Home Tech

Home tech

Home is the place that we spend most of our time. It is only fitting that it be equipped with some of the best tech that there is to offer. I tried to feature products that are relating to both home automation and day to day use when compiling this list. Let us know what you think and drop a comment below!

Smartest smart Assistance 

Google Home 
After using the Google home, the Echo, and Cortana, Google home is the smartest home assistant in my opinion. Google home seem to be able to better handle any kind of question you throw at it.

Pictured is the Google home mini

Regardless of if you ask it for a good food place near you or some other random question. Google home is compatible with most of the major smart appliance like Philips hue and is rapidly learning more. The current leader in devices that it can control is the Echo, but given time I believe Google and Echo will be on par with what they can control. As for Cortana, it doesn't have a mini version and still has a long way to go in terms of catching up with these two. I personally also think the Google home mini looks better than the echo dot. I will write a more in-depth review comparing all 3 of the smart assistant products.

Google Home mini link

Best Budget Home Automation Device:

HOOK
The hook home automation device is a great way to add smart features to devices around you. Hook works using Radiofrequency and when paired with RF outlet it can control them all using an app or any smart home device. Pair that with IFTTT give you an endless amount of possibilities.

Image from amazon.com

So how it works? Just plug in the Hook ($50) and any supported RF outlet switch (each is around $6), and plug them in. Hook now give you the ability to control anything plugged into those RF switches through the app or any smart home device. I currently have the hooked to multiple things around the house and it works like a charm. It is a great and inexpensive way to automate your house.

*Note I have only used and tested the first and original hook product, not generation 2

Hook home Automation Link

Best power Strip

Aukey Power Strip
If you are like me and have a ton of gadget that need an outlet you need some heavy duty gear to power it all. That's where the Aukey power strip comes in handy. It has a whopping 12 outlets and as if that is not enough it has an additional 6 USB ports. The elegant black design with a light up green button is perfectly styled for any table or work environment.

Image from amazon.com

All the USB get 2.4A per port so there is no slow down in charging (no turbocharging). But most of all because of its circular shape it really helps with cable management as all the wire don't have to plug into one side. While the Aukey power strip is a bit pricier than your typical surge protector, it is completely worth the money.

Aukey Surge Protector Link

Keeping your air clean

KOIOS Hepa air filter
When I got this product, I was a skeptic on if this gadget could really make that much of a difference in cleaning up the air around me. To my surprise, it can and it does!

Image from amazon.com

What does it actually do? Well, just place this device in any room, push the button and instantly it starts cleaning the air around you. It sucks up air from the bottom runs it through the filter and comes out on top.

Image from amazon.com

I can attest that it does make a difference in keeping the air clean and removes bad odors as well. The filter last 6 to 8 months and it's around $17 to replace. The Koios Hepa air filter is currently being used in a medium sized bedroom and for that size room, it is perfect! Koios Air filter is a great way to keep the home fresh and clean!

KOIOS Hepa Air Filter link