FAQ | Is It Possible to Make My ‘Dumb’ Devices ‘Smart?’ How Can I Do It?

Technology has taken over our daily lives, and there’s no question about that. We have technology in our pockets, our offices, and even our cars. However, there’s a place where it’s a bit hard to see so much technology: our homes. Some of us are still using older, outdated appliances and even though there’s nothing wrong with that, a lot of people are moving to something that’s been called smart homes. 

You’ve probably already heard of how easy it is to control your home with just your smartphone or your digital assistant. You can turn on the lights, turn on some of your appliances, and even start vacuuming with just a few taps. Sounds cool, right?

Well, not everyone has access to smart devices at home, and if you’re like most of us, you won’t throw away one device just because you want a smarter one. Fortunately, there are ways to make your dumb devices smarter, and here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Dumb Device? 

First, let’s describe what a dumb device is under this context. A dumb device is basically any regular device that can’t be connected to the internet. Therefore, it can’t be controlled by any app or in any other way than using your hands.

This pretty much sums up every device that’s not fairly modern, including old TVs that you can only use to watch TV, lightbulbs that you can only turn on with the switch, and even doorbells that just ring. 

Can You Really Make Dumb Devices Smarter?

That’s the million-dollar question. Instead of having to upgrade your older devices that still work, can you make them smarter? The short answer is yes…kind of. 

Instead of upgrading to a smarter device, you can just buy an accessory that’ll help you control your dumb devices from your phone. 

Of course, this comes with some limitations as to what you can do. For instance, you’d be able to turn on any device from your phone, but you won’t be able to do things with that device. Still, it’s a pretty cool way to get into the smart home world without having to spend your salary on smart tech. 

Which Accessories Will Make My Devices Smarter?

There are a lot of accessories you can get that will help you get into the smart home world, but here are a few choices you might want to try. 

Smart Plug

This smart accessory is one of the easiest you can try, and pretty much all you need to do is plug it in and download the app! A smart plug will help you turn on any device from anywhere you are. You’ll also be able to set a schedule, so your appliances or other devices automatically turn on at a specific time or day. Get it here.

Smart Light Bulbs

Using a smart lightbulb is most people’s introduction to a smart home. Being able to control your lights from your smartphone without having to get out of bed feels so bad it’s good. You can also create schedules and change the light’s intensity so you can use your lightbulbs as an alarm to wake up in the morning. Get them here.

Smart Button Pusher

Using a device just to push buttons for you might seem like a little too much, but it’s worth it. Instead of getting smart lightbulbs for your whole home, you can also use this SwitchBot that can help you turn on your lights, your washing machine, or any other device that needs a little push at any time and from anywhere. Get it here.

Smart Streaming Devices

Having a dumb TV can be pretty annoying. Sometimes it would be cool to sit on your couch and watch Netflix from a big screen instead of your smartphone. Still, buying a new smart TV might be a little too pricy for some of us. Fortunately, you can make your dumb TV smarter with the help of a streaming device like the Google Chrome Cast. This device is so small you can plug it in behind your TV and forget about it. Afterward, you can use it to connect to your phone, so you can cast all your favorite shows from Netflix, Hulu, or any other streaming service you want. It’s a quick, easy, and affordable way to get a smart TV in a flash. Get it here.

Dumb vs. Smart – Is It Time to Make the Switch?

There’s no doubt that smart tech will be more affordable and more widely available as time passes on, so it’s a good idea to get ready for the future and start implementing some smart tech into your home. 

Some of the devices we mentioned above are a great way to make use of technology without completely relying on it daily. Plus, it’s more affordable than buying entirely new devices. 

Smart devices are a new tool that can help us save time, stay focused on what’s important, and use our energy on the things that matter. So there’s no reason why you shouldn’t jump on the smart tech wagon and make your home smarter, one accessory at a time.