monitoring for HomeKit

Works with Apple HomeKit Siri, Alexa, Google Home. No Hub Required. A HomeKit-compatible plug that tracks energy use and helps optimize device schedules. Suitable for iOS 13 or Android 6.0 or later, HomeKit’s compatibility has been extended to various smart devices, including lighting, sockets, temperature control, and safety systems. This means that users can choose smart devices of different brands, and integrate them into a unified smart home system through the HomeKit platform, which improves the equipment’s interoperability.

Buy now on Amazon for £39.89 (4 pack)

6. Tapo Smart Plug Power Strip

Works with Apple Home Kit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Smart Things no hub required. Set your electricity rate to estimate your energy bills, offers more comprehensive insights into home appliances’ power consumption with more intuitive and straightforward data visualizations. Supports setting power thresholds to prevent overcharging of mobile phones and other devices. Use simple voice commands with Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, or Google Assistant to conveniently control connected devices.

Buy now on Amzon for £24.99

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7. T-Smart Tesla Hot Water Cylinder Thermostat

T-Smart is the most radical evolution of technology in the immersion sector for some time. Upgrade your cylinder to a genuine smart appliance for complete remote control of your hot water when its needed via the app. Built in programmers, planners and timers provides unlimited time and temperature settings via the T-Smart app giving you complete flexibility and control. Built-in anti legionella function gives additional piece of mind that the system will be continuously protected from bacteria growth carrying out the antibacterial cycle at least once every 15 days.

Buy now on Amazon for £140

Practical smart tech gift ideas

8. Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Multifunction Oven

Cooks meals efficiently, using precise heat control to reduce energy waste. Fast Mini Oven, 10 Cooking Functions, Air Fry, Pizza, Grill, Roast, Bake, Toast, Bagel & more for family-size meals. This large capacity countertop oven cooks food on 2 levels, fit 2 pizzas at once. Fit a main and sides at the same time, no need to use 2 appliances. Up to 40% faster than a fan oven, with super-quick 90 second preheat. Air Fry – up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods.

Buy now on Amazon for £249

9. Dreo Smart Electric Space Heater

A smart space heater for indoor combines Hyperamics 1500W with a new heat funnel design to deliver heat within seconds and enhance warm air circulation for up to 200% farther reach than traditional heaters. Schedule room heating hours to match your routine, access your heater settings from anywhere with the Dreo app, or even use your voice to control it thanks to Alexa and Google Home compatibility. Dreo’s heater warms quietly thanks to its brushless DC motor with frictionless performance and a winglet fan design that reduces turbulence, reducing noise to only 34dB.

Buy now on Amazon for £59.99

10. Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker

The perfect smart coffee maker for anyone who loves their morning brew. Less than 5 inches wide, perfect for small spaces. Brew any cup size between 6-12oz with Keurig K-Cup pods. Just add fresh water for each brew. Coffee made in minutes.

Buy now on Amazon for £79

11. Ember Smart Mug 2

Maintains beverage temperature using minimal energy compared to traditional methods. The Ember Smart Mug allows you to control the temperature of your hot drink from your smartphone. Connect your mug to the Ember app to determine the ideal temperature of your hot drink, and enjoy every drop exactly the way you like it. Also works without being connected to the app. It will then automatically keep your drink at a temperature of 57°C and will remember the last temperature used: this tumbler is really the perfect gift!

Buy now on Amazon for £130

12. Vitesy Shelfy Smart Refrigerator Device

Reduce food waste and save money with the amusingly named “Shelfy”. This device extends the freshness of food up to 12 days more therefore reducing waste. The photocatalytic filter with nanotechnology ensures prolonged freshness and safer food by eliminating pollutants responsible for food ripening. The device also detects how often the refrigerator is opened and sends the information directly to your mobile phone via the Vitesy Hub app. Voice control is available by connecting it to Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Features a washable filter that doesn’t need replacement.

Buy now on Amazon for £119

13. Philips Eco Conscious Toaster

A fairly standard toaster but made with 100% plant-based plastics to reduce its CO₂ footprint by 14%, this eco-friendly toaster offers a sustainable choice without compromising on quality. 8 browning settings, so you get the perfect golden brown or crispy slice every time, fast, efficient toasting with 830 watts of power that evenly browns your toast. Warm buns, rolls, and pastries with the integrated bun rack, giving you more breakfast options without the need for additional appliances.

Buy now on Amazon for £34.99

14. Lomi Home Composter

Reduces food waste while consuming minimal energy compared to traditional waste disposal. Lomi is the ultimate kitchen appliance for turning food & waste into nutrient-rich compost. Lomi uses advanced technology to break down food waste quickly and efficiently, producing compost in as little as 4 hours. Includes your first 45 cycles of filters & pods. 12″ tall, 16″ wide, 13″ deep.

Buy now on Amzon for £399

15. RENPHO Smart Scale

A high-tech scale that measures weight, body fat, and more. Connect the smart scales with the Renpho Health App to track your 13 essential body measurements, including body weight, body fat percentage, BMI, muscle mass, etc. Equipped with automatic calibration and 4 high-precision sensors. Easily switch between 4 units (lb, kg, st, st:lb) via the app to suit your preference. The smart app seamlessly syncs with other leading fitness apps such as Samsung Health, Apple Health, Fitbit and works with Apple Watch (excluding Apple Watch Series 1). This is one of our favorite smart tech gift ideas.

Buy now on Amazon for £24

Smart home smart tech gift ideas

16. Tapo Smart Motion Sensor

Captures motion up to 23 ft.(7m) away and through 120° view. Activate your Tapo devices whenever motion is detected for security or home automation. Easy installation, mount it by attaching 3M adhesive or the build-in magnets. Automatically turn on connected smart devices when you come and go, with 2 years manufacturers warranty. Real-time notifications alert you in Away Mode for anything you want to know (Tapo Hub Required – sold separately). 

Buy now on Amazon for £14.99

17. Onvis Motion Sensor for Apple HomeKit

A motion sensor based on the Thread protocol, with faster, low energy usage connections for reliable device communication. It requires an Apple TV 4K 128GB (Wi-Fi + Ethernet), HomePod Mini or HomePod 2nd gen as your home hub. Also monitors temperature and humidity and can trigger other AppleKit smart home devices to save energy when it gets bright/dark. 100° field of view and up to 7m detection range. Once the motion detector is triggered, it will send real-time alert notifications to your smartphone whether you’re at home or away.

Buy now on Amazon for £32

18. iRobot Roomba j7+

A smart robot vacuum that cleans your home autonomously, saving time and effort. Enjoy an exceptionally seamless home cleaning experience: Roomba j7 Robot Vacuum learns your home and your routines to adapt to your life. It also works with Alexa.

Buy now on Amazon for £319

19. Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni Robot Vacuum

The latest model with advanced cleaning and mopping functions. After mopping, your DEEBOT returns to station and automatically washes the mops, the machine pumps dirty water into the waste tank and dries mops with hot air, keeping the mopping pads clean without unpleasant odour. The Clean Station can clean itself with one tap, pump dirty water into the waste tank, without the need for frequent disassembling and washing. Perhaps not the most romantic of smart tech gift ideas, but it might reduce the arguments about whose turn it is to do the vacuuming!

Buy now on Amazon for £599

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20. Google Nest Hub

A smart display that works as a home assistant, video chat tool, and entertainment hub. Catch up on Netflix shows, watch YouTube videos, listen to music on the enhanced speaker, relive your favourite Google Photos, and more. Keep listening, from room to room. The enhanced speaker delivers 50% more bass than the original Nest Hub. Create groups with other Nest speakers and displays for brilliant sound in every room. You can even use Quick Gestures to control many Nest Hub features. Play or pause a song or video, snooze an alarm, and stop a timer.

Buy now on Amazon for £90

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21. Echo Studio

A smart speaker that delivers premium sound and integrates with Alexa. Echo Studio now features spatial audio processing technology for a wider and more immersive audio experience. For stereo formats, spatial audio processing technology creates a wider and more enveloping sound stage. Its five speakers produce powerful bass with improved clarity, dynamic midrange and crisp highs. Dolby Atmos technology adds space, clarity and depth. Stream songs from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer and more. Automatically senses the acoustics of your space, fine-tuning playback for optimal sound. Ask Alexa to control Zigbee-compatible devices or to play music, read the news and answer questions. Use your Alexa devices like an intercom and talk to any room in the house using Drop In and Announcements.

Buy now on Amazon for £249

22. Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Starter Kit

Add smart lighting to any room with a variety of colours and effects. Everything you need is included in this starter kit. Simply connect your Bridge to your router, screw in your new Philips Hue lights and take advantage of smart home lighting via the ‘Philips Hue’ app.

Buy now on Amazon for £165

23. Wyze Cam v3 Smart Security Camera

A budget-friendly security camera with HD video quality and motion detection. An all-new Starlight Sensor records night time video in full, vivid colour. The Starlight Sensor can see full colour in environments up to 25x darker than traditional video cameras and the new f/1.6 aperture captures 2x more light and has an IP65 rating so you can confidently install it outside in the rain or inside in the kids’ room. Compatibility – Android 5.0+, iOS 9.0+. Wyze Cam records video when motion or sound is detected and sends an alert straight to your phone. 

Buy now on Amazon for £65

24. Tile Pro 2024

A smart tracker to help keep track of keys, bags, and more. Protect lost or stolen stuff and make family life easier. Attach to valuables like car keys, golf bags and camera gear. Discreetly trigger an SOS alert to your loved ones in unsafe situations. Ring your misplaced Tile, or track it down in the free app. This is one of the most practical smart tech gift ideas for people that have a habit of misplacing things!

Buy now on Amazon for £35

Smart tech gift ideas for camping

25. Anker 100w Solar Panel Charger

A portable solar charger for eco-friendly device charging. The solar panel converts up to 23% of sunlight into solar energy and effortlessly charges solar systems even on cloudy days. The lightweight solar panel features a USB-C and a USB-A output to charge 2 devices simultaneously. Simply position the solar panel with the adjustable mount so that it receives just the right amount of sunlight.

Buy now on Amazon for £99

26. Jackery Explorer 1000 Generator

Powers devices using charge from AC power or solar energy, ideal for off-grid enthusiasts. Jackery’s new, upgraded Power Station features 50% increase in power output in comparison to the old E1000 model,. It charges 7.5x faster, with impressive 1 hour fast charging. The LiFePO4 battery has 4x longer lifespan, supporting 4,000 life cycles and retains over 70% capacity. CE certified, combined with full fire and shock resistance – ensuring quality and maximum safety. Boasting mega 1500W AC output and 3000W surge peak, it supports home appliances, from air conditioners to induction cookers. It features 100W PD Fast USB-C charging (input & output) for efficient recharging, with generous 1070Wh capacity, and is small in size – saving space. Equipped with 6 charging ports (2 USB-C, 1 USB-A, 1 DC Car Port and 2 Pure Sine Wave AC Ports), Jackery’s Explorer 1000 V2 powers multiple devices simultaneously. Weighing 23.8 lbs with an ergonomic handle, it’s easy to carry on the go, with built-in LED lights, ideal for camping, hiking, and emergencies.

Buy now on Amazon for £899

27. Goal Zero solar charging kit

A compact solar energy charging unit and battery for small devices. The upgraded Venture 35 Power Bank joins forces with the Nomad 10 Solar Panel to provide an endless supply of rugged, portable power. Perfect for outdoor recreation and emergency use, the 9600 mAh power bank is equipped with a dustproof/waterproof IP67 rating, an 18W USB-C Power Delivery port, and two USB output ports for charging multiple devices at once. Recharge the Venture 35 from the wall or connect to the Nomad 10 to power up from the sun while away from the grid. Can withstand submersion up to 1 meter of water for at least 30 minutes. 

Buy now on Amazon for £160

28. Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 multi functional light & charger

Perfect for camping and outdoor events. Directional and adjustable LED light, up to 600 lumens. Recharge the internal battery from any USB port, from the sun with a Goal Zero solar panel, or use the built-in hand crank to charge up in an emergency. 1 minute of crank can power the light for 10 minutes on a low setting. Internal lithium battery boasts 5200 mAh with a USB output, enough power to charge phones, headlamps, tablets, LED flashlights and all your other camping or survival gear and equipment. Collapsible legs provide a stand for maximum light dispersion . A built-in handle allows for easy carrying and hanging.

Buy now on Amazon for £44

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29. Alpicool 20 Litre Mini Fridge

The Alpicool C20 car refrigerator can be a fridge or freezer and can cool to 0℃(32℉) in 30 minutes. With a temperature memory function and 3 different levels for battery protection to protect your vehicle battery without run down. The refrigerating system will stop operating when it reaches the set temperature and will restart when the temperature in the box rises. Reliable construction, thick and high density foam insulation. Who doesn’t like a cold drink in when you’re camping the summer!? This is one of our coolest smart tech gift ideas.

Buy now on Amazon for £169

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30. Mophie Powerstation 10K Wireless Power Bank

A portable power bank for keeping devices charged on the go. Contains a 10,000 mAh internal battery for up to 2 full phone charges. Charge up to two devices thanks to the USB-C and USB-A ports.

Buy now on Amazon for £17

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Smart tech gift ideas for the garden

31. Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller

Saves water and energy by intelligently adjusting irrigation schedules. Rachio 3 is the top-of-the-line product from the highest-rated WiFi sprinkler controller brand. Download the Rachio app to care for your garden remotely with your smartphone, tablet or laptop, use a connected home system or run zones directly from the controller itself. Set your own schedules or input details like plant type and sun exposure to let Rachio automatically water your garden with exactly what it needs to thrive, and not a drop more. Weather Intelligence automatically adjusts your irrigation schedule based on comprehensive forecasts in your exact location. Using satellite, radar and weather station data from more than a quarter million sources, Rachio makes sure you’re never caught watering in the rain, wind or snow. Reduce your water bill by up to 50% while keeping your garden healthy. Works with top smart-home platforms, including Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant.

Buy now on Amazon for £296 (8 zones)

32. Green Feathers Battery Powered Solar Bird Box Camera

This solar powered camera harnesses energy through its built-in solar panel, which charges its internal battery. For someone who likes watching wildlife this is one of the best smart tech gift ideas. The battery powers the camera and enables it to capture and transmit video footage using low power WI-FI. Simple set up – the app makes it easy to get up and running. Comes with a 4m cable to connect to the Solar Panel to allow for optimal positioning in a location with maximum sunlight. With up to 10m infrared night vision capabilities and the natural colouring of the Camera, you can rest assured you can capture all your feathery friends in high definition any time of the day with no disruption to them or their routine. Receive instant notifications to your smart phone or tablet with the latest in PIR motion detection technology.

Buy now on Amazon for £279

Smart tech gift ideas for entertainment

33. Sony PlayStation VR2

The latest in VR gaming, perfect for PlayStation owners. Enjoy stunningly vibrant 4K HDR visuals, 4 in compatible games, a vast 110º field of view and state-of-the-art graphical rendering, all made possible by the power of PS5.  Experience revolutionary PlayStation VR2 Sense technology with eye tracking, headset feedback and 3D Audio, which combines with the new intuitive controllers to create deeply realistic sensations and emotions in compatible games.

Buy now on Amazon for £496

34. DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone

A compact, high-quality drone for taking stunning aerial photos and videos. Film in 4K HDR Video for crystal clear aerial shots. With Dual Native ISO Fusion, Mini 3 enables the capture of details in highlights and shadows, both day and night. Striking vertical videos are ready to Share – with true vertical shooting, you can easily capture tall landmarks like skyscrapers and waterfalls. And after capturing, it’s in the perfect orientation to post to Instagram or TikTok, making it one of the most fun smart tech gift ideas.

Buy now on Amazon for £459

35. AirPods 4

AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.

Buy now on Amazon for £169

36. Anker Soundcore Liberty 4

Noise-cancelling earbuds for top-tier sound quality and comfort. Liberty 4 NC noise cancelling earbuds have a high sensitivity in-ear sound sensor, an oversized driver, and an innovative noise isolation chamber that cancels up to 98.5% of noise for peaceful travel. Not everyone listens the same, so use HearID 2.0 to find the perfect sound profile for you. If you want to mix it up, the EQ is fully adjustable or choose from 22 presets to match your audio.

Buy now on Amazon for £70

37. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones

Comfortable headphones with excellent sound quality and long battery life. Enjoy premium music quality all-day long thanks to the headphone’s audiophile-inspired 42mm transducer system and aptX Adaptive. Personalised sound via the Sennheiser Smart Control App – Adjust the sound to your individual listening preferences via the integrated equaliser, presets and sound modes for a unique sound experience. The four digital beamforming microphones ensure high-quality voice pick-up and automatically suppress wind noise for optimised calls and easier access to the voice assistant.

Buy now on Amazon for £199

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38. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Premium headphones for immersive sound and noise reduction. 11 levels of active noise cancelling let you enjoy music, podcasts, videos & calls without distractions. Crisp, clear details. Deep, full bass. These wireless headphones produce exciting, lifelike sound that’s full and balanced at every volume level. A revolutionary microphone system adapts to noisy and windy environments so your voice always sounds crystal clear on calls. With easy access to voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant for music, navigation, weather, and more, and intuitive touch control on the earcups — you can stay connected without reaching for your phone.

Buy now on Amazon for £194

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39. Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones

Superior noise cancellation and sound quality for the audiophile in your life. Sony’s flagship wireless headphones with unbeatable noise cancellation, crystal-clear sound quality, industry-leading call quality, luxurious comfort, and more. Now with four mics on each earcup, unwanted sound is eliminated more accurately. Auto NC Optimizer ensures noise cancelling is optimised for your environment. 

Buy now on Amazon for £294

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40. HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset

A top-tier wireless headset for serious gamers. Up to 300 hours battery life. HyperX Dual chamber drivers, PC compatible. Integrated audio control, detachable noise-canceling microphone and LED indicator.

Buy now on Amazon for £150

41. Roku Express 4K

Energy-efficient streaming device compared to traditional cable boxes. The latest and greatest streaming device for movie buffs and TV show lovers. Streams HD, 4K Ultra HD, and HDR with sharp detail and vivid colour optimised for your TV. Dual-band Wi-Fi for a smooth streaming experience with faster wireless performance, even with multiple devices connected to your network. Enjoy live TV, news, sports, movies and TV episodes on thousands of free and paid channels like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney +, ITV Hub, All4, My5, Apple TV+, BT Sport, Prime Video, NOW and many more.

Buy now on Amazon for £30

42. Nanoleaf Lines Smart Light Panels

Customise any space with these smart lighting panels, controlled via an app. Get all the colors you could ever dream of, create all the cool Scenes you could ever think of. Plus, get instant reliable control of your Thread-enabled devices, like Nanoleaf Essentials Bulbs and Lightstrips, with no additional hubs. This is one of our recommended smart tech gift ideas for kids and teenagers.

Buy now on Amazon from £90

43. Anker Nebula Capsule Smart Mini Projector

A compact projector for on-the-go movie nights and presentations. The advanced IntelliBright algorithms deliver a remarkably bright 100 ANSI-lumen image. Recommended for use in dimmer environments. Equipped with a powerful omnidirectional speaker, this mini projector pumps out sound all around. If you, or your loved ones, are into movies this is one of the best smart tech gift ideas.

Buy now on Amazon for £199

44. Oculus Quest 3 VR Headset

The ultimate gift for gamers and tech lovers to dive into virtual reality. The Meta Quest 3 (512GB) is a cutting-edge virtual reality headset designed for immersive gaming and interactive experiences. With a sleek design and advanced features, it offers 512GB of storage, ensuring ample space for apps, games, and media. The Quest 3 boasts improved optics, enhanced processing power, and a comfortable fit, making it an ideal choice for users looking to explore virtual worlds with high-quality visuals and responsive controls. It operates wirelessly, offering seamless VR experiences without the need for a PC or external sensors.

Buy now on Amazon for £615

45. Sonos Roam Smart Speaker

A portable, powerful speaker with voice control and incredible sound quality. Hands-free ease with Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa. The Sonos Roam is a portable smart speaker that delivers rich, room-filling sound in a compact, durable design. Featuring Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, it allows seamless streaming from a variety of sources, including voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. With its lightweight build and water-resistant rating, the Roam is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. It offers up to 10 hours of battery life, making it perfect for on-the-go listening, and can be easily paired with other Sonos devices for a whole-home sound experience. The fact that it works with Alexa and Google Assistant means it can be used as part of a smart home setup, as well as when you’re traveling, making it one of the most versatile smart tech gift ideas.

Buy Now on Amazon for £139

46. Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Speaker

A high-quality Bluetooth speaker with stunning design and sound. Because Onyx Studio 8 is designed to pair audio with any Bluetooth device and music is designed to be shared, you can switch your playlists with the speaker by connecting two devices to the speaker at the same time to change your playlists at any point and keep the music going.

Buy now on Amazon for £247

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47. JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Durable, waterproof, and delivering powerful sound for music on the go. Whether you’re hanging out at the park, relaxing on the beach or lounging by the pool, the IP67 waterproof and dust-proof design means you can bring your speaker anywhere.

Buy now on Amazon for £88

48. Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Portable Speaker

A small, portable speaker that doesn’t compromise on sound. Engineered to deliver true 360° sound for consistent, uniform coverage from a bluetooth speaker. SoundLink Revolve-plus II plays louder and deeper with up to 17 hours from a rechargeable lithium-ion batteryl. Charging is easy via the Micro-B USB port.

Buy now on Amazon for £249

49. Bose Smart Soundbar 900

A soundbar that turns any living room into a theater-like experience. Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Voice Control is a top-of-the-line wireless speaker, surround sound system for TV and so much more. AI Dialogue Mode balances voice and surround sound for ultra-crisp vocal clarity, so you’ll never miss what your favourite characters are saying again with this surround sound speaker. With six transducers, including two custom-engineered upward firing dipole speakers, it will feel like your space is filled with sound from every direction, even overhead. Control your entertainment, daily tasks and access information using your voice with Amazon Alexa, making this one of the best smart tech gift ideas for people that already use Alexa.

Buy now on Amazon for £899

50. Razer Blade 16 Gaming Laptop

A high-performance laptop for gaming or heavy multitasking. Packed for pure performance with 1.50 gPD (Graphics Power Density), the Razer Blade 16 delivers up to 30 % more graphic power per cubic inch than any other 16” gaming laptop on the market.

Buy now on Amazon for £2699

51. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

A tablet with high-resolution display, great for work or play. Built to withstand the elements and accompany you on your open-air adventures. The included S Pen is IP68 water and dust-resistant just like the Galaxy Tab S9 series, and has enhanced tip sensitivity for less accidental clicks. Intelligent outdoor algorithm that detects the sun’s glow and shifts to match for clear screen vision in brightly lit areas. Revved-up performance and power savings for champion-level gameplay. The graphics engine powers true-to-life reflections and shadows in 3D gaming environments.

Buy now on Amazon for £799

Smart watches – smart tech gift ideas

52. Fitbit Charge 6

A fitness tracker that monitors heart rate, sleep patterns, and more. Compatible with iOS 15 or higher & Android OS 9.0 or higher. Works with Google Maps, Google Wallet, Youtube Music Controls, Call, Text and Smartphone App Notifications. The vibrant colour touchscreen has customizable clock faces, timer and stopwatch.

Buy now on Amazon for £139

53. Garmin Fenix 7 Pro

A rugged smartwatch with advanced fitness and outdoor tracking features. with unique Power Glass and solar charging lens for extra long battery life. Your LED flashlight will guide you safely to your destination even at night. Waterproof up to 10m. Control this high-quality sports watch as you wish, either with the keys or via the touch display.

Buy now on Amazon for £550

Creative smart tech gift ideas

54. Logitech StreamCam

A high-definition webcam for gamers, streamers, and remote workers. Get superior clarity with full HD 1080p at 60 fps. Logitech StreamCam offers the ultimate streaming experience for both creator and audience with smooth motion and precise video. The webcam uses USB Type-C to ensure efficient video transfer speeds. AI-enabled facial tracking in Logitech Capture delivers accurate focus and exposure. Your content looks professional produced, with crisp, clear results. Shift into portrait mode in Logitech Capture by turning StreamCam 90° – perfect for Instagram and Facebook stories.

Buy now on Amazon for £75

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55. Logitech MX Master 3S Mouse

An ergonomically designed mouse with smart controls for productivity. Use the MX Master 3S wireless computer mouse to work on any surface, even glass. With 8000 DPI sensors and customizable sensitivity the MX Master 3S Bluetooth mouse features quiet clicks, delivering the same satisfying feeling but with 90% less click noise. Remarkable speed, precision and near silence. Program your buttons and optimise your workflow with App-specific profiles in the upgraded version of Logi Options.

Buy now on Amazon for £71

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56. Wacom Intuos Pro Drawing Tablet

A creative tool for artists and designers, perfect for digital drawing. Black, wireless graphics tablet with an active area of 8.7 x 5.8 inch – Perfect digital drawing pad with a variety of possibilities: whether professional graphic design, photo editing, illustrating or remote working. Thanks to battery-free Wacom Pro Pen 2 with 8,192 pressure levels & 60° tilt recognition, your Wacom drawing tablet ensures maximum precision & natural feeling. Compatible with macOS 10.12 & Windows 7 or later versions.

Buy now on Amazon for £315

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57. Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera

A professional-grade camera for photography enthusiasts. Packing a host of features into a lightweight body, the all-new Z8 gives hybrid video/stills creators astounding flexibility with which to bring their vision to life. If you’re looking for a professional camera this is one of the best you will find, hence it’s the only one to make it onto our list of smart tech gift ideas.

Buy now on Amazon for £3885

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58. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera

Capture memories with a retro instant camera that prints photos immediately. Fully loaded with easy-to-use modes and controls, the super playful Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera is bursting with joy, creativity and colour. The mini 12 features automatic exposure and flash control, so you can simply aim and click. No messing around with settings, or remembering to turn the flash on; just joyful one-off snaps every time.

Buy now on Amazon for £114

59. Cricut Maker 3 Smart Cutting Machine

A versatile tool for creative DIY projects. Cuts 100+ materials from cardstock, vinyl and iron-on to glitter paper and bonded fabric. Compatible with smart materials for cuts up to 12 ft (3.6 m) in one go. Upload and cut your own designs or choose from the cricut design space library.

Buy now on Amazon for £228

60. Epson EcoTank ET-2860 Printer

Uses less energy and fewer consumables with high-efficiency ink tanks. Perfect for anyone looking for low-cost-printing, this A4 inkjet printer has refillable ink tanks, with one set of bottles having the equivalent of up to 72 cartridges. Additional benefits include mobile printing, Wi-Fi, copy and scan. Save up to 90% on printing costs with high yield ink bottles, the integrated ink tanks are easy to fill thanks to the specially engineered ink bottles. With no cartridges to replace, and flexible connectivity features, this is the perfect printer for anyone looking for high-quality prints at an incredibly low cost-per-page.

Buy now on Amazon for £169

These smart tech gift ideas include some of the best gifts for people that like smart home tech and energy saving gadgets. Whether you’re looking for smart tech gift ideas for him or her, one of the ideas above is bound to be a hit. If you’re looking for some bargains check out our post on smart home deals and see the full list of smart home offers on Amazon.

If you want more energy saving ideas check out our comparisons of the best smart plugs and the best smart radiator valves, or pick something from our list of top 10 energy saving ideas.

The post The Top 60 Smart Tech Gift Ideas appeared first on Smart Home Energy.

The best plugs also help you monitor energy usage, improve energy saving, and can be used as timers to turn appliance on and off at set times of the day plus, some can be controlled when you’re away from home. 

The main restriction with smart plugs is that they only work for devices that can be left in the ‘on’ position, then switched on and off by controlling the power from the socket. Anything that needs to be turned on at the device won’t come on just because you turn on the socket, so a smart plug won’t be much use with these types of devices.

Monitoring energy use with a smart plug

The best plugs also offer energy use and cost monitoring. Devices left on standby when not in use can account for up to 16 percent of your electricity bill so, by turning off devices at the socket, a smart plug cut down on wasted electricity and save you money. 

How to choose the best smart plug

There are hundreds of options available so choosing the best smart plug for your smart home depends on a range of factors. The most important aspect is how you can control the plug, because you probably want it to work with your existing smart home appliance and to control it through the same app that you use for other devices. If you’re already an Apple user you want one that is compatible with HomeKit, Google users will want one which is compatible with Google Assistant, and Amazon users will want one which is compatible with Alexa.

Other factors to consider are energy monitoring and of course, price.

Our recommended smart plugs are as follows:

• Best budget smart plug – Tapo P100 Mini – £8.79 – Buy now on Amazon
• Best budget smart plug with energy monitoring – Yuin – £13.00 – Buy now on Amazon
• Best smart plug with energy monitoring – Eve Energy – £39.99 – Buy now on Amazon
• Best smart plug for HomeKit – Eve Energy – £39.99 – Buy now on Amazon
• Best smart plug for Alexa – Amazon smart plug – £24.99 – Buy now on Amazon
• Best smart plug for Google Assistant – Yuin – £13.00 – Buy now on Amazon
• Best smart plug for Hue users – Philips Hue – £26.99 – Buy now on Amazon
• Best smart plug for Hive ecosystem – Hive Active – £35.29 – Buy now on Amazon

Eve Energy

The best smart plug for HomeKit and energy monitoring

The Eve Energy smart plug is one of the best you can buy – although it won’t work with Alexa or Google Assistant. It’s very simple to use, monitors the energy consumption of the devices plugged into it – and if you provide price details from your energy provider – the total cost of energy used too. 

The Eve Energy connects over Bluetooth, or Thread smart home technology  – if you have a HomePod Mini or an Apple TV – so you’ll be able to control it even when you’re not at home. Thread is more stable than Wi-Fi and puts an end to smart home devices failing to respond. Compared to the rest of the market it seems like an expensive option but it’s a high quality device, has excellent energy monitoring, and the ability to create schedules too.

Belkin WeMo WiFi

The best smart plug for HomeKit, if energy monitoring is not required

If you’re using HomeKit, but aren’t worried about energy monitoring, the WeMo WiFi is ideal. But, due to some odd regional specification, in the UK it wont works with Alexa or Google. 

The Belkin Wemo is a compact plug, it’s simple to use and includes the ability to set schedules so it turns on or off automatically, and also features ‘Away mode’ – which randomises the times the plug switches on and off – to simulate occupancy. It has a manual power buttons, and LED that illuminates when the plug is switched on. Its main drawback is the lack of energy monitoring.

Amazon smart plug

The best smart plug for Alexa

If you’re already an Alexa user, then the Amazon smart plug makes good sense. It is not the cheapest on the market, but it integrates well with Alexa routines – so setting up automations for your smart home is as simple as other Alexa tasks. 

The Amazon smart plug is quite large compared to other plugs which could be a drawback if space is limited around your sockets. It connects to the internet over Wi-Fi, so it can still be controlled even when you’re not at home and is simple to set-up.

It doesn’t provided energy monitoring, neither is there an ‘Away mode’, and it doesn’t work with Google Assistant or HomeKit.

Philips Hue smart plug

The best smart plug for Philips Hue users

If you are after a plug to control lamps and other lights the Philips Hue plug is a great choice. It integrates with any Hue smart lighting you already have in your home, and can be controlled through the Hue app, Alexa, Google Assistant or HomeKit.  

It’s one of the more expensive models of smart plug, considering it doesn’t offer energy monitoring. But, if you already have a Hue bridge, it makes a lot of sense and can be controlled when you’re away from home.

Hive Active Plug

Specifications

The best plug for Hive ecosystem

Hive is one of the most affordable ecosystems to get into – cheaper than Philips Hue, if you’re interested in building up a smart home which isn’t reliant on Google, Apple or Amazon.

The Hive Active plug requires either a Hive Active Heating thermostat or Hive Hub, but if you own either of those, it’s simple to set up and use. You can create complex schedules too, with up to six time slots per day, control the plug using the Hive app on your phone, or link it to a Hive switch or sensor. It also works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit.

The Hive Active Plug is quite bulky and can have some issues during set up, so you may need patience!

IKEA TRÅDFRI Wireless Control Outlet

The IKEA TRÅDFRI is not a pretty plug, but it’s reliable and a reasonable price. It’s controlled via the IKEA Home Smart app. Once it’s set up, it can be controlled via Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri but, unlike most smart plugs, which connect directly to your home Wi-Fi network, it requires the Tradfri gateway and a Tradfri ‘steering device’, which makes it a less attractive choice. It also lacks features such as ‘Away mode’ and energy monitoring.

Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini

The Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is the company’s latest smart home device which can be controlled using Meross’s own app, HomeKit, Google Assistant or IFTTT. It’s a super-compact design and connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network to let you set schedules and timers for the plug to switch on and off, or use sunrise and sunset times to activate schedules, which is a nice feature. But it doesn’t have any energy monitoring features.

Hey Smart Plug

Hey! is a new UK smart home brand which stands out mainly for its stylish packaging – although that’s not really a reason to buy their products – the main reason is a the great prices. If you’re just after the basics this is a worthwhile option at just £15. It’s a nice, compact design that won’t obstruct the plug socket next to it and can fit in places some larger plugs can’t. It connects straight to your wifi without the need for a hub and can be controlled via the Hey app, Alexa or Google Assistant.

Humax Wi-Fi

Best budget smart plug with energy monitoring

Yuni’s smart plug is beautifully compact, and won’t obscure adjacent sockets. It has a button on the left-hand side to manually turn on and off the connected device, which is useful if you have it on a strip.

Set up via the Smart Life app is simple: press the button on the plug for five seconds, tell the app the blue light is flashing and it pairs over Bluetooth, then asks for your Wi-Fi password and you’re done. Plus, it works with Alexa and Google Assistant too, as well as IFTTT. The Smart Life app also tells you how much power is being consumed in real time, and the total amount of energy used ‘today’ and overall, a nice set of energy monitoring features. It also features schedules for turning power on and off, countdown timers and – most usefully for lights – schedules based on sunset and sunrise.

Tapo P100 Mini

Best budget smart plug

Tapo is a sub-brand of TP-Link and the P100 Mini is one of the most affordable smart plugs on the market. It has a simple design, which is reasonably compact, although it’s still a bit more bulky than some of the more expensive options. It features schedules and timers and there’s even an ‘Away mode’ which turns devices on and off randomly, to make it look like you’re at home. There’s also a button on the plug if you want to switch it manually.

It works with Google Assistant and Alexa, but not with HomeKit or the Kasa app, so it isn’t ideal if you already have TP-Link smart plugs or other smart devices. Overall, unless you’re already locked into a different ecosystem, this is definitely one to consider.

Check out the best smart radiator valves for your home, see how much you could save on energy and also check if you can save on broadband.

Some newer smart plugs feature in our list of smart tech gift ideas.

The post Best smart plug appeared first on Smart Home Energy.

What is a Smart Meter and how do they work?

A smart meter is a new power meter that measures and records the amount of electricity, and gas if you use gas, that is used in a home and sends the data back to the energy provider in real-time. This information is used by the energy provider to bill their customers accurately. The meters provide both the customer and the energy provider with detailed information about their energy use, helping you to become more energy efficient.

Smart meters are installed by the energy provider and the installation typically takes around two hours. They come with a digital display that shows you how much energy you’re using in real-time and at different times of day, so you can adjust your energy usage accordingly.

Smart meters also allow for the remote monitoring of energy use. This means that the energy provider can monitor your energy use remotely, without having to send a meter reader to your home. This helps to reduce costs and improve customer service.

Benefits of a Smart Meter

Smart meters have a range of benefits for both energy providers and consumers. For energy providers, they allow for more accurate billing, as well as improved customer service. They also allow for remote monitoring of energy use, which can help to reduce costs.

For consumers, they allow for greater insight into their energy use via an in home display, so they can make more informed decisions about how to save energy. In home displays provide detailed information about how much energy is being used during different times of day, so you can adjust your energy usage accordingly. Plus, they allow for more accurate billing, as the energy provider can read your meter remotely, without having to send a meter reader to your home.

UK Smart Meter Rollout Target

The UK government set a target to install 53 million smart meters in homes across the country by the end of 2020.

The national roll-out began in 2016, and was meant to finish in 2020. However, installations were paused at the start of the coronavirus pandemic and suppliers have been given additional time. They now have until the end of 2025 to install them in all remaining homes and businesses with annual installation targets.

The two different models of smart meters: SMETS 1 vs SMETS 2

There are two different models of smart meters: SMETS 1 and SMETS 2.

SMETS 1 meters are the earlier model and are being phased out by energy providers. They are not compatible with all energy providers, so can’t be used if you switch energy providers.

SMETS 2 meters are the latest model of smart meter and are compatible with all energy providers, so can be used if you switch energy providers.

Until 2019, the majority of the meters installed were first-generation SMETS1 meters. These had a series of technical problems – not least of which was that they lost their smart capabilities if you switched energy provider!

Energy companies were encouraged to stop installing these by March 2019 and install second-generation smart meters (SMETS2) instead. So far, more than 11 million second-generation meters have been fitted. 

Are Smart Meters Still Free in the UK?

Yes, smart meters are still free in the UK. The UK government has set up a scheme to help people get smart meters installed for free. This scheme applies to all households in the UK, regardless of whether they are on a prepayment meter, have dual fuel tariffs or are on an Economy 7 tariff. Smart Energy GB run the consumer engagement campaign for the smart meter rollout in the UK and their website answers a lot of FAQs about smart meters.

Am I eligible for a smart meter?

Most homes and businesses are eligible for a free smart meter, but the various energy companies are rolling them out in different regions at different times. Check this website to see if and when you can get one for your home or business.

How do I get a smart meter?

If you’re eligible for a smart meter, you’ll need to contact your energy supplier to arrange for one to be installed. They’ll be able to tell you what type of meter you’re eligible for and arrange for an engineer to come and install it. Check this website to determine availability in your area.

Do Smart Meters use a lot of electricity?

No, smart meters use very little electricity. The amount of electricity they use is comparable to that of a digital watch. So, if you’re worried about your energy bills increasing as a result of having a smart meter installed, there’s no need to worry.

What’s the difference between a Smart Meter and an In Home Display (IHD)?

A smart meter is the device which records the amount of energy consumed in the home and sends data to ‘the cloud’ and your energy provider. An in home display is the remote monitor which displays the data on a small screen so you can see how much energy you are consuming. Smart meters come with a free in home display when they are installed but if you need a new one you can get a smart meter in home display replacement. You can also connect a number of different apps to your smart meter so that you can monitor and analyse your consumption remotely on your phone or tablet.

What are the downsides of a Smart Meter?

The main downside of smart meters have been removed by the new SMETS2 versions, which are compatible with all energy providers. So, if you switch energy providers they will still work. Other concerns involve evidence that smart meters can be hacked, but there is very little evidence that proves this is possible with the newer SMETS2 smart meters.

Conclusion

Smart meters are a great way to gain insight into your energy use, as well as helping to reduce your energy bills. They’re free in the UK and use very little electricity.

If you’re looking to gain more insight into your energy use and save money on your energy bills and thinking of buying a home energy monitor, a smart meter could be a good, free alternative. Or you could consider getting a smart plug with energy monitoring, which will allow you to compare the energy consumption of different devices in your home.

The post Smart Meters Explained appeared first on Smart Home Energy.

Whilst previously not very common for homes UPS systems have been used by businesses for decades, providing backup power to essential services when the grid falters.

As the cost of energy escalates, and everyone looks for energy saving options and to secure their own power generation capacity via solar PV or wind, backup power systems make even more sense. Just like demand flexibility services, batteries enable you to avoid buying energy at times of high demand, when electricity prices rise, and to operate completely independently from the grid.

In this post we look at the Bluetti EP500Pro home backup battery – a new system designed to power a whole house for a day or two in the event of an unexpected outage.

Bluetti is a relatively new player in the energy storage industry, who launched their first product on Amazon In July 2019. In 2020 they released their AC200 product on Indiegogo as a crowdfunding project and pulled nearly 7 million dollars in two months. Their HQ is in Vegas, Nevada.

They also sell a range of portable power stations for camping trips and outdoor events, expansion batteries, and solar generator kits which include PV panels, charge controllers and batteries with all the ports you need for a an off-grid life.

All-in-one Backup Power Station

The Bluetti EP500Pro is a standalone battery power system with a 5100Wh LiFePO4 battery pack and a 3000W rated pure sine wave AC inverter. It holds enough power to run a family camping trip, cabin workshop, or even your whole house for a day or two, presuming it’s not too energy hungry. Up to 14 outlet sources allow you to power anything from laptops and air conditioners to your electric vehicle.

Seamless UPS Backup

The EP500Pro will automatically become your home energy source for essential loads when the electricity grid goes down. You can also pair it with up to 1200W solar input to recharge or to keep your appliances running without depleting the battery.

The EP500Pro also features a clever battery management system to manage the charge and discharge cycles for improved safety and durability. It even comes with a built-in dual-core processor and Internet connection, meaning the EP500Pro’s firmware can be upgraded through your internet connection without you needing to lift a finger.

The EP500Pro is currently on sale at £5,699.00 but usually sells for £5,999.

You can order it online directly from Bluetti.

Bluetti EP500Pro Home backup battery – Specifications

• 5100Wh LiFePO4, 6000+Charge Cycle
• EP500Pro: 3000W Pure Sine Wave Output
• Movable power station
• In-grid UPS Mode & Flexible UPS Mode(24/7)
• Off-grid energy storage
• Multiple devices can be powered simultaneously
• Flexible recharging for ‘always on’ functionality
• App remote control
• Smart touchscreen
• 5 year warranty

• AC Power Rating: 3000W
• Weight: 83kg (182lbs)
• Dimensions: 500 x 300 x 760mm (22.8 x 11.8 x 29.9in)
• Battery Capacity: 5100Wh
• Battery Cell Type: LiFePO4
• Rated Life Cycle: 6000+
• Charge Temperature: 0°C ~ 40°C (32°F ~104°F)
• Storage Ambient Temperature: 0°C ~ 45°C (32°F ~113°F)
• Working Environment humidity: 10-90%
• Certification: PSE, FCC, CE, UN38.3, msds, UL, SAA and ROHS

Input Specs

• AC Input: 3000W Max
• Solar PV Input: 2400W Max

Output Specs

• Standard UK plug 220-240V AC x 3
• USB-C: 2 x 100W
• USB-A: 2 x Quick Charging, 36W Total, 2 x 5VDC, 3A Total
• Cigarette Lighter: 1 x 12VDC, 10A
• RV (Aviation Port): 1 x 12VDC, 30A
• DC 5521: 2 x 12VDC, 10A Total
• Wireless Charging Pad: 2 x 5/7.5/10/15W

The post Bluetti – Home backup battery appeared first on Smart Home Energy.

The first example of remote control was demonstrated by Nikola Tesla in New York’s Madison Square Garden in 1898. Using a small, radio-transmitting control box, he manoeuvred a model ship around a pool of water and even flashed its running lights, without any connection between the boat and controller. Few people at the time were even aware that radio waves existed, so his demonstration sparked a lot of interest in how else remote control could be used.

Then, during the industrial revolution in the early 1900s, the first vacuum cleaners were invented, followed by clothes dryers, washing machines, refrigerators and electric dishwashers. Although they were not really “smart” devices, this new wave of home appliances made a big difference to people’s lives.

The most significant event in the history of the smart home system happened in 1966 when James Sutherland designed and built the first integrated smart home system. His Echo IV was essentially a bespoke home computer which allowed consumers to create digital shopping lists, control the temperature of the home, turn appliances on and off and to even access weather forecasts!

The features of Echo IV smart home system included:

• Accounting
• Household inventory
• Calendar
• Managing digital clocks through the house
• Air conditioning management
• TV management – on school nights children were required to answer questions if they wanted to watch television!
• Meteorological program connected to a weather station that to forecast weather

Despite his incredible vision of what smart home technology could do, James’ Echo IV was ahead of its time and wasn’t a commercial success due to its price.

But, in 1971 the invention of the micro-controller brought large price reductions to electronics, making the technology more affordable and electronic devices became commonplace around the home.

Then, in 1973, Bob Metcalfe invented Ethernet, to connect multiple computers and, in 1974, Vic Hayes, known as the “father of WiFi,” created the communication standard IEEE 802.11 – the standard on which today’s Wi-Fi is based, both of which were key events in the history of the smart home. But WiFi, the industry standard that would enable wireless connectivity and automation in the home, wasn’t introduced until 1997.

Since then, people have invented other standards for connected devices, such as Zigbee to Z-Wave. These low-cost wireless networks are similar to WiFi and are considered more stable, use less data, and can have a more extensive range.

Z-Wave can even support a wireless mesh network to allow devices to talk to each other but, it’s a closed standard owned by Silicon Labs. By contrast, Zigbee, which works in a similar way, is open source, and not owned by anyone. Zigbee products need to be within 60 feet of each other. Z-Wave goes all the way to 500 feet!

Today, with the proliferation of more stable routers, WiFi has become the most common communications system for most smart home networks. Having access to the vast online processing power of Google and Amazon – and access to their voice recognition systems – is an obvious advantage.

The real benefits of the smart home will not be realised until all our devices are interoperable (able to communicate with each other) but, so far, closed-source protocols and competing proprietary standards have limited inter-connectivity.

However, since everyone stands to benefit from committing to a standard open protocol for smart home connectivity there is a lot of interest in establishing a common communications platform – and this is where Matter come in.

Matter is an open-source connectivity standard, created by over 400 companies, that connects Thread, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ethernet to allow devices to communicate with each other locally, without the need for the cloud. Matter is being coordinated by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (or CSA, formerly the Zigbee Alliance), which includes Amazon, Apple, Google / Nest, Samsung, Wyze, iRobot, Signify (Philips Hue), Ecobee, and hundreds of other smart home brands. Hopefully, it will bring an end to the ‘protocol wars’ that have plagued smart home technologies and improve usability and accessibility for everyone – making all our homes smarter.

The post The history of the Smart Home appeared first on Smart Home Energy.

A lot of smart devices can be used with HomeKit or another app but some are designed only for HomeKit and cannot be controlled via non–Apple devices so, if you are not an Apple user, you may want to check out alternative solutions. But, if you use Apple devices already, HomeKit provides a smart way to use your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch to control your home accessories and start building a smart home.

Getting started with Apple HomeKit for smart homes

To get started, you will need to buy at least one HomeKit compatible accessory from the range of lights, switches, outlets, thermostats, fans, speakers, doorbells, and cameras available online on in your local technology store. Look out for the ‘Works with Apple HomeKit’ sticker on the box.

A simple place to start is with some lights. The most popular lighting solution is Phillip’s Hue bulbs which can be purchased separately or in bundles – and all you need to do is install one of these smart light bulbs into an existing lamp, and you have the beginnings of a smart home – and a simple setup to start to get to grips with HomeKit.

Once you have a HomeKit compatible accessory plugged in at home, download the manufactures’ application from the App Store and walk through the set up process to make sure it works OK.

Using Apple’s HomeKit App for smart homes

Now your accessories is connected and can be controlled via the manufacturer’s app, it is time to set it up with HomeKit. Find or download the HomeKit app and open it up to get started. Use the + button in the top right–hand corner to add a new accessory, and follow the onscreen instructions to scan the QR code on the box of hold your device near the new accessory and you’re good to go!

Setting up HomeKit ‘Scenes’

Apple calls groups of accessories ‘Scenes’ – which provide a way to switch between different configurations of multiple devices with a single tap. You can add a new Scene via the + symbol in the upper right–hand corner. You can set up as many Scenes as you like for specific times of day or night when you want your devices configured in a specific way, for example you might want Scenes for:

• Arriving home: This scene might turn on your home’s lights, unlock your front door, and turn up the thermostat.
• Movie night: This scene could automatically lower the lights, turn on your home theater or TV and other devices and even close your curtains, if you have them connected!
• Date night: This scene could change your lights colors for the right mood, adjust the thermostat to the perfect temperature, and play some romantic music for you…

Expanding your smart home with HomeKit

HomeKit works best with loads of accessories that make your life easier. But setting up a smart home can be an expensive endeavor, so start room by room and pay attention to energy efficiency. Some of the ‘smartest’ devices are smart plugs which you can use to connect multiple devices so just one tap on the app kills a whole lot and you know they’re not consuming any energy at all.

Check out all the other HomeKit devices you can buy – but don’t get too carried away!

Controlling HomeKit devices with voice via Siri

If you’re signed in on your Apple devices with your Apple ID, then you can control your smart home accessories from multiple devices including your iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, if you have one.

You can even control HomeKit via Apple TV (fourth generation or later) or an Apple HomePod Mini speaker. Whichever devices you’re on you can boot up Siri and simple state your request with phrases like “Hey Siri, turn off the living room lights” or “Hey Siri, set my reading scene.”

Control your HomeKit devices while you’re away

If you have an Apple TV or HomePod mini, HomeKit will automatically set up your device to act as a hub so that you can issue remote commands to your home when you aren’t there. This can be useful when you want to change the temperature or double check that your front door is locked while you’re away.

Got questions? Let us know in the comments or via the contact form.

The post Introducing Apple’s HomeKit for smart homes appeared first on Smart Home Energy.

Energy supplier So Energy offers its customers a “one-of-a-kind” solar power and battery storage system, supported by an online service, which offers an instant quote on the money and CO2 savings they can achieve through the service.

The system allows So Energy to remotely control consumers’ batteries to optimize their usage by using data on projected home energy consumption, weather forecasts and wholesale prices, and the network’s carbon intensity and capacity, the company said.

It can then decide when to draw energy from the house battery, when to charge the battery and when to sell electricity back into the grid in order to achieve the most competitive energy price for its customers. The company claims consumers can save up to 70 percent on energy bills by using the system.

“As the primary interface between energy consumers and the energy system, suppliers have a responsibility to do everything in their power to encourage environmentally friendly choices from their customers,” said Simon Oscroft, co-founder of So Energy. “And it’s our job to make these decisions as easy and engaging as possible.”

The announcement came when Ofgem separately approved a program launched by Emergent Energy that the supplier claims could reduce the cost of providing net-zero technology to the housing industry by 25 percent.

Emergent has developed an “intelligent local energy system solution” that connects individual houses and apartments with on-site net-zero technologies in residential areas via a microgrid, it announced yesterday.

Such microgrids are operated by Emergent, which rents renewable technologies from housing companies – including heat pumps, solar PV and chargers for electric vehicles – to supply local residents with green electricity and heat, the company said. Housing companies that are eligible for the offer include property developers, builders, landlords and social housing providers.

“The ban on gas boilers for all new houses from 2025 and the requirement that all social housing and rental apartments must be EPC C certified by 2030 will force the housing industry to spend hundreds of billions to drastically reduce emissions from their housing developments” said Reg Platt, founder and CEO of Emergent. “Our integrated model offers housing companies a return on investment and shares the benefits of technology with households that otherwise could not afford it.”

The “sandbox” program allows the start-up to test innovations without risking criticism from Ofgem and provides innovators with a range of tools for eligible suppliers, generators and network companies, the company said.

Elsewhere, SP Energy Networks announced this week that it has developed a new tool aimed at accelerating the net zero transition for heating UK homes. The tool, called “Heat-up”, enables utilities to use data from households to predict future needs for low-carbon forms of heating and then estimate the size of the heat pumps needed to heat those homes, the network operator said.

SP Energy, which has invested £ 129,000 in the heat-up tool, said it would also help governments and local authorities better understand the scale of the investments needed to meet the ambitious heat decarbonization targets, including the installation of up to 600,000 heat pumps per year in the UK by 2028.

Scott Mathieson, director of grid planning and regulation at SP Energy Networks, said the lessons learned from this project “will enable more people to switch to low-carbon heating, which will help the environment and ultimately allow us to serve our customers more efficiently to offer and accelerate the reduction costs”.

If you have solar PV installed you could save money with a solar power diverter.Solar Power Diverter

Also, check out the best smart radiator valves for your home and some of the best smart plugs to help you automate your appliances and save even more energy.

The post So Energy offers ‘first of a kind’ solar and battery storage service to customers appeared first on Smart Home Energy.

ONZO’s energy disaggregation technology details exactly how devices in homes consume energy and drive energy bills. By adding this extra intelligence to geo’s market-leading Whole Home Optimisation capability, which uses machine learning to enable homes to fully exploit their energy tariff, households will now be able to automatically obtain the biggest possible energy savings, whilst minimising waste and household carbon emissions.

geo’s technology is being provided to around 50% of UK homes under the Government’s smart meter rollout, as well as to tens of thousands of homes in the Netherlands and Nordics, in the form of in-home energy displays, and Onzo’s service is currently used in a quarter of a million homes, with more than 7,000 new users joining monthly. This significant footprint represents a crucial foundation from which to realise the full benefits of smart meter deployment.

Commenting on the acquisition, Steve Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer at geo, said, “It’s great to be joined by the innovative and creative team at ONZO. Combining our two businesses adds real strength to geo’s expertise and extends our leadership in the Energy IoT and data science environments. It also allows us to provide even greater savings to the millions of geo and ONZO customers across Europe.

“2021 is going to be an exciting time for geo and our partners: we commenced the delivery of our new EV charging and home heating optimisation capabilities earlier in the year. And as we complete the integration of ONZO’s capabilities, we will introduce the ability for the millions of households to automatically reduce their energy consumption further still through Whole Home Optimisation.”

“We’re looking forward to being able to bring even greater benefits from our combined offering to geo and ONZO’s existing customers and to helping our industry partners lead the way in the race to achieve Net Zero.”

Rob Merrington, Managing Director of ONZO commented, “Becoming part of the successful geo team is a perfect platform for ONZO’s evolution.  It’s clear there is genuine synergy within the current product suite provided by both businesses, and a significant opportunity for future developments, that will benefit both GEO and ONZO’s current and future customers.”

geo also announced the conclusion of a successful funding round.

The raise will see strategic investors the Low Carbon Investment Fund, Schneider Electric and West Coast Capital join the business and will allow geo to accelerate its mission to enable every home to achieve energy and carbon savings through Whole Home Optimisation.

Commenting, Steve Cunningham said, “We are pleased to welcome our new investors, including [the Low Carbon Investment Fund, Schneider Electric and West Coast Capital], to our business as we set out on the next step of geo’s journey. Each brings a unique set of capabilities and perspectives with them, which will collectively allow us to accelerate the deployment of our Whole Home Optimisation system across the UK and Europe.

“geo’s positioning at the centre of the home energy management ecosystem makes it a very valuable proposition, significantly reducing energy consumption and therefore accounting for less CO2 emissions,” commented Axel de Megille on behalf of the Low Carbon Investment Fund.

The news has been welcomed by customers of both companies, with Richard Hughes, Director of Sales & Marketing for EDF’s Customers Business Unit, commenting, “We’re very pleased to see this step from geo and ONZO. Our work with both companies over the last few years has been very successful. The world of smart energy management is maturing rapidly, moving from theory to reality. We are excited to see how the combined capability of geo’s smart energy gateways and ONZO’s energy disaggregation and home energy optimisation can help EDF customers save money on their bills and help Britain achieve Net Zero.”

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The demand is pushing energy services and technology companies to integrate their solutions and come up with advanced mechanisms that can help consumers to address challenges such as high energy bills and the removal of manual processes in doing so.

In response to this trend, energy company Enel X has partnered with data services firm Unidata and communications technology company ZTE to launch an integrated smart home connectivity solution.

The launch of the solution is part of the companies’ efforts to ensureincreasingly advanced and cost-effective smart home management.

The solution will enable consumers to use a single platform, an internet modem, to control home heating and lighting and monitor energy consumption in real-time.

The solution – called Gigafiber Smart Home – comprises Unidata’s internet connectivity solution with Enel X’s Homix smart home technology and equipment and ZTE’s Wi-fi modem.

Unidata’s package will also include unlimited calls whilst Enel X’s will include a smart home energy management system, smart light bulbs and smart room range. Users will be able to manage smart home devices directly from smartphones using the Homix app. Alexa users can also download the Homix skill for voice control, making home management.

Renato Brunetti, the CEO of Unidata, said: “The choice of this partnership, embodies everything that characterises and will continue to characterise all our lives in the future, both at home and at work: high performance, speed, the Internet of Things and Home Automation.

IoT and smart home market in Italy

The launch of the product comes at a time when the Italian Internet of Things (IoT) market is evolving. A study conducted by the special IoT Lab of Italy’s largest technical university Polimi states that the country’s IoT market generated €6 billion ($7.2 billion) in 2020 of which €505 million ($609.9 million) was generated within the smart home segment alone. The majority of the revenue within the smart home sector was due to increasing sales in smart boilers, thermostats and conditioners which are used for managing heating and air conditioning.

In regard to consumer awareness of smart homes in Italy, over two-thirds of Italian consumers have heard of the smart home at least once (69%), Polimi’s study has revealed. The level of knowledge is highest among 18 to 34-year-olds (82%) and among users who are most familiar with technology (89%). The percentage of users who own at least one device (43%) and the use of smart functionality is also increasing (19% have increased their use, 13% have reduced it).

5G is expected to further evolve, standardise and consolidate the smart home market as it would improve interoperability between the different IoT devices.

Home automation in Europe

The trend in Italy is not unique. In Europe, the home automation market is expected to expand by 17.2% per annum through 2027 with revenue anticipated to reach $1.50 billion from $495.3 million in 2020, according to a new study released by research company Frost & Sullivan.

The market is expected to be driven by increased demand for indoor air quality products and growing consumer awareness of energy-efficient retrofitting. European Commission’s push to modernise buildings with energy efficiency will boost demand, says Frost & Sullivan.

Anirudh Bhaskaran, Energy & Environment Senior Industry Analyst at Frost & Sullivan, said: “Consumer awareness of the need for energy efficiency and introduction of government grants for green and energy retrofit homes will also expand the overall home automation products market—lighting, indoor climate control, entertainment control, and window/shutter/blind control—over the next 5 to 7 years.

“Though a professional home automation system is seen as a luxury segment of the smart homes ecosystem, its attractiveness can be improved within the mainstream segment through value-added offerings. Additionally, with low prices, the do-it-yourself (DIY) smart home products pose a huge threat to professional home automation products. This encourages home automation systems market participants to acquire or partner with DIY mid-market players to help top-end participants thrive in the market by offering value-addition and competitive pricing.”

(Originally posted on Smart Energy International)

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