Our phones seem to be able to do everything apart from make a cup of tea these days, and as technology develops their capabilities only become greater. There are now some surprising things that you can do with your phone that help make your life at home easier and more convenient. Here, we take a look at a few things you can now control all with a swipe of your phone screen.
1. Garage Doors
Driving home in the pouring rain is not a problem until you have to get out of the car to open the garage door. Now, you can stay safe and dry inside your car and control the access to your garage from your phone.
2. Laundry
Doing the laundry is always a chore, but there are now smart washers and dryers that allow you to monitor the cycle status as well as the time remaining all through an app. You can also extend the amount of drying time that is needed, monitor the levels of the detergent tank and receive alerts when cycles are finished to avoid damp washing starting to smell or becoming creased.
3. Smart Heating
Controlling your heating from your phone can seem like a saviour at times. From turning it down without leaving your cosy spot on the sofa, to putting it on before you come home from work, systems such as the Rio Heating app can be essential. The Rio Arc electric smart heater works with the Apple Homekit, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to give you hands-free and hassle-free access to your heating through remote controls or voice activation from anywhere in the world.
4. Hot tubs
Whatever the weather, a hot tub can offer some comfort, warmth and relaxation. Many now connect to your phone which allows you to begin heating it without venturing outside as well as streaming music directly to it, operating jets or turning on lights. Just make sure you don't drop your phone in it!
5. Baby monitors
Keeping an eye on your little ones while they sleep is vital, and now you can do it from anywhere. Even when you have a babysitter at home, you can check on your baby through your phone wherever you might be to check that they are safe or just to know what time they actually went to sleep.
6. Pet feeders
Going away for the night? Leaving Fido or Fluffy home alone can be tricky, but with smart pet feeders, you do not need to worry. These allow you to arrange feeding times where the machine can dispense the correct amount of food for your fur baby to keep them happy and healthy even when you are not there.
7. Doorbells
Smart doorbells are becoming an increasingly popular addition to many homes. They can allow you to communicate with people who knock on your door without having to open it, keep your property secure or accept parcels when you are not at home. These doorbells combine cameras and audio to allow you to see and hear what goes on outside your front door and have proved to be a great security feature.
Our phones give us access to so many features in our homes now. That means you can save energy, protect your loved ones and simply make your life a little easier, even when you are not actually in the house itself. So, take another look at that little gadget in your hand and think about what you could use it for.
About the Author
David Tyrer is the Director of Rio Heating and has over 30 years' experience in creating smart heating & technology, designed to be enjoyed with smart home devices.
