If you’re clicked on this article, you might be curious about what a smart home can do. A smart home doesn’t have to mean completely new and high tech gadgets or robots – though it can if you want. Usually it just means to replacing gadgets, appliances and accessories with connected or automated verson of a similar thing like smart switchs, smart light bulbs, smart door locks and so on.
Modern smart homes are simple enough that just about anyone can set one up. With a few off-the-shelf products, you can control most of the gadgetry in your house from your smartphone, or—even better—with a simple voice command. But where do you start?
Below, we’ll walk you through all the smart gadgets for the beginners.
Let ask yourself some question before we get started:
What exactly do you want from your smart home?
Do you want to keep an eye on things with a do-it-yourself security system and camera feeds you can check from your smart phone?
Do you want simple conveniences like voice controls for your lights and other appliances?
Do you want smart appliances like robot cleaning vacuum to done household work for you?
As a guy who listens to pitches for the latest smart home technology day in and day out, I can assure you that you’ve got lots of options. To find out what you really want, think about what you do at home on a daily basis and look for improvements that you would find meaningful.
Smart Home Devices – Smart Light Bulb
For entry level gadgets, I think a smart ligthing bulb is a sensible starting point for almost every beginners. Some smart bulbs allow users to adjust the color or hue of their lights whenever they wish. Some allow users to set their lights on a schedule. Users can control these systems from anywhere in the house… They can even control them from anywhere in the world through smart phone.
5 Exciting Smart Lighting Bulb That Are Available Now
A number of different smart lighting options have emerged on the scene. Here are some of the most notable ones that are now available in Malaysia market.
Philips Hue 10W A60 E27 Light Bulb
- Color temperature: 2000K-6500K +16 million colors
- Diameter: 62 mm
- Energy efficiency label: A+
- Fitting: E27
- Form factor: A60
- Height: 110 mm
- Input voltage: 220V-240V
- Lifetime: 25,000 hour(s)
- Light output: Dimmable via smart device only>80 CRI @ 4000K
- Lumen output: 806 lm @ 4000K
- Max. standby power: 0,2 W
- Number of switching cycles: 50,000
- Power factor: >0.5
- Rated lifetime: 25,000 hour(s)
- Software upgradable: Yes
- Start up: Instant 100% light output
- Wattage: 10 W
- Wattage equivalent: 60 W
TP-Link LB130 Kasa Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb
- No Hub Required: Connect the bulb directly to your Wi-Fi at home
- Manage Remotely: Control your lights from anywhere with your tablet or smartphone the free Kasa app (iOS, Android)
- Color Changing: Fine-tune colors for every occasion and adjust brightness as well as light appearance from soft white (2500k) to daylight (9000k)
- Voice Control: Pair to Amazon Alexa and to enable voice control
- Circadian Mode: Dynamically adjust light intensity and temperature to mimic natural light patterns
- Save Energy: Reduce energy use up to 80% without brightness or quality loss compared to a 60W incandescent bulb
- Compatibility: Compatible with Android, iOS and Amazon Alexa
Nanoleaf LED Light Panel
- Luminous Flux Per Panel: 100 lm
- Lifetime: 25,000 hours
- Communivation Protocol: WiFi (2.4 Ghz b/g/n)
- Dimmability: Yes (via App or Voice Control)
- Mounting Type: With an included double-sided tape, or a Screw Mount Kit (sold separately)
- Compatibility: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, The Nanoleaf App (Android, iOS and Desktop App), Razer CHroma, SmartThings, Homey, physical controller, Nanoleaf Remote
- Color Temperature: 1200k – 6500k
- Color Channel Configuration: RGBW
- Max Colors: More than 16 million
- Color Rendering Index(CRI): 80
- Voltage: 110VAC – 240VAC (universal)
- Max Power Supply Power: 60 W
- Controller Energy Consumption: 2 W
- Energy Consumption Per Panel: 2 W
- Max Panels Per PSU: 30 Panels
Smart Home Devices – Smart Speaker
A smart speaker not only can play your favorite songs and playlists and also can answer your question and control other smart home devices through voice command with the help of voice assistant. Larger smat speaker with premium audio can cost a lot of money, but there are several affordable options available with solid performance too.
Budget smart speakers are also a great buy if you plan on picking up multiple units and placing one in each room of your house. Before you decide on a smart speaker, you should take into account which compatible devices and services you already own or subscribe to.
5 Best Selling Smart Speaker That Are Available Now
A number of different smart speaker options have emerged on the scene. Here are some of the most notable ones that are now available in Malaysia market.
Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation
Size: 5.8″ x 3.9″ x 3.9″
Sound: 3″ woofer and 0.8″ tweeter
Wi-Fi: Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) networks.
Bluetooth: Full support for streaming audio from a device to the Echo and for voice control of mobile devices.
Power: Requires standard wall outlet
Setup requirements: Needs Wi-Fi connection and compatible control device (Fire OS, Android, iOS, or web portal)
Sonos One SL
- Driver: 1 x Tweeter 1 x Mid-Woofer
- Wired Connectivity: 1 x RJ45 (Ethernet)
- Amplifier Class: 2 x Class-D
- Wireless Connection Protocols: AirPlay
- Wi-Fi Bands:4 GHz 802.11b/g/n
- AC Input Power: 100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
- Dimensions:7 x 6.4 x 4.7″ / 119.7 x 161.4 x 119.7 mm
- Weight:1 lb / 1.9 kg
Google Nest Mini
- Dimensions: Diameter: 3.85 in (98 mm)
- Height: 1.65 in (42 mm)
- Power cable:5 m
- Weight: 181 g
- Supported Audio Formats: HE-AAC, LC-AAC, MP3, Vorbis, WAV (LPCM), Opus, FLAC with support for high-resolution streams (24-bit/96KHz)
- Wireless Connectivity: IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Chromecast
- Wired Connectivity: DC power jack
- Sensors : Capacitive touch controls, 3 far-field microphones
- Audio: 360-degree sound with 40 mm driver
- Microphones: 3 far-field microphones, Voice Match technology
- Power: 15 W power adapter
- Supported Operating Systems: Android, iOS
- Colors: Chalk, Charcoal, Coral, Sky
Apple HomePod
- Dimensions: Diameter: 5.6 in (142 mm)
- Height: 5.6 in (172 mm)
- Weight: 2499 g
- Supported Audio Formats: AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, FLAC, HE-AAC v1, MP3, MP3 VBR, WAV, protected AAC
- Maximum Bit Rate Supported: 320 Kbps
- Wireless Connectivity: IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
- Amplification Type: Active
- Crossover Channel Qty: 2-way
- Output Features: Automatic room-sensing technology, direct/ambient audio beamforming
- Audio Amplifier: Integrated
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless
- Power Source: Integrated power supply
- Nominal Voltage: AC 100 – 240 V
- Frequency Required: 50 – 60 Hz
Smart Home Devices – Wi-Fi Smart Plug
Smart home devices are replacing our speakers, refrigerators, old light bulbs, and much more. But what about the stuff in our homes that isn’t smart yet? That’s where smart plugs come in.
These nifty gadgets connect your regular old coffee maker, lamp, fan, appliances or nearly anything else to your smart home for voice control and automation. There are models for every voice assistant. Some even work with all three: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.
5 Wifi Smart Plugs That Are Available Now
A number of different smart plugs options have emerged on the scene. Here are some of the most notable ones that are now available in Malaysia market.
TP-Link HS110 Wi-Fi Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring
- Network Protocol: IEEE 802.11b/g/n
- Wireless Type : 4GHz, 1T1R
- System Requirements: Android 5.0 or higher, iOS 10 or higher
- Certification: RoHS, EAC, CE
- Environment:
- Operating Temperature: 0 ºC ~ 40 ºC (32°F ~ 104°F)
- Operating Humidity: 5%~90%RH, Non-condensing
- Dimensions( H x W x D ): 9 x 2.6 x 3 in. ( 100.3 x 66.3 x 77 mm )
- Material: PC
- Buttons: Power button, Settings button
- Weight: 8g
- Packaging Dimensions: 5 x 3.5 x 5.7 in. ( 90 x 88 x 144 mm )
- Input voltage: 100V- 240V
- Output voltage: 100-240V
- Maximum Load: 13A
- Maximum Power: 99KW
Tuya WiFi Smart Plug
- Rated Voltage: AC 85-230V ±10% ，50/60Hz
- Rated Current:16A (without consumption) 16A (with consumption)
- Wireless Type: 2.4GHz
- Network Protocol: IEEE 802.11b/g/n
- Wireless Range:45m
- Operating Temperature: 0℃～ 40℃ (32°F～104°F)
- Operating Humidity: 20% ～ 85%
- Storage Temperature: 0℃ ～ 60℃ (32°F ～140°F)
- Storage Humidity: 0% ～ 90%
- Material: PC/ABS (V0)
- Size: 58*58*55mm
- Support: Amazon Alexa、Google Assistant、IFTTT
TP-Link Tapo P100 Mini Smart Plug
- Network Protocol: IEEE 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 (for onboarding only)
- Wireless Type:4 GHz
- System Requirements: Android 4.3 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher
- Power Requirements: AC 220-240 V~50/60 Hz 13 A
- Dimensions( H x W x D ):0* 2.8* 1.6 in (51*72.0*40 mm)
- Material: PC
- Buttons : Power Button
- Status: LED
- Maximum Load: 2990 W, 13 A
- Environment:
- Operating Temperature: 0 ºC–35 ºC
- Operating Humidity: 10%–90%RH, Non-condensing
- Certifications: CE, RoHS
Sonoff S26 Wi-Fi Smart Plug
- Wireless Standard: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz
- Encryption: WEP/TKIP/AES
- Security Mechanism: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
- Enclosure Material: ABS V0 Class Fire Retardant Material
- Power Supply: AC 90V~250V (50/60Hz)
- Current: 10A
- Power: 2200W
- Dimensions: 104*55*73 mm
- Operating Temperature: 0ºC-40ºC(32°F-104°F)
- Operating Humidity: 5%-90%RH, Non-condensing
- Support: Amazon Alexa、Google Assistant、IFTTT
Sonoff S20 Wi-Fi Smart Plug
- Power supply: 90V~250V AC(50/60Hz)
- Current: 10A
- Max power: 2200W
- Enclosure Material: Fire Retardant PC
- Wireless standard：IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
- Encryption: WEP/TKIP/AES
- Security Mechanism: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
- Operating Temperature: 0ºC-40ºC(32°F-104°F)
- Operating Humidity: 5%-90%RH, Non-condensing
- Product Dimensions: 130*80*78(mm)
Smart Home Devices – Universal IR Remote
Universal IR remotes can control your TV , some appliances with IR sensor like air conditioner, fan, etc. A universal remote control is an amazing device to own if you have a serious home-theater system — or even a semiserious one with three or more components. The best universal remote can unify all those different clickers — blu ray player, surround speakers, soundbar, Apple TV and so on — into a single wand with buttons in a way that can feel magical.
And most of the universal remote controls has app features that ensure it works with your iPhone, Android phone or other smartphone. They can also work with smart devices and voice systems such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
5 Universal IR Remotes That Are Available Now
A number of different universal IR remotes options have emerged on the scene. Here are some of the most notable ones that are now available in Malaysia market.
Broadlink RM Pro
- Function: Remote control IR / RF appliances
- Connector: Wireless
- Input: 5V/1A
- Output: 5V/1A
- IR frequency: 38K
- RF frequency: 433 / 315MHz
- Working temperature: -20’C~60’C
- Working humidity: <=80%
- Wireless power consumption: <=0.5W
- Wireless type: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11b/g/n
- Wi-Fi:11 b/g/n
- Dimensions:25 x 4.25 x 1.34 inch(10.8 x 10.8 x 3.4 cm)
- Weight:29 oz (405 g)
Logitech Harmony Home Hub
- Function: Remote control IR / WiFi / Bluetooth appliances
- Wi-Fi: Supports 802.11g/n, WPA Personal, WPA2-AES and 64/128-bit WEP encryption
- Infrared frequency: 38kHz
- Power input: 5V 1A
- Dimensions:16 in (10.48 cm) x 4.88 in (12.8 cm) x 1.0 in (2.54 cm)
- Weight:9 oz (110.56 g)
- Universal Control: Up to 8 remotes
Broadlink RM Mini 3
- WiFi: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4 GHz
- Infrared frequency:
- 38 KHz frequency; omni directional (6 transmitters)
- 12 meters range
- 1x IR receiver for learning function
- Misc: Reset button, power LED
- Power: 5V/500 mA via micro USB port
- Power Consumption: Less than 0.85W in standby mode
- Dimensions: 55 x 55 x 64.5 mm
- Weight: 75g
- Temperature Range: 0~50 degrees Celsius
Smart Home Devices – IP Security Camera
One of the biggest benefits of having a IP security camera is being able to know what’s going on when you’re not actually there. Whether you’re checking in on your kids, pets, or an exotic jewel collection, a home security camera is a great tool for keeping an eye on things from afar.
When you’re looking for the best home security camera, you have a lot of options, many of which cost less than RM150. This is both good and bad; there are a lot of great budget models, but there are also just as many that have blurry video and limited features. So it’s good to do your research before buying a security camera.
5 IP Security Camera That Are Available Now
A number of different IP security camera options have emerged on the scene. Here are some of the most notable ones that are now available in Malaysia market.
Xiaomi Mijia 360° Home Security Camera
- Weight: 239g
- Product Size: 115x78x78 mm
- Storage: 64GB TF Card
- Network
- Wireless: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz
- Protocol: DHCP, HTTP, P2P, UDP
- WiFi Distance: 100m ( indoor )
- System and Hardware
- Mobile Access: Android,IOS
- Pan/Tilt-Horizontal Angle (degree) : 360 degree
- Pan/Tilt-Vertical Angle (degree) : 115 degree
- Maximum Monitoring Range:4 degree
- FOV:4 degree
- Night Vision
- Infrared LED: 10pcs 940nm LEDs
- Infrared Distance: 9m
- Physical Environment
- Environment: Indoor
- Waterproof: No
- Operate Temperature: -10℃ to 50℃
- Compatibility: Android / iOS
- Micro SD card: 64GB
- Resolution: 1920 x 10800
- Audio Input: Built-in mic
- Audio Output: External speaker
- Power Supply: 5V 2A
- CMIIT ID: ID2017 DP 1192
- Color: White
GOQ Q6 V380 IP Security Camera
- Model: Q6 IP CAM
- Shape: Dome Camera
- Color: White
- Technical Feature: Infrared, Pan / Tilt / Zoom
- Mount Types: Wall bracket
- Specification of Power Supply: DC 5V ( ± 0.3V )
- IP camera performance: Motion Detection, Night Vision
- Network
- Wireless: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
- IP Mode: Dynamic IP address, static IP address
- Online Visitor (Max.): 4
- Safety: Administrator password protection
- System & Hardware Info
- Mobile Access: Android, iPhone OS
- Pan / Tilt-Horizontal Angle (degree): 355°
- Pan / Tilt-Vertical Angle (degree): 90°
- Local-storage: SD card up to 64GB (*memory card not included)
- Video / Image / Audio
- Resolution: 720P
- Infrared Sensitivity: Yes
- Video Compression Format:264
- Video File Format: .AVI
- Video Standard: NTSC, PAL
- Infrared
- Infrared LED: 6
- Infrared Distance: 10m
- Physical Environment
- Exterior Material: Plastic
- Environment: Indoor
- Operate Temperature (℃): -10 – 50Degree Centigrade
- Camera Apps
- Download and install the FREE APP from Google Play or App Store
- Dimension and Weight
- Product weight: 178g
- Product size (L x W x H): 10cm x 9cm x 12cm
YI 1080p Home Camera
- Device performance
- 1080p High Definition
- 112° Wide Angle Lens
- LDC Distortion Correction
- Night Vision IR
- Two-way Audio
- Motion Detection
- Baby Crying Detection
- View Livefeed from PC
- YI Cloud Service
- Device color: White
- Dimension: 80mm x 114 mm x 32 mm
- Weight: 135g (Net Weight)
- Shot
- Night Vision: 8x940nm Enhanced IR Lights
- Night Vision Range: Up to 9m
- Diagonal (112°)
- Storage: MicroSD Card(8-32GB), YI Cloud
- Language: Integrated Microphone/Speaker
- Work environment
- Operating Humidity: <80%
- Operating Temperature: 0℃ ~ 50℃
- Network
- Connection: Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz
- Wi-Fi Protocol: 802.11b/g/n
- Wireless Encryption: WEP/WPA/WPA2 Encryption
- Power: DC5V-1A (Via MicroUSB)
- Compatible Devices:0 or Android 4.0 and above
- Minimum bandwidth (upstream) requirement: 1Mbps
TP-Link Tapo C200 Security Camera
- ACTIVITY NOTIFICATIONS
- Input Trigger: Motion detection
- Output Notification: Push notification
- VIDEO
- Video Compression:264
- Frame Rate: 15fps
- Video Streaming: 1080p
- SYSTEM
- Regulatory Certification: FCC, IC, CE, NCC
- System Requirements: iOS 9+, Android 4.4+
- ENVIRONMENT
- Operating Temperature: 0°C~40°C (32°F~104°F)
- Storage Temperature: -40°C~70°C (-40°F~158°F)
- Operating Humidity: 10%~90%RH non-condensing
- Storage Humidity: 5%~90%RH non-condensing
- HARDWARE
- Button: Reset button
- Indicator LED: System LED
- Adapter Input: 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz, 0.3A
- Adapter Output:0V/0.6A
- Dimensions (W x D x H):4 x 3.3 x 4.6 in. (86.6 x 85 x 117.7 mm)
- CAMERA
- Image Sensor: 1/2.9“
- Resolution: 1080p Full HD
- Lens: F/NO:4; Focal Length: 4mm
- View Range: 360° horizontal, 114° vertical
- Night Vision: 850 nm IR LED up to 30 ft
- AUDIO
- Audio Communication: 2-way audio
- Audio Input & Output: Built-in microphone and speaker
- NETWORK
- Security: 128 bit AES encryption with SSL/TLS
- Wireless Rate:
- 11Mbps(802.11b)
- 54Mbps(802.11g)
- 150Mbps(802.11n)
- Frequency:4 GHz
- Wireless Security: WEP, WPA/WPA2-PSK
Xiaomi Xiaofang
- Style: Box camera
- IP Camera Performance: Night Vision, Two-way Audio
- Feature: WiFi, Remote Monitoring, Voice Intercom
- Sensor Type: CMOS
- View Angle: 110°
- Video Resolution: 1080P
- Memory Card: TF
- Memory Supported: 64GB
- Wireless / WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n
- Power Supply: 5V/1A
- Installation Type: Rotating Base Magnetic Adsorption
- Lens Specifications: 0 Aperture
- Infrared Lamp Board: 2PCS, 850nm, 0.5W
- Night Vision Distance: 9M
- Voice System: Support two-way voice transmission
- Working Temperature: 0℃ – 40℃
- Application: Android 4.0 or iOS 7.0 and above
- Size: 56 x 50 x 50 mm / 2.20 x 1.97 x 1.97 inch
- Weight: 100 g / 3.53 oz
