Device Finder Controlling the Environment

Imagine turning on your overhead fan with your voice; locking your front door from your smartphone; or setting the thermostat to warm your home automatically when you walk in the front door. Smart home technology can make it possible for you to control elements of your home environment with your voice, remotely through an app on your phone, and with automations triggered by other events. For example, you may be able to:

Turn on and off your lights
Turn on and off your fan
Make coffee
Adjust the thermostat
Open and close interior and exterior doors
Open and close window blinds
Turn on and off some devices and appliances that plug into power outlets

Many smart devices can help with controlling the environment. Here are some examples.

Smart speakers and displays make it possible to use your voice to:

Connect with and control other smart devices using voice or touch screen.
Turn on and off bulbs, switches, plugs, thermostats, blinds, sprinklers, and other household devices.
Completely control TVs and other media streaming devices.
Lock and unlock doors.

Smart door locks make it possible to:

Remotely lock and unlock doors.
Receive notifications on lock status.
Remotely create and remove unique virtual keys to be used by family members, friends, assistants, caregivers, or others providing services.

Smart lighting makes it possible to:

Control and receive information regarding lighting using voice, smartphones and tablets, and other services.

Smart sensors make it possible to know the current state of things in your house including:

Doors opening
Movement
Glass breaking
Water leaks
Hazards such as smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide

Smart plugs and outlets make it possible to turn power on and off for plugged in devices such as:

Lamps
Fans
Holiday lights

Smart thermostats make it possible to:

Remotely control your thermostat.
Save energy and cost with learning thermostats that learn your habits and adjust settings automatically.

Smart TVs and media streaming devices make it possible to:

Control your TV and other media devices using your voice or smart devices other than a TV remote control.
Stream video and other media.
View livestreams from smart cameras and smart doorbells.

Smart window blinds make it possible to:

Control blind positioning and angle using your voice.
Remotely control blinds via smartphone, tablet, or other services.

Devices That Can Help

Learn more about each of these devices using the pages below.

Smart Speakers & Displays

At its simplest, a smart speaker is a speaker that connects to the internet and can be controlled primarily by voice command. A smart display is a type of smart speaker that has a...

Read More About Smart Speakers & Displays

Smart Door Locks

A smart door lock can replace a traditional door lock to keep you safe and your home secure, while also making entry more accessible. Smart locks may provide the ability to lock...

Smart Lighting

Smart lighting includes both smart light bulbs as well as in-wall smart switches and dimmers. See also smart plugs, which can control plug-in lamps. Smart light bulbs make any...

Smart Plugs & Outlets

A smart plug is one of the quickest and simplest ways to make your home smarter. Simply plug this device into an ordinary wall outlet, then plug the power cord of any electrical device or appliance...

Smart Sensors

Some sensors are sold on their own, others are included in a package (such as those included in a home security system), and others are built in to other devices (such as smart cameras with...

Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat can make your home more energy efficient and comfortable. Smart thermostats give you the ability to control and schedule your home's heating and cooling...

Smart TVs & Media Streaming Devices

If your goal is to watch TV and/or stream media content using your voice, smart TVs and media streaming devices that can pair with your smart speaker or that come with a voice...

Read More About Smart TVs & Media Streaming Devices

Smart Window Blinds

Smart window blinds and shades can make it possible to raise, lower, and tilt your window shades with your voice or from a mobile app. You may also be able to automate them to adjust...