SET UP YOUR SMART HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The holiday season brings joy, gatherings, and twinkling lights that transform ordinary spaces into magical havens.

- Words By: Shintu Dhang

Imagine returning home after a long day and being welcomed by warm, festive lighting, your favourite carols playing in the background, and the Christmas tree or decorative strings illuminating with a simple voice command. With smart home technology, preparing for the holidays has never been easier or more beautiful. These devices not only add convenience but also create personalized atmospheres that enhance every celebration. Let's dive in and make the festivities shine!

START WITH A SMART HUB

Every smart home setup needs a central command centre, and smart speakers double as hubs for voice control. These compact devices connect to WiFi and link with other gadgets via apps like Alexa or Google Home, allowing you to manage everything from lights to music with phrases like "Good evening" or "Holiday mode on."

A top pick is the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen), a sleek orb-shaped speaker with builtin Alexa. It delivers crisp sound for festive playlists and features a temperature sensor to adjust heating or AC during gatherings. Priced at around ₹4,999, it's an entry-level powerhouse that supports routines like dimming lights at sunset. For those who prefer the Google Assistant, the Google Nest Mini offers 40% stronger bass than its predecessor and a wall-mountable design for discreet placement. At ₹2,450, it's budget-friendly and excels in multi-room audio syncing for holiday singalongs.

To set up: Plug in the speaker, download the companion app, and connect to your WiFi. Scan for compatible devices during initial pairing. Pro tip: Place one in the living room for central control and another in the kitchen for recipe voice-overs while baking holiday treats. This foundation ensures all your devices "talk" to each other, preventing compatibility headaches.

ILLUMINATE WITH SMART LIGHTING