7 Great ZigBee Products That Work Together for Your Smart Home
When it comes to home automation, the future is now. One of the most popular ways to make your home "smart" is via ZigBee, a wireless language that devices use to connect to each other.
Samsung SmartThings Hub
Samsung
First thing's first. When putting together a smart home, you'll want to start with a hub that connects all of your other smart devices. At under $100, Samsung's version is a solid option that connects to your internet router and is compatible with ZigBee—along with other protocols like Z-Wave. Click here to buy.
▲BEGA's Plug & Play
One of the most useful features of a smart home on a day-to-day basis is the ability to easily control your lighting. There are many options for this, but one of the best is BEGA's Plug & Play Transformer. It allows you to control your lighting system via an app on your phone or tablet, and you can also control each light independently.
▲Climax Technology Carbon Monoxide Detector
Climax
Carbon monoxide detectors are one of those things you don't really think about until it's too late. Live freely with peace of mind using Climax Technology's version, which sends you an alert if carbon monoxide levels become dangerously abnormal.
▲Owon Technology Smart Plug
owon
Having a smart home isn't only about functionality. It's also about using energy in a smart and environmentally-friendly way. The Smart Plug from Owon Technology has power and energy measurement features, along with other features you'd expect such as remote on/off control and timed automatic switching.
▲CentraLite Systems Pearl Thermostat
CentralLife Systems
smart thermostat
Thermostats are another product for which there are many smart home options. One of the most efficient and best looking is the Pearl Thermostat from CentraLite Systems. It comes in a sleek black color with a digital interface and is compatible with most residential HVAC systems. Among its many features is a proximity sensor that "awakens" the device from sleep mode. Click here to buy.
▲Axxess Industries Doorbell Button
Axxess
smart doorbell button
You may think a doorbell is just a doorbell, but you'll think differently when you own a "smart" doorbell. One of the better ZigBee-compatible options is from Axxess Industries. Among its features is an external contact that uses a sensor to let you know whether your doors and/or gates are open. It also uses a magnetic contact to determine if your deadbolt lock is in position. Want to know the temperature outside? This doorbell can do that as well.
▲Climax Technology Camera Sensor
Climax
Climax has a few different smart security camera options, each with slightly varied features. One allows you to view live video remotely. It can also send you a 10-second video clip if the motion sensor is triggered while you're away from home. The "Ultra" model offers high-quality VGA video quality at 640 x 480 pixels.
▲To learn more about Zigbee and the other wireless protocols for smart home systems, visit From B to Z: How Your Smart Home Speaks Wireless.