My favorite dorm smart devices I’ve personally tested


Bedrooms are often low on space, but that doesn’t mean they need to be stupid. As moving day approaches, it’s time to add Useful smart devices It can make a big difference. I’ve included several of my favorite picks, including Artificial intelligence table lampone of the latest Smart speakersSmall but smart Security services And more.

Let’s take a look at what they do, and how new and returning college students can use them. Don’t worry: nothing on my list requires an ongoing subscription to use.

Libro A1 table lamp

Lepro can come up with many interesting color cycles for this lamp.

Tyler Lacoma/CNET

When i Test out this mounting table lampI’ve found using AI to be incredibly fun and diverse. Lamp can use audio or text ideas to suggest all kinds of lighting schemes, including colors, patterns, motion, and more. You can say anything from “Star Wars” to “exercise mode” to get many interesting ideas. It can also sync to music if you prefer.

Lighting patterns can create soothing glows, dance party swirls and everything in between. From studying to relaxing, all you have to do is describe the mood and choose your favorite option from what the AI ​​comes up with. Check out more of my experiences With this high light in my full review.

Google Home Speaker

Red Google Home speaker on a wooden table.

This new speaker is larger than previous Nest versions but smaller than the Nest Audio.

Tyler Lacoma/CNET

I recently Try the Google Home speakerand found that it contains some of Best sound in the $100 rangewith a surprisingly powerful bass level, easily enough to fill a bedroom. It’s also easy to set up with Google Home app. The speaker can connect to a variety of music streaming sites including Spotify and Tidal, as well as apps like Netflix and Google Plus.

In addition to playing music, the speaker’s Gemini for Home features let you set timers, reminders, and calendar events with the phrase “Hey, Google.” It can also answer any question based on the information it pulls from the Internet. The speaker can control many other smart devices listed here using the right voice commands. It’s all free – the subscription versions of Gemini aren’t really necessary in a college dorm.

Tabo Smart Surge Protector

Tapo's white power bar on a CNET wallpaper.

The Tapo surge protector is packed with smarts.

become

Taboo Surge protector It protects against electrical surges, sure, but each plug and USB port can also connect to a smart home app and allow you to name it, then turn it on/off remotely or with voice commands. This energy sector It is an important addition to the office as students can do a lot of work on a computer alongside other devices – including the ones on my list.

Amazon Echo Spot

The Amazon Echo Spot 2024 is laid out on a nightstand with a cup of tea next to it.

Amazon’s smartwatch can do a little bit of everything.

Amazon

Amazon makes several smart speakers And it showsbut Echo spot It is one of the most suitable for the bedroom. It’s designed to act as an alarm clock, with a top display that can show you playing music, weather, time, and more. Unlike the alarm clock app on your phone, it can perform gradual wake-ups with glowing lights and increasing music as well, or do the same to help you fall asleep.

Like Google Speaker, you can connect Alexa to a variety of music services including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and many more. And with Alexa app connections, you can also use voice commands for timers, alarms, reminders, and compatible smart device controls.

Aqara P100 multi-purpose sensor

Aqara P100 sensor on the edge of a white door.

The Aqara sensor is much easier to place and use than older models that offer similar but limited capabilities.

Tyler Lacoma/CNET

most Security sensors It is not designed for dorms, however This new Aqara model Made for almost everything. It can on its own connect to the Aqara app and give you alerts when anything opens or closes – like a door, cabinet, drawer, hood, etc. You can place the small sensor on almost anything with adhesive strips and know when it’s unlocked, which is perfect for securing certain areas of your housing.

If you want to add an Aqara hub device, Like the Aqara M3 hubthe sensor can do a lot like detect tampering, vibration, tilt and more movements. However, you may not want to pay extra for an OR position Aqara camera Which adds these capabilities, so open/close sensing can be sufficient.

Wiz Connected Color Smart Bulb

Wiz the smart light bulb on the table

Wiz smart light bulbs offer a great range of adjustable colors.

Chris Fidel/CNET

Not every bedroom needs a flashy smart bulb. However, if sleep has Regular light sockets-You can upgrade it using the file too Wiz light bulb is affordable. These only cost about $10 but allow you to adjust the color and brightness to whatever you want, whenever you want. This is useful for late night study sessions, waking up in the morning, and much more. Additionally, it also supports voice assistants and scheduling options if you want to tinker.

Lockly Wi-Fi Smart Secure

The Lockly smart safe sits on a black office desk.

The Lockly biometric safe is an excellent choice for smaller home safes.

Tyler Lacoma/CNET

most Home safes Too large to fit in a dwelling. Lockley is safe Small enough to carry with you, but provides high-quality security and is a useful biometric fingerprint reader as well. I tried to smash it open with hammers and screwdrivers, and the safe easily resisted my efforts. It’s small enough to fit in a drawer, on a shelf, under the bed, in a closet and many other places. Just remember to replace the batteries every year or so.

For more information that you may find useful in similar situations, visit my Recommendations for the best security devices for tenants and The best security can move with you.



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *