Want to make your home smart and the easy way ?
We have the best home automation ideas and within a budget. Let’s go step by step with these home automation ideas to make your home smart.
Alexa and Google Mini act as virtual smart assistants communicating with your smart home devices.
Our Top Picks for "Best Smart Home Devices"
Best Virtual Assistants (Choose 1)
Best Virtual Assistant – Echo Dot 4th Gen
Also Great – Google Home Mini
Best Smart Bulbs (Wi-fi)
Best 9 W Smart Bulb – Wipro Wi-Fi Smart LED Bulb
Best 10 W Smart Bulb – Philips Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb
Best 12 W Smart Bulb – Halonix Prizm Smart Wi-Fi bulb
Best Smart Light Strip
Best Smart LED Strip – Syska Smart Wi-Fi Color Strip
Best Smart Plug
Best 16 Amp Smart Plug – Wipro 16 Amp Wi-fi Smart Plug
Best Build quality – HomeMate 16 Amp Wi-fi Smart Plug
Best for Large Appliances – Oakter 16 Amp Wi-fi Smart Plug
Best 10 Amp Smart Plug – Helea 10 Amp Wi-fi Smart Plug
Best User interface – Aviga 10 Amp Wi-fi Smart Plug
Best for Small Appliances – Oakter 6 Amp Wi-fi Smart Plug
Best Smart Switch
Best Smart Switch – Sonoff Smart Wireless Switch
Best Smart Remote
Best Smart Remote – Oakter Wi-fi Univeral remote
Best Smart TV stick
Best Smart TV stick – Amazon Fire TV 4K
Also Great – Amazon Fire TV Stick
Useful Applications of Alexa and Google Mini
In addition besides Voice controlling compatible smart devices both Amazon Alexa and Google Home mini Can perform the following
✅ Users can efficiently manage their day by checking the schedule and events calendar
✅ Get Daily news, Traffic and weather updates
✅ Voice search for information
✅ Listen and Stream Music
✅ Get Sports updates
✅ Stock market updates
✅ Set Reminders
✅ Kids entertainment like playing rhymes and bed time stories
✅ Get Daily news and weather updates
Smart Home Ideas and Smart Devices
Best Virtual Assistant
Amazon Alexa is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology developed by Amazon. The Amazon Alexa Echo smart speakers act as a virtual assistant controlling compatible devices by Voice control.
We have written an indepth feature about the Echo range of speakers that are powered by Alexa. For the purpose of this exercise we will use the Echo Dot – 4th Generation smart speaker.
For example, when the user says, Alexa turn on lights – the Lights will be turned on. The Amazon echo speakers perform well even in noisy ambient conditions with its four built in microphones that have enhanced noise cancellation.
Also Great
Google Mini, powered by Google is a smart speaker that offers the user hands free help. Simply ask the Google mini for information or for the purpose of this write-up, tell the Google Mini to do tasks that we will discuss in this feature and it will respond accordingly. Example ask Google mini to turn up the smart bulb or turn on the smart plug.
As implied by the name Google Home Mini is powered by Google smart assistant, users who use android smartphones may be familiar with the voice assistant.
The smart speaker has Chromecast built-in and two mics with far field recognition ensures that the Google home mini responds well even in moderately noisy ambient conditions
Smart Bulb
Make your home lighting smart with these smart bulbs. As the name suggests, these smart bulbs can be operated by voice control with Alexa or Google and can also be operated by wi-fi via the mobile app. If this is sounding unreal, the user can also switch them on and off with the regular power switches.
The best part is even if you’re not at home and want to turn on or off your home lights, you can do so over the internet. Very convenient if your holidaying somewhere, or maybe you want to give the illusion to people around that you are present at home, switch on and off the lights via the mobile app when needed.
The user also set routines to turn on lights as per schedule at a particular time of the day. Could be used in the prayer room or the altar for switching on the bulbs at a pre-determined time.
The list is endless but we hope this gets you thinking of the infinite possibilities automation can do. Please note that this works over the internet and will need your home wi-fi to be on.
Best 9 W Smart Bulb
This 9-Watt bulb from Wipro is capable of emitting 16 million colours as per the user’s choice. The white shade is tunable to Warm White/White/Natural White). There are various pre-set scenes and colour schemes available in the Wipro Next smart home app.
Brightness can also be controlled by the app or also by voice control. This is certified to work with Alexa for voice control. Set a name for the bulb and use that phrase to turn on or off the lights with Alexa. For Example, you can say, Alexa, turn on Hall Lights.
If you have more than one bulb, grouping is also possible, and the user can switch on or off all the lights in the group. Turn on or off the lights remotely for better security. The user can create scenes and even routines with the easy to use app.
The bulb can be used as a countdown timer, set the timer, and the bulb will turn on or off accordingly. We give you a practical application – let say you want to step out at a given time. The bulb will turn off and give you that visual reminder that you need to step out of the room
No additional hub is required and can work with the existing wi-fi router itself. The Smart bulb works with both Alexa and Google voice control.
It’s also available in the 12 W variant if your looking for extra brightness.
Check this out
9W Bulb 16 million colours to choose from Works with Wi-fi No additonal hub required Voice Control with Alexa Voice Control with Google Home App Control Set scenes Set On/Off Schedule Turn On/Off the bulb remotely Warranty – 2 years Also available in 12W variant
Best 10 W Smart Bulb
This 10-Watt bulb from Wipro is capable of emitting 16 million colours as per the user choice. The white shade is tunable to Warm White/White/Natural White). There are various pre-set scenes and colour schemes available in the Wiz lighting app.
Brightness can also be controlled by the app or also by voice control.Schedules, routines and customised scenes can be set up with the Wiz App.
The bulb works with both Alexa and Google Assistant
Turn on or off the lights remotely for better security.
No additional hub is required and can work with the existing wi-fi router itself.
Check this out 10 Watt Bulb 16 million colours to choose from Works with Wi-fi No additional hub required Voice Control with Alexa Voice Control with Google Home Wiz App Control Set scenes Set On/Off Schedule Turn On/Off the bulb remotely Warranty – 2 years
Best 12 W Smart Bulb
The Halonix Prime Prizm Smart 12W works with Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant. This made in India bulb is capable of emitting 16 million colours as per the user choice. The white shade is tunable to Warm White/White/Natural White).
There are various pre-set scenes and colour schemes available in the Wiz lighting app. Brightness can also be controlled by the app or also by voice control. Schedules, routines and customised scenes can be set up with the Wiz App.
Turn on or off the lights remotely for better security.
The bulb works with both Alexa and Google Assistant.
No additional hub is required and can work with the existing wi-fi router itself.
Check this out
✅ 12 Watt Bulb
✅ 16 million colours to choose from
✅ Works with Wi-fi
✅ Voice Control with Alexa
✅ Voice Control with Google Home
✅ App Control
✅ Set scenes
✅ Set On/Off Schedule
✅ Turn On/Off the bulb remotely
✅ Warranty – 2 years
Best Smart LED Strip
Want to set up some mood lighting and give your home that relaxed lounge feel?
We suggest the – Syska Smart Wi-Fi Enabled 12 Watt 16miilion Color LED light Strip Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant (RGB)
We found the Syska smart Strip to be the best at what it does compared to the four others we tested. This one is VFM compared to the others.
With 16 Million colours to choose from there will never be a dull moment at home. Set the colour as per your requirement or simply schedule or set a routine for the colour of your choice at a particular time of the day.
The lights could be brightened or even dimmed via the app or through voice control. This one works on wi-fi and it can also be voice controlled with Alexa and Google home.
Utility Locations and application Ideas:
You can give that nice backlit look to your TV, the wall unit, the altar/prayer room, false ceiling, even around the lounger, bedroom, kitchen or any favourite location of your choice. This will definitely enhance the ambience.
Check this out 5 metres and 12 Watt LED Strip 16 million colours to choose from Works with Wi-fi Voice Control with Alexa Voice Control with Google Home App Control Set scenes Set On/Off Schedule Turn On/Off the Light strip remotely Warranty – 2 years
Smart Plug
The easiest way to go smart and make a non-smart or old dumb device – Smart.
How to Set up the smart plug with the Device
Step 1 – Plug the smart plug into a power outlet.
Step 2- Plug the Device – Lamp or Coffee Maker or Geyser or Air-conditioner power plug into the smart plug, basically the device that needs to be made smart.
Step 3 – Connect the Plug to the Mobile App of the Smart plug Manufacturer. This App will give you remote control access to turn on the device from anywhere in the world, set schedules and routines etc
Step 4 – Connect to Alexa or Google Home to give you that voice control option. Name the device and the next time you could be saying Alexa turn on “Gadget Name” to turn the Gadget on.
The 16 Amp Smart plug is suitable for Large appliances like AC, Geyser, Microwave ovens, OTG, Dishwashers or any device that works on a 16 A power plug.
The user can set schedules with the mobile App from any location. A very convenient feature if the user, for example, wants to turn on the AC before reaching home.
Maybe the user realised that he left a connected device ON after he left home, the device could simply be turned off remotely via the App. The App works as a remote, and the user has complete control of the connected devices.
Avoid overcharging mobile phones by setting a timer to turn off the power supply.
When paired with Alexa or Google home hands, free voice control is possible. The user simply has to ask Alexa to turn on the “Gadget Name” as configured in the App, and the Gadget will switch on or off.
Set schedules for devices to turn on or off as per routine. This feature saves electricity by switching the devices Off when not required.
The best part is that no special hub is required and the smart plug can work on the existing 2.4 GHz home network.
We have narrowed this to the best three options we found from the myriads available out there. Both have similar functions.
For Large Appliances
Gadgets – Control Gadgets like AC, Geyser, Microwave ovens, OTG, Dishwashers or any device that works on a 16 A power plug.
Wipro 16 Amp Wi-fi Smart Plug
HomeMate 16 Amp Wi-fi Smart Plug
Oakter 16 Amp Wi-fi Smart Plug
For Low power Appliances
Gadgets like Lamps, Altar/prayer room lights, Mosquito Repellent, Television, Refrigerator, Mobile Chargers. or any gadget that works on 6 or 10 Amp plugs.
6A smart plug or 10 Amp smart plugs – No hub required and works with Home wi-fi network.
Helea 10 Amp Wi-fi Smart Plug
Aviga 10 Amp Wi-fi Smart Plug
Oakter 6 Amp Wi-fi Smart Plug
Best 16 Amp Smart Plug
With the Wipro mobile app, the user can switch on or off the device remotely and also Monitor the electrical consumption of the appliance.
Voice control connected devices with Google Home or Alexa. Ideal for large appliances like Geysers, microwave ovens, Air Conditioners etc. No hub required and works with Home wi-fi network 2 years warranty
Best Build quality
With the Oakter app, the user has the ability to switch on or off the device, set schedules and timers remotely. Voice control connected devices with Google Home or Alexa. Ideal for large appliances like Geyser, AC, Heaters, or Other Heavy appliances No hub required and works with Home wi-fi network1-year replacement warranty
Best for Large Appliances
With the Oakter app, the user can switch on or off the device remotely and also Monitor the electrical consumption of the appliance.
Voice control connected devices with Google Home or Alexa. Suitable for High power appliances like AC, Heater, Water Pump (Over 2 HP), AC, Immersion Rod etc No hub required and works with Home wi-fi network 1-year replacement warranty
Best 10 Amp Smart Plug
With the Helea app, the user has the ability to switch on or off the device, set schedules and timers remotely.
Voice control connected devices with Google Home or Alexa. Ideal for low power appliances like Coolers, Tea/Cofee maker, Speakers, Lamps, TV, Aquarium etc. No hub required and works with Home wi-fi network1-year warranty
Best User interface
With the Aviga home or smart life app, the user can switch on or off the device remotely and also Monitor the electrical consumption of the appliance.
Voice control connected devices with Google Home or Alexa. Suitable for low power appliances like Coolers, Tea/Cofee maker, Speakers, Lamps, TV, Aquarium etc. No hub required and works with Home wi-fi network 1-year warranty
Best for Small Appliances
With the Oakter app, the user has the ability to switch on or off the device, set schedules and timers remotely.
Voice control connected devices with Google Home or Alexa. Ideal for low power appliances like Tea/Cofee maker, Speakers, Lamps, TV, Aquarium, Mosquito repellents etc. No hub required and works with Home wi-fi network1-year warranty
Best Smart Switch
The Sonoff smart switch needs to be connected to the physical switches that are used to control the appliances. The switch can be concealed in the switchboard, which is pleasing from an aesthetic point of view.
It is recommended that a professional electrician does the installation. With the sonoff smart wireless switch, any non-smart switch can be transformed into a smart switch.
The 10 Amp sonoff switch covers all the commonly used household small and low power appliances like Lights, fans, air cleaners, water dispenser, TV and audio systems.
For large appliances the like Air-conditioners, Geysers, microwave ovens, OTG’s, dishwashers etc. can be controlled with the 16 Amp sonoff switch.
Control the device from anywhere remotely with the eWelink Smart App The user has the option to set scenes, schedules and group devices to switch them on or off as per requirement.
Voice control connected devices with Google Home or Alexa. 10 Amp switch is suitable for low power appliances 16 Amp switch is suitable for high power appliances No hub required and works with Home wi-fi network 1-year warranty
Best Smart Remote
Oakter Oakremote works on WiFI and is a universal remote for TV, AC, Air coolers, speakers and set top boxes. You may wonder why we are discussing this here. The answer to that, is that the Oakter remote works with Google and Alexa Voice control.
The user can control all the home appliances with the Oakter Smart home app from anywhere. There are inbuilt remotes available for most indian brands and if not available the Oakter has a feature to learn a new remote.
Now for the best part – once the remote is added to the Oakter app. You may simply ask Alexa or Google to turn on that particular device. This applies to all the remotes that are compatible and set with Oakter.
Smart TV stick
True that these devices make an old dumb TV smart, the requirement is that the TV should have an HDMI port. There are many users who continue using the Amazon fire TV even on a smart TV for its easy user interface and the possibility to side load apps easily.
An added advantage is that Alexa Echo devices can assist in opening apps and play content from popular streaming apps as well. Besides, the Amazon Fire TV stick is portable that gives the option to carry your favourite content everywhere.
There are quite a few android TV boxes that have flooded the market in recent years however we still opine the Amazon Fire TV device is a winner. If you want to explore the epic combination of Internet TV and Alexa Voice – the Fire TV is the unanimous choice to achieve that.
Besides, the user can also cast screens of other mobile devices with the screen mirroring option of the fire TV.
For this exercise we will discuss 2 variants of the Fire TV stick
Fire TV 2021 vs Fire TV 4K model
Together, let’s explore the possibilities of the Fire TV.
Amazon Fire TV v/s Amazon Fire TV 4k
Best Smart TV stick
All-new Fire TV Stick | Fire TV 4K | |
Price | From Rs 2799 | From Rs 3599 |
Included remote | Alexa Voice Remote | Alexa Voice Remote |
Power/volume with remote | Yes | Yes |
Supported audio | Dolby Atmos Audio | Dolby Atmos Audio |
Release Year | 2021 | NOV 2018 |
Best For | Streaming Essential plus TV control | Vivid 4K Ultra HD streaming |
Picture Quality | Up to 1080p Full HD with Support HDR, HDR10+, HLG | Up to 4K Ultra HD with support HDR, HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision |
Behind-the-TV design | Yes | Yes |
Storage | 8 GB | 8 GB |
Quad-core processor | Yes | Yes |
Optional Amazon Ethernet Adapter | Yes | Yes |
Our Overall View |
While both the devices deliver rich media content, we prefer the Amazon Fire TV 4k vs the Amazon Fire TV. The primary reason is the ability to deliver rich media content in 4K and for its better hardware and build quality.
I know there are many users who maybe wondering if it’s really worth it when they may or may not have a 4K TV to display the 4K content.
Our forecast and answer to that, is that 4K Television sets are becoming more and more affordable and you always want to future proof your buying and be ready when you do upgrade to a 4K TV.
The good old set top box has seen a decline over the years thanks to devices like the Fire TV and other streaming devices.
With the availability of Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Hotstar, Zee 5, Sony LIV, Apple TV, Lionsgate, Discovery Plus and the plethora of other apps many users are switching to Media streaming devices. Do note that these apps are premium and require subscription.
Everyone seems to have some content to watch, from Kids to elders. Lots of informative content is available to keep everyone Infotained and entertained.
If you’re an Amazon Prime Member your in luck as prime members get complimentary access to Amazon Prime and Ad free Amazon prime music
Amazon Fire TV 4k – The superb picture quality and the immersive sound with access to 4K UHD (60 Fps), Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDR, HDR-10, HLG and the latest HDR-10+ makes viewing a pleasure.
Amazon Fire TV stick 2021 version
Amazon Fire TV The Amazon Fire TV stick streams up to 1080p Full HD with Support HDR, HDR10+, HLG.
Depending on the media accessories at your disposal it literally bringing in a movie theatre to your home.
Bottom Line: Our recommendation is the Fire TV 4k for the picture quality. If you plan to upgrade to a 4k TV later than the Amazon Fire TV stick is a good buy.
