Morphing your abode into a “Smart Home” is no longer just a Jetsons dream thanks to devices hitting the market that will have you super-connected to your home in no time.
Godsend for gardens
Parrot offers a twig-shaped gadget that will help the brown-thumbed among us keep their indoor or outdoor plants alive by monitoring their health and nutritional needs, from sunlight requirements to soil moisture, and reporting its findings to your smartphone. Available for $59.95 atapple.com
Remote–controlled house
While we await new Belkin WeMo sensor products expected later this year, like WeMo Water and WeMo Keychain Sensor (pictured) — devices that measure the water usage and pressure throughout your home and keep track of which family members enter and leave your house, respectively — we remain enthused about the line’s other offerings that allow owners to control things like lights, cameras, room heaters … even crockpots and coffee makers with a few taps on an app. Prices vary; view available and upcoming products at belkin.com
Welcome home
Perfect for keeping track of latchkey kids or simple house traffic, the Welcome camera — that features 130-degree views and night vision — should be placed indoors facing your doorway and will recognize your family members as they enter before delivering status updates to users’ phones. It will also notify you if unrecognized faces enter. Expected to hit shelves in the second quarter of 2015; visit netatmo.com for more information.
Ring my bell
If you’ve ever wondered who comes knockin’ when you aren’t home, or when you’re home but indisposed, the Ring video doorbell is at your service. Its motion detector activates the infrared camera and sends alerts to your mobile device via an app. Plus, the mic and speaker lets you talk with visitors from wherever you might be. Everything for a no-fuss DIY installation is included. Available for $199 at ring.com.
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Drip Detectors
Do water damage and mold issues haunt your dreams? Wally can help. The WallyHome system comes with six wireless sensors to be placed in hot, er, wet zones like under your kitchen sink, in the basement, and by a toilet or tub. Then download the app and the soap bar-sized sensors will notify you of leaks, plus it reports on trends in humidity and temperature, so you can beware of any unusual shifts. Available for $299 at buy.wallyhome.com.