9 Smart Home Gadgets That You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you were lucky enough to experience the 1980s, you’ll likely recall a well-known cinematic trilogy called “Back to the Future.” You probably chuckled at the idea of hoverboards, personal drones, or video chats. Fast-forward three decades, and what d’ya know? Those predictions came true! In fact, there are plenty of additional gadgets and gizmos Hollywood didn’t see coming. Here’s our list of cool smart home gadgets to enhance your home:

1) Showerhead with Bluetooth Speaker

Whether you simply like listening to music in the shower or you prefer to grab your exfoliator brush and belt out your best Beyonce, a showerhead with a Bluetooth speaker will play tunes loud and clear. Just put on your favorite Spotify playlist, and enjoy.

2) Smart Pet Food Dispenser

If you’re the busy parent of a four-legged, you may occasionally forget to feed Fido before rushing off to work. The good news is there’s a device and an app to help. Simply connect your phone to your pet’s smart feeder, and deliver kibble while you’re at the office, on vacation, or enjoying a night out.

3) Smart Mug

Have you ever poured a cup of coffee only to zone into work around the house and realize 30 minutes later your brew is cold? It can be devastating. This nifty smart mug will not only keep your coffee hot for up to 1.5 hours, but will heat your java to your preferred degree. You can even set your cup on the charging coaster and savor sips throughout the day.

4) Smart Sleep Sensor

Consistent sleeping patterns are a cornerstone of good health. Insert a sleep sensor pad under your mattress to track heart rate, sleep cycles, snoring, or breathing disturbances. Then check your collected data in the mobile app for ways to improve your snoozing. You can also sync the sensor with your Alexa device. 

5) Smart Alarm Clock Rug

Speaking of sleep, if you’re a habitual snooze-button striker, get a smart alarm clock rug to place next to your bed. The alarm will only stop after it detects your feet on the mat for a certain amount of time—your preference of usually three to 30 seconds. Program the rug to wake you up with your favorite song or a motivational MP3.

6) Smart Piggy Bank

Did you know there’s a piggy bank that comes with an app? Keep track of your “porkfolio” with a smart piggy bank that will keep tabs on the amount saved inside and report directly to the app on your mobile phone. It’s also a fun way to teach kids about saving money.

7) Smart Micro Projector

Enjoy flicks while camping, or take your family movie night outside with a mini portable projector. Built-in speakers provide amplified sound. If your phone, tablet, or other device is HDMI compatible, simply plug in the projector and you’re ready to roll. You can even use the device for gaming.

8) Mesh Wi-Fi System

If you’re trying to connect to Wi-Fi but your modem is on the other side of the house, you may experience a weak connection. Consider a mesh system that uses small boosters to spread your signal throughout your home and outdoor spaces, so you can watch a movie on your porch or stream Netflix on your phone in the bedroom without annoying delays.

9) Robot Mop

Pair this device with your robot vacuum, and knock out housework while fixing dinner. Different options are available in a variety of prices, and some even include a vacuum and mop combo. Look for Alexa-compatible versions to start cleaning with voice command.

Ready to buy that new home you’ve had your eye on and start trying out some of these smart home devices and apps? Get in touch with an OVM Financial agent near you, or start your application online. You can also check out our blog for informative articles on homebuyer resources or mortgage industry news.