A connected home can make everyday routines feel noticeably easier. Smart gadgets can handle lighting, security, entertainment, and even simple household tasks. Interested? Lucky for you, we’ve found six Boulanger smart gadgets that bring useful connected features into different parts of your home. Some respond to your voice, while others automate things based on movement or your settings. We looked at how each gadget could make your home smarter without making things unnecessarily complicated.
Amazon Echo Show 5 3rd Generation
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A smart display can become a surprisingly useful command center for your home. The Amazon Echo Show 5 combines Alexa with a 5.5-inch color touchscreen and built-in camera. You can use voice commands to control compatible connected devices around your home. It also works with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for connected features.
We like how much functionality Amazon fits into such a compact device. You can ask Alexa to control lights, adjust compatible thermostats, play music, or show the weather. The camera also lets you make video calls and check on family members or pets. Moreover, its Drop In feature can work like an intercom between compatible devices.
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Google Nest Audio
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If you want voice control without adding another screen, Google Nest Audio is an appealing choice. This connected speaker combines Google Assistant with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. You can use voice commands to control compatible smart-home devices through Google Home. It can also handle music, podcasts, news, and other everyday requests.
Now, let’s talk about its understated design because it can blend into almost any room! The speaker uses a 75mm woofer and 19mm tweeter for fuller sound. You can also pair two Nest Audio speakers for stereo playback. For us, its combination of home control and entertainment makes it particularly versatile.
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Philips Hue Essential 2025 Pack
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Smart lighting is one of the easiest ways to start building a connected home. The Philips Hue Essential 2025 Pack includes three GU10 smart LED bulbs. You can adjust their brightness and choose from up to 16 million colors. The bulbs also work with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit.
We think this pack offers plenty of room for creativity beyond basic on-and-off control. You can create different lighting scenes for relaxing, entertaining, or gaming. The Hue app also lets you control compatible lighting and create lighting programs. In addition to that, you can even control the lights when you’re away from home.
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Philips Hue Motion Sensor
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Walking into a dark room and searching for the light switch is a small annoyance. The Philips Hue Motion Sensor can make that routine automatic. It detects movement and can trigger compatible Hue lights when someone enters a room. You can also adjust its sensitivity and timer settings through the Hue app.
One of the reasons why we adore this gadget is because it adds automation without requiring complicated installation. The sensor is wireless and can sit on a surface or mount onto a wall. Its battery can last up to two years, according to Boulanger. You can also create different lighting scenes for various times of day.
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Arlo Essential 2K Wireless Video Doorbell
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Your front door is another area that can benefit from connected technology. The Arlo Essential 2K Wireless Video Doorbell provides a 180-degree viewing angle and 2K video resolution. It can send doorbell alerts directly to your smartphone. The battery-powered design also avoids the need for a wired installation.
What stood out to us is the combination of security and convenience. You can have a real-time conversation with someone standing at your door. Night-and-day visibility also helps you see visitors in different lighting conditions. The built-in siren and optional cloud storage add useful features for connected-home security.
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Somfy Zigbee Connected Smart Plug
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A smart plug might look basic, but it can become part of a much larger connected-home system. The Somfy Zigbee Connected Smart Plug lets you remotely switch compatible devices on or off. You can control it through the TaHoma app or compatible voice assistants. It can also measure electricity consumption in real time.
We especially like its ability to interact with other connected devices. Through TaHoma, you can create scenarios involving shutters, alarms, cameras, and other compatible equipment. You can even program lights and shutters to simulate someone’s presence at home. That makes this small gadget much more useful than a simple remote-controlled plug.
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What is a connected home?
A connected home uses smart devices that communicate through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other technologies. You can control or automate many of these devices through apps or voice commands.
Do smart home gadgets need Wi-Fi?
Many smart gadgets rely on Wi-Fi for remote access and app-based controls. However, some devices can also use Bluetooth, Zigbee, or other connection methods.
Can different smart home gadgets work together?
Yes, compatible devices can often work together through platforms such as Google Home, Alexa, Apple Home, or TaHoma. Checking compatibility before buying can help you build a smoother connected-home setup.
Some images on this article are copyrighted by Boulanger.