Can it be done? You bet it can!! Full-designed systems are for people who can throw £10k at a system that will just close your blinds and dim your lights which is nuts!

Im gonna show you how to set up a smart home on a budget that can have the same functionality as a high end Schneider system which costs around £1500 for the control screen alone!

Smart home isnt going away, check these stats on usage increase

I need to know How to set up a smart home on a budget!

I’m going to assume you understand what you mean by smart home systems and devices, if not check my post here which explains more you might just want to be able to control your heating from your phone or be able to dim your living room lights without having to get yourself off your couch!! Or you might want to control everything possible via phone or by a smart hub like an Echo dot or view.

What could I make Smart in my house ?

Lights

CCTV

Central Heating

Each Radiator

Door bell

Any plug socket

and of course, you need a ‘hub’ that can control all the above with either an app or even better by using your voice.

I’m going to list a few of the devices that i think will transform your house without breaking the bank.

Hubs/Control Units

These are the main connective control units of your smart home, (let’s call them hubs for simplicity) to be honest, you don’t need one to start out with, if you just want a smart thermostat, you don’t really need a hub for example, but once your smart home starts growing in connected devices, its better to have one device to control them all or you will end up with as many different apps to control then as devices themselves!!

For A more detailed reviews of smart hubs, check this post here

Hub choice is down to your preference and what the hub will control ( you have to check with each device if it can be controlled by the hub you have bought) Also all these hubs are at the end of the day smart speakers so they can play various media from your phone or connect to streaming services or internet radio.

Echo Show by Amazon,

£150

You’ve probably heard of “Alexa” right? well this is Amazon’s flagship echo model, this is literally 100’s of smart devices with either the app or your voice. It’s the one I use even though most of my tech is Apple!!

Apple Home Pod.

£299

High-quality hub that connects seamlessly with Apple’s growing army of compatible devices.

Google Nest hub Max.

£219

Like the Echo Show has a screen so if you connect your smart door bell to it you can see who’s at your door without relying on your phone.

Ok, so we now have the main ‘engine room’ of our smart infrastructure up and running so whats next in our how to set up a smart home on a budget guide?

Smart Thermostats

This is usually most people’s first step into the world of smart, smart thermostats are the go-to in heating controls when people change the boiler or when builders are building new houses, They have many features that will defo change your life for the better!! You can control your heating from your phone no matter where you are, they can also ‘learn’ your schedule, so your heating will be off whilst you’re at work and be nice and warm when you get home! The Nest one will also use geo-fencing to know when you’re coming home to have the heating ready for you!! Again for a more detail review of smart thermostats read this

Nest

£219

Feature-packed smart themo that ‘knows’ when you’re coming home!!

Hive

£90

The Hive is a cheaper option than the Nest, it also can learn your comings and going with Geolocation, Mini knows if you’ve gone out and left the heating on – and sends you an instant reminder to turn it off. Or better yet, connect it to a Hive Door Sensor and it’ll automatically switch off when your front door closes. Handy

Tado Smart Heating Kit

£99 for the thermostat £210 for the radiator starter pack

The benefit of the Tado system is it has small thermostatic controllers for you attach to your radiator valves so you can literally control the temp of each room with either your phone or your hub.

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Lighting Control

Smart lighting is one of the next systems you buy as you build your smart home and is a logical step in our how to set up a smart home on a budget list.

Smart lighting has a couple of benefits as well as it being super cool to control your lights with your voice (I have mine set up as Wesley Snipes did in Demolition Man, to switch on I say ‘illuminate!) You can set a schedule for them to come on or go off which is good for security and saving money. Again these systems operate with their own apps or check to see what works with your choice of hub

Phillips Smart Led Strip

I personally use this system in my kitchen above my units and I love it, you can change the colour, the time it comes on and goes off, you could put it behind your telly and you can cut it to size.

Tapo Smart Bulbs

If you want to be really budget-friendly, this 4 pack of smart bulbs will save you a nice chunk of change.

easily controlled by the tapo app or your choice of home hub.

Phillips Light Bar

Need something more directional? check these cool light bars from Phillips, which works with all the above hubs and their own smart App. This is perfect for creating a certain ambiance behind your telly.

Smart CCTV and Doorbells

Finally, to show you how to set up a smart home on a budget we come to CCTV and doorbells. The main benefit of smart CCTV over the regular camera and dvr system is, that you can access the footage wherever you have a decent internet connection plus they will notify you whenever they get triggered, thus prompting you to check your phone to see what’s happening or talk to whoever’s at your door.

Blink Outdoor

I use this camera to monitor my garden, and its quality and performance has been second to none. Hi-def pictures even in the rain, reliable alerts and a battery that has upto lasted 2 years! Also connects with amazon alexa so you can get voice notifications when theres a alarm event.

Arlo Cctv

Arlo is the main competitor of the Blink system and for most of the features there’s not much to choose from between the 2 ( they would probably disagree with me!) Again Good battery life, hi-def images and real-time notifications

Smart video doorbells

These have revolutionised front door security and convenience, now you’ll never miss another parcel, all the doorbells on offer door mainly the same thing although they do now charge to store your footage..boo! for a more detailed review check my post here

Smart Plugs

For the ultimate how to set up a smart home on a budget device, check out a smart plug, this way you can control any device ( that dosn’t need extra input to switch on) such as a heater, a lamp or a radio to boost your home security, again the tapo is as good as any

For this option, you don’t need a hub, just the app that controls it. From this app you control switch the plug on and off, set up a schedule or set holiday mode so the plug will switch on a telly, radio or lamp randomly to make it look like your house is occupied

Conclusion

So that’s the end of our how to set up a smart home on a budget, as you can see it is possible to do the smart home thing on a shoestring but still retain full functionality. Take my advice when you can and buy a hub, as you can literally control any device or full room or floor with just one tap. Believe me, once you start buying smart home gear you will keep going and before you know it you’ll have 8 different apps to control it all!. Trust me once you go smart you’ll never flick a light switch again!!

The post How to Set Up a Smart Home on a Budget appeared first on toptech7.com.

There’s so much you have to choose from, do you need a hub or sender unit? What devices do I need? what do these things do? if you are a seasoned vet in tech? Then I’d find another article to read, but if you’re new to all this and want to get started the right way, the first time, check out this guide and you’ll have all the knowledge you need to choose the right gear without making the mistakes.

If you’re a total beginner and don’t know what smart tech is all about let alone what top 5 smart gadgets you need ( don’t worry, we all started somewhere) check my beginner’s guide here

What is smart tech?

As a brief simplistic guide, smart tech is a single or collection of devices that are designed to make you and your family’s life easier, for instance, there’s smart heating control, smart tellys, smart lighting and so on so let’s get into the finer details.

Im in, so what are the top 5 smart gadgets you need?

Smart Heating

This is classed as one of the first smart home devices, and definitely a top 5 smart gadget you need, usually in the form of a smart thermostat that’s wirelessly connected to your boiler or heating system.

With a smart thermostat, you can control your heating, hot water and with some systems, you can control each individual room’s temperature. Some have whats called geo-fencing where your system knows when you have left your house and when you’re returning so your house isn’t being heated when the place is empty thus saving you money.

Of course with the thermostat being smart, some of them will learn your behaviours and tailor your heating requirements to optimise your settings, again saving you money in the long run.

What Do I Need?

A smart thermostat to start with, this will control your heating with an app on your phone or tablet.

Theres a few to choose from, but I suggest you research, Nest, Hive and Tado or check out my post on smart heating here

Expect to pay anything from £80 to over £300 for a full system.

Smart Lighting

This is exactly as it sounds, a method to control your lighting from an app in your phone. These are more independent lighting switches and more commonly bulbs that are connected to your home wifi so you can control them from anywhere

You can switch the lights on and off, set schedules, change lighting colours and themes. So if you’re trying to get your better half in the mood, just grab your phone soften the lights and you’re good to go!!

Going away on holiday? you can set separate schedules for each lighting unit you have connected, so you could have your lounge lets come on at say 7 pm until 11 pm, then stairs lights 11:05 till 11:15 then bedroom lights following that kind of pattern soi It would definitely look to a watching burglar that someone is in and moving about the house normally

Having a bit of a party? you can set some lights to interact with your tunes, your local club Dj will have sleepless nights believe me!!

What Do I Need?

You have 2 choices, you can buy smart bulbs like the ones in the Phillips Hue range or you can buy smart light switches that also have an aesthetic design appeal as they are nice and modern as well as being super cool as they control your lights!! One thing I will say is pick one method of lighting control and run with it as you don’t want loads of different apps controlling your lights or you’re gonna have a full smartphone page with 12 light-controlling apps!! Not good

Smart Speaker/Home Assistant

I joined these into one heading as they usually go hand in hand with each other, I’m sure you’ve heard of Amazon’s Alexa? It’s a voice and app-controlled home assistant, you can say “Hey Alexa what’s today’s weather, whats my schedule, what’s apples stock trading ‘ and such like.

You can also sync your other smart devices with your digital assistant or home hub. For a detailed post on smart home tech check this here

You can also use your smart speaker/ home assistant to form the core of your smart home control. Instead of spending 100’s on fully wired in home automation systems and 1,000’s on the electrician to install it then more 100’s to fix it when your blinds go up when you turn your kitchen light off!!

Briefly, if you use your smart assistant to integrate and synchronise your smart kit, your phone will be a world more organised and tidy, if you buy an Echo Show for instance you can control all your smart devices, heating, lights, speakers CCTV etc using the one app.

What do I need?

you just need to make a choice on what smart speaker you like and if it is compatible with your current smart set up if you have any of course. Choose a brand you know or like such as Google, Alexa, Nest or Apples home kit but there’s a world of choice out there

Smart Plugs

These can literally be a money-saving game changer and an economical way of transforming your standard but beautiful house into a hi-tech smart emporium.

A smart plug can literally change any device that just needs to be switched on to work into a smart, remote controllable device.

You can control and table lamp into a smart lamp, you could fill your kettle, switch it on and set up a schedule for it to boil and boom your kettle has boiled just as you walk down the stairs. I also have a deli and i have smart plugs controlling cooking equipment so its hot and ready to use when i walk in the door.

You could attach a normal electric radiator to a smart plug and there you have it you have now got a smart heater. Of course it goes without saying that if you have a device that requires various button presses after powering on to get it to work then this isn’t gonna work for it, as much as I’d like to program my air fryer to have my dinner ready when i come home it’s not going to happen! But I’m sure you get the jist!

What do I need

There is literally hundreds to choose from, I think even Amazon have created their own!! Best advice as said before is to make sure you choose one that can be operated with your current smart home devices or the ones you mainly intend on buying.

Smart Doorbell

Smart doorbells are becoming more and more widespread as they provide convenience as well as security. How many times have you missed a delivery? The postie walks up your drive then he rings the bell, you’re not in and back to the sorting office your parcel goes. if you had a smart doorbell, you can catch him walking up your drive, you can speak to him and ask him to leave your parcel in a safe place or knock next door to take it in for you.

They are also really good for security too, you can set a geo-fence to scan that area, and every time someone steps into this area your tricky doorbell lets you know through an app. To save the footage you do have to subscribe to a monthly plan which is about £2 a month but if you’re using it for security there’s not much point having it without the plan. For a more detailed post and advice which smart doorbells to choose click here

Conclusion

So i’ve said these are the top 5 smart gadgets you need today, and i stand by that statement, I think, maybe without you even knowing, you need these gadgets, trust me start simple, get a smart home hub, digital assistant, smart speaker or whatever you want to call it, see how useful it could really be. Slowly add things to your smart home map and before you know it without spending major dollar, you’ve got a smart home my friend and you’ll never look back trust me!!

Smart Television

As a last throw in that I didn’t know whether to mention the smart telly, for me this is just a given, why oh why would you even consider a telly that wasn’t smart in this day and age? In fact it should be illegal to buy a T.V that isn’t smart.

There’s so many streaming channels, games, apps and uses for your smart TV I’m not sure I’d even watch a TV if it wasn’t smart. You can play free games, browse the internet, post on Twitter, stream 4k films and series, stream content from your phone or websites the list goes on but I had to mention it because it is one of the 5 smart gadgets you need without a doubt!

The post The Top 5 Smart Gadgets You Need For 2024 appeared first on toptech7.com.

Hell yes, you can!! Im gonna show you how you can take that old faithful that’s sat off in your drawer of tech junk and turn an old iPhone into a spy cam!

Workplace theft is on the rise, check the stats here

Why would I need to turn an old iPhone into a Spy Cam?

There are so many uses for a CCTV system but a good hd one can run into a world of money and if you’re on a budget you might be tempted to spend £40 on some cheap shite off Alibaba that might last 3 months and the police could laugh at you if your staff are filling their pockets with your stuff as the cheap cameras are about as much use as a chocolate teapot.

Ok, I need to watch my childminder/staff but on the cheap how do I turn an old iPhone into a Spy Cam?

Step 1: Choose an App

There are several apps available that can help you turn your old smartphone into a spy camera. Some of the most popular ones include AlfredCamera, DroidCam, and IP Webcam. Each app has its own set of features and requirements, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

AlfredCamera is a free app that is available for both iOS and Android devices. It has excellent user reviews and is simple to use. You can use this service for free, but there are some drawbacks, like advertisements and recording limits. You can unlock everything this service has to offer through a monthly or annual subscription.

DroidCam is another app that can help you turn your old smartphone into a spy camera. It is available for Android devices and is free to use. DroidCam makes it remarkably easy to create a webcam that can be used for many applications (security, monitoring, etc.).

One thing to note is to make sure you don’t use and iPhone that’s too old, as we all know when apple stop supporting a version of iOS it runs like a 3 legged mule. i would also strip the old phone of all apps except the spycam app including any messaging apps, as you don’t want your new covert spycam ( your old iPhone) vibrating with an iMessage, thus bring attention to said phone!!

Step 2: Install the App

Once you have chosen an app, the next step is to install it on your old smartphone. You can download the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, depending on the app you have chosen.

Step 3: Set Up the Camera

After installing the app, you will need to set up the camera. The process may vary depending on the app you have chosen, but most apps will guide you through the process with step-by-step instructions.

Make sure if you’re using it as a covert spycam that it’s placed in a covert location and it won’t fall down if say you’re keeping an eye on the child minder and you’ve put it on the drawers, if the drawers are moved will your phone fall?

Whats the battery life like on our old phone? as we all know iPhone batteries have a limited life due to bad charging habits (for better battery life check my post here )

For example, if you are using AlfredCamera, you will need to download the app on both your old smartphone and your current smartphone. Once you have done that, you can set up the camera by following these steps:

1. Open the AlfredCamera app on your old smartphone.

2. Sign in with your Google account.

3. Tap on the camera icon to start the camera.

4. Place your old smartphone in the location where you want to monitor.

5. Open the AlfredCamera app on your current smartphone.

6. Sign in with the same Google account.

7. Tap on the viewer icon to start viewing the camera feed.

Step 4: Customise the Settings

Once you have set up the camera, you can customise the settings to suit your needs. For example, you can adjust the video quality, enable motion detection, and set up alerts for when motion is detected. And remove all notifications so your phone doesn’t vibrate or ping

Step 5: Start Monitoring

After customising the settings, you can start monitoring your home or office. You can view the camera feed on your current smartphone or any other device that has internet access.

Apps

There are several apps available that can help you turn your old smartphone into a spy camera. Here are some of the best apps to use for turning an old smartphone into a spy camera:

AlfredCamera:

AlfredCamera is a free app that is available for both iOS and Android devices. It has excellent user reviews and is simple to use. You can use this service for free, but there are some drawbacks, like advertisements and recording limits. You can unlock everything this service has to offer through a monthly or annual subscription.

DroidCam:

DroidCam is another app that can help you turn your old smartphone into a spy camera. It is available for Android devices and is free to use. DroidCam makes it remarkably easy to create a webcam that can be used for many applications (security, monitoring, etc.).

SeeCiTV:

SeeCiTV is available on Google Play and claims to make old phones into free security cameras. The big selling point here is bi-directional.

WardenCam:

WardenCam is another app that turns old phones and tablets into security cameras. Expect motion detection, push notifications, low-light filters, and cloud storage via Google Drive or Dropbox.

Manything:

Manything is a solid free choice with an affordable subscription model if you need more features. It offers local streaming, cloud streaming, recording and storing footage locally or remotely, and motion detection and alerts.

Salient Eye:

Salient Eye is another free app that can turn your old smartphone into a spy camera. It offers motion detection, sound detection, and cloud storage.

Presence:

Presence is a free app that can turn your old smartphone into a spy camera. It offers motion detection, two-way audio, and cloud storage.

Haven:

Haven is a feature-packed app that offers motion detection, unlimited cloud storage for 14 days, and 2-minute long video recordings. The free version is filled with ads and even blocks small features like zooming. But for $3.99/month, you get unlimited cloud storage for 14 days, motion detection, 2-minute long video recordings, etc.

Overall, the best app to use for turning an old smartphone into a spy camera depends on your specific needs and preferences. It’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Conclusion

Turning your old smartphone into a spy camera is a great way to repurpose your old device and keep your home or office secure. With the help of a few apps and some simple steps, you can turn your old smartphone into a security camera, baby monitor, or pet camera. We hope this ebook has been helpful in guiding you through the process of turning your old smartphone into a spy camera.

The post How to turn an old iPhone into a Spy Cam appeared first on toptech7.com.

We love smart tech, smart home, smart app but you need to know how to set up your smart home or they’re all just power draining boxes. If you haven’t decided which hub is right for you as yet, check my post on the top 3 plug and play devices here

You’re sat on the couch and the lightings all wrong the heatings too high, but that means you having to get off your arse and sort all this….no it doesn’t, you have smart tech right? but you have boxes off stuff and you can’t set it up.

Setting up a smart home can be a daunting task, but with a little planning, it can be a breeze. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you set up your smart home:

Pick Your Ecosystem:

Choose an ecosystem that suits your needs. The most popular ecosystems are Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. Each ecosystem has its own set of devices and features, so choose one that works best for you. I would personally choose the one you like the features of, is in your budget or what will align with the majority of devices you might already have. Heres a list of the choices:

Amazon Alexa:

• Alexa is a virtual assistant developed by Amazon. It primarily functions through Amazon Echo and other compatible devices. Users can control smart home devices, ask questions, play music, set alarms, and more using voice commands. Alexa supports a wide range of third-party smart home products and integrates with various apps and services.

Google Assistant:

• Google Assistant is Google’s virtual assistant, available on Android devices and through the Google Home smart speaker. It offers voice-activated control over smart home devices, answers questions, provides weather updates, and more. Google Assistant is compatible with numerous smart home brands and can be integrated into various ecosystems.

Apple HomeKit:

• HomeKit is Apple’s smart home platform. It’s designed for iOS users and focuses on privacy and security. HomeKit allows users to control compatible smart devices using the Apple Home app and Siri voice commands. It offers end-to-end encryption for added security and works with a growing number of HomeKit-enabled accessories.

Samsung SmartThings:

• SmartThings is Samsung’s smart home ecosystem that connects and controls a variety of devices, including smart lights, thermostats, cameras, and more. Users can manage their devices through the SmartThings app and create automation routines to simplify daily tasks. It supports a wide range of third-party devices and can be controlled via voice commands.

IFTTT (If This Then That):

• IFTTT is not a smart home application on its own but a platform that allows users to create custom automation and integration between various apps and devices. Users can create “applets” (if-then statements) to connect different services and devices, enabling creative automation and control.

Hubitat Elevation:

• Hubitat Elevation is a home automation hub that provides local processing for smart devices, reducing reliance on cloud services. It’s suitable for tech-savvy users who want more control over their smart home. Hubitat supports a wide range of devices and allows for complex automation rules.

OpenHAB:

• OpenHAB is an open-source home automation platform designed for users who prefer to build and customize their smart home system. It supports various protocols and devices and offers extensive flexibility for creating custom automation and rules.

Tuya Smart:

• Tuya Smart is a platform used by many third-party smart home device manufacturers. It provides a unified app for controlling and managing a wide range of smart devices from different brands. Users can create schedules, scenes, and automation routines within the Tuya Smart app.

These applications and platforms vary in terms of compatibility, user interfaces, privacy features, and customisation options. The choice of which one to use depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the smart devices you have in your home.

You’ll Want a Hub:

A hub is a central device that connects all your smart home devices. It acts as a bridge between your devices and your smartphone or tablet. Some popular hubs are Samsung SmartThings, Wink Hub, and Amazon Echo Plus. It is possible to create a smart home with separate smart tech but you will more than likely have to download individual control apps for each device which can be a faff.

The Importance of Wi-Fi:

A strong Wi-Fi signal is essential for a smart home. Make sure your Wi-Fi router is up to date and in a central location. If you have a large home, consider getting a Wi-Fi extender. Check these high end ones from netgear here i have 3 blink cameras at home and one just wouldn’t keep a strong fix on the home network until i bought an extender.

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Smart Hubs?:

Decide which type of connection you want for your smart home devices. Bluetooth is best for devices that are close to each other, but in modern houses i wouldn’t recommend going this way, while Wi-Fi is best for devices that are farther apart. Smart hubs are best for connecting devices that use different types of connections. and usually the app that comes with the smart home can diagnoise any problems with your set up so it’s easy to find any problems if your tech is tits up!

Verify Smart-Home Support:

Before buying a smart home device, make sure it is compatible with your ecosystem and hub. Check the device’s website or packaging for compatibility information, also check the power needs of certain devices for example, if you want a smart thermometer, make sure you have the correct wiring for the one you’re buying, if you want a smart security light, have you got outside power or do you need a solar one?

How To Set Up Your Smart Home Devices:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set up your smart home devices. Make sure to place them in good spots and pick names carefully.Most systems simply walk you through the set up procedure.

Grouping, Automation, and Routines:

Group your devices together to control them all at once. Automate your devices to perform certain actions at specific times. Create routines to perform multiple actions with a single command. Group all devices that are in one room to a single group, because as you devices grow it will be a royal pain in the arse searching through your phone to find the specific light you want to switch off.

What to Do When You Move or Change Routers:

When you move or change routers, you will need to reset your smart home devices and set them up again. With your new network credentials

A Word on Security:

Make sure to secure your smart home devices with strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Keep your devices up to date with the latest firmware updates. Check my post on securing smart home tech here

Troubleshooting Tips:

If you encounter any issues with your smart home devices, try resetting, checking the trouble shooting guide on your smart home app or contacting customer support.

In conclusion, setting up a smart home requires a little planning and research, but it can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these steps, you can create a smart home that suits your needs and lifestyle.

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