HOME TECHNOLOGY
HOME TECH:
In Pursuit of a Smarter Home
Here are a few ways in which you can update your space with smart technology.
BY DIANE M . S TERRET T
I N T H E K I TC H E N
Technology here is helpful and cool. The Samsung
refrigerator with built-in Family Hub is Gil’s Appliances
owner Lisa Sienkiewicz’s top tech pick. “It’s essentially
an iPad and television built into the fridge door so you
can watch TV, grocery shop, pull up recipes, display
photos and more. Other refrigerators have a camera
inside so you can check to see what you’ve run out of
while you’re at the supermarket.”
Along similar lines, GE has built a hub into the
range hood with a camera underneath so you can share
pictures on social media and Facetime with family
while cooking. Meanwhile, internet-connected ranges
let you turn them off and on remotely, which is helpful
for forgetful cooks.
Another way internet-connected appliances are
getting really smart is in the service arena. Manufacturers
can check for issues remotely and sometimes even
repair the problem over the internet connection or
give you a service estimate if they can’t. “It’s like the
Geek Squad for your kitchen,” Sienkiewicz says.
I N T H E B AT H
According to Donna Zinckmoore of Spritzo Providence
showroom, technology plays a role as homeowners
make their bathrooms more spa-like. One popular
example is the Kohler DTV+ showering system. It
combines water, steam, lighting and music for a multi-
sensory shower controlled by digital touchscreen. Each
user can set their own preferences.
“Another cool item is a smart mirror integrated
with Alexa,” she says. “You can tell her to set
different lighting levels, such as a night light, play
music or the morning news, turn your shower on and
more. People love the options.”
Not to be left out, toilet technology is enhanced
with heated seats and floors, motion-activated seats,
ambiance lighting, music, a UV light that cleans the
seat and automatic deodorization. Some can even flush
themselves.
I N T H E CO N N E C T E D H O M E
Beyond convenience, technology can add security
and peace of mind. Cox’s Homelife Automation does
both, allowing you to control connected devices from
one command-central app. You set the rules and get
real-time alerts via text or video clips via email. You
can turn on lights and heat remotely, arm the security
86 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY’S NEST |
2020