Top 10 IoT Devices to Look Out for This Year
The Internet of Things (IoT) market is booming, with new and exciting connected devices coming out all the time. As an enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for the latest and greatest IoT gadgets and gizmos. Here are my picks for the top 10 IoT devices to keep an eye on this year:
1. Amazon Echo Dot with Clock
The newest iteration of Amazon’s popular Echo Dot smart speaker includes an LED display that can show the time, temperature, or timers. This makes it perfect for a bedside table or kitchen counter. The Echo Dot with Clock has the same excellent far-field microphones as the regular Echo Dot, so you get hands-free access to Alexa and all her skills. This is one of the most useful and affordable IoT devices out there.
2. Nest x Yale Smart Lock
This smart lock combines Nest’s excellent software and connectivity with Yale’s trusted hardware. It allows you to lock and unlock your door from anywhere, create virtual keys for guests, and get notifications when someone comes or goes. The lock has a sleek design with a backlit keypad and comes in several finishes. With Nest’s integration with Google Assistant and Alexa, you can control it with voice commands too. Home security and access is a major growth area for IoT.
3. Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Smart Bulb
Philips Hue has been one of the biggest names in smart lighting. The newest version of their color-changing bulb adds Bluetooth connectivity so you can control it directly instead of needing a Hue Hub. You can change its hue and brightness from your phone, or sync it with movies, games, and music. Hands-free voice control works great too. Smart lighting remains one of the most popular and practical home IoT applications.
4. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
August’s smart locks make keyless entry easy. Their latest Wi-Fi enabled lock works with August’s DoorSense sensor so that it can auto-lock and unlock as you come and go. With the August app, you can see door activity notifications, lock and unlock the door remotely, and control access for others. It’s a great way to upgrade home security and ditch your keys without the hassle of fully replacing your deadbolt.
5. Lenovo Smart Clock with Google Assistant
Lenovo’s Smart Clock packs Google Assistant into a compact, customizable bedside device. In addition to the usual Assistant functions like questions, reminders, and smart home control, the Smart Clock can double as an alarm clock with a soft-glow display. Its small size, USB port for charging devices, and sunny interface make it perfect for the bedroom. This is one of the most thoughtful implementations of a voice assistant so far.
6. Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub
BBQ maker Weber’s Connect Smart Grilling Hub brings high-tech intelligence to your next cookout. It includes four probes to monitor food temperature, a mount for your phone so you can view temps on the Weber app, and compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart platforms. The Connect Hub monitors your grill’s fuel level and lets you know when food is ready. It makes it easy to achieve perfect doneness without hovering over the grill.
7. Roborock S6 MaxV Robot Vacuum
The S6 MaxV is Roborock’s most advanced robot vacuum yet. In addition to smart navigation and app control, it has a forward-facing camera that allows for ReactiveAI Obstacle Avoidance. This lets it recognize and avoid objects like cords and pet waste that regular robot vacuums would run over and get stuck on. With its powerful suction and automatic recharging, this gadget can truly take cleaning off your hands.
8. Nanoleaf Canvas Smart Lights
Nanoleaf’s Canvas lights take animated wall decor to the next level. The square LED panels connect together in any pattern you like. They react to touch and music to create a stunning visual experience. As smart home devices, the Canvas panels integrate with HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant for voice control, automation, and screen mirroring. This is IoT technology at its most fun and eye-catching.
9. Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub
The Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub lets you control and monitor your garage door from anywhere. You can open and close your garage, get alerts when it opens or closes, and give access to others all from the MyQ app. This handy IoT device mounts to the ceiling and connects to Wi-Fi for smartphone control from anywhere. It brings smart access and notifications to a space that’s typically quite “dumb”.
10. Google Nest Hub Max
The Nest Hub Max is Google’s largest smart display yet at 10 inches. The big screen pairs with a Nest Cam for facial recognition and gestures, allowing you to pause music or snooze alarms with a wave of your hand. The built-in camera also enables video calls. This device truly brings together Google Assistant’s voice controls, Chromecast streaming, smart home management, and Next security into one device that can serve as a central IoT hub in your home.
In Summary
From home security to cooking, lighting, and music, this year’s new crop of IoT devices is all about adding convenience, control, and cool factors to everyday experiences. I’m excited to see how smart technology will continue enhancing and automating more aspects of our home and work environments. The IoT revolution is just getting started!
