Beyond Security Cameras: How to Turn Your Apartment into a Smart Home

Need security cameras for your apartment? How about a security camera that sends messages to your phone? Or maybe a texting smoke alarm? Or an app that lets you remotely turn on security lights? Or something that can read you the morning headlines while you get ready for work? We are living in the future, my friends, and these days any renter can use tech to turn their pad into a bonafide smarthome with James Bond-style security measures. Here are 5 awesome home security gadgets to bring your apartment into the future:

Bluetooth Smart Lock

With a bluetooth smart lock, you can ditch the keys and unlock your door with the wave of a phone. This cool new tech also lets users remotely unlock the door for pet sitters, plumbers or the cable guy. Plus, you never have to worry about remembering to lock up. If you forget, simply check your phone.

Connected Security Camera

Connected security cameras give people a 24/7 live feed of their front door, along with important features like two-way communication and custom phone alerts for when people are spotted. Because, you know, it’s better to know if a burglar is in the apartment before you get there.

A Smoke Detector That Can Text

If your smoke detector goes off when you’re not home, there’s not a whole lot you can do about it. But with a nifty battery plugin you can turn any old smoke alarm into a smart alarm. Plus, a smartphone can be used to turn off the smoke detector when there’s a false alarm (which is so much easier than dragging a chair up and trying to balance while you hush the darn thing).

Smart Air Monitor

A few companies have come out with smart air monitors that track toxins and chemicals in your home and provide custom recommendations to improve air quality. This is a beautiful device for anyone that is worried about their air quality, especially those with newborn babies or allergen sensitivities.

Smart Speaker

Add voice control to your smart home gizmos with a smart speaker device (like Amazon Echo, Dot or Google Home). Rather than having to find your phone and fiddle with apps, many smart security features can be activated with your voice. When the Echo is connected to other devices, a simple voice command can trigger an alarm, security camera, door lock, or even call for help. Plus, it plays music, tells you the weather forecast or news headlines, and even gives you cooking tips too.