Making everyday life more comfortable. Five smart home appliances recommended for beginners.
NEWSBOARD / DESIGN
December 26, 2024

Making everyday life more comfortable. Five smart home appliances recommended for beginners.

In recent years, "smart homes"—which utilize AI and IoT technologies to connect home appliances and facilities with various services for a more comfortable life—are becoming increasingly common. With Japan facing a declining birthrate, an aging population, and diversifying work styles, smart homes are expected to become the standard in the near future. As a new year begins, it's the perfect time to update your lifestyle.

Making everyday life more comfortable and secure.

When you hear "smart home," the first thing that likely comes to mind is smart home appliances that respond to voice commands like "Play music" or "Turn off the lights." Beyond voice control, smart homes offer various ways to make life more convenient, comfortable, and secure, such as operating appliances with sensors or timers, and managing security systems.

For those new to smart homes, we'd like to introduce five recommended smart home appliances, categorized by genre.

1. <Smart Remote Control Category> Nature / Smart Remote Control Nature Remo mini 2
Nature Remo is an advanced remote control that allows you to operate your home appliances via smartphone. It enables remote control of appliances from outside the home and, when linked with a smart speaker, allows voice control of your existing appliances. As long as your appliance uses an infrared remote, it's compatible regardless of manufacturer, model, or year, making it easy for any household to adopt.
Price | ¥5,480 (tax included)
Official Website | https://shop.nature.global/collections/nature-remo

2. <Smart Camera Category> Aqara / Smart Camera G3 Hub
The "Smart Camera G3 Hub" is a feature-rich pet camera with AI facial recognition, pet detection, motion detection, auto-tracking, and auto-cruise. It can track users or pets automatically, allowing you to monitor your home's status. It also supports two-way audio communication, enabling commands like "Show me the cat." Equipped with its own AI, it can trigger pre-set actions with five different gestures. For example, making an "OK" gesture towards the G3 could automatically turn on the air conditioner. This makes it a great option not only for pet owners but also for households without pets, as it allows you to control home appliances with simple hand signals.
Price | ¥15,980 (tax included)
Official Website | https://www.aqara.com/jp/

3. <Smart Lock Category> SwitchBot / Smart Lock Pro
The Smart Lock Pro goes beyond simply "smartening your door lock." It addresses more nuanced needs and focuses on "how to enhance security with a smart lock." This key-type smart appliance offers keyless living with 15 unlocking methods, catering to everyone. By using it with the fingerprint authentication pad, you can use your fingerprint as a key. Temporary and one-time passwords can also be created, making it versatile for situations like friends visiting or when using a home cleaning service. It also integrates with Apple Watch, supporting voice unlocking with commands like "Unlock the door."
Price | ¥15,980 (tax included)
Official Website | https://www.switchbot.jp/products/switchbot-lock-pro

SwitchBot Smart Lock Pro
Smart Doorbell G4

4. <Smart Doorbell Category> Aqara / Smart Doorbell G4
As the name suggests, the "Smart Doorbell G4" smartens your doorbell. It features detection functions that alert you to irregular events, such as someone lingering near your door or the device being forcibly removed. It enhances daily security by immediately notifying your smartphone, sounding an alarm, or playing a pre-recorded message. Its easy installation with double-sided tape or screws, requiring no complex wiring, also makes it a great choice for beginners.
Price | ¥16,980 (tax included)
Official Website | https://www.aqara.com/jp/

5. <Motion Sensor Category> Aqara / Motion Sensor FP2
The "Motion Sensor FP2" can automatically control appliances and lighting based on human presence and movement, enabling seamless automation tailored to your actions. It can divide a home area into up to 30 zones and detect up to five people simultaneously, allowing for individualized automation settings in zones like the sofa, bed, or desk. Additional features include AI sleep monitoring during sleep and fall detection with alarm alerts, which not only add convenience but also help protect the health and safety of your family.
Price | ¥15,580 (tax included)
Official Website | https://www.aqara.com/jp/

By combining various products, you can customize your smart home to fit your individual lifestyle. Why not take this opportunity to take your first step into the world of smart homes?