15 Ways to Control Your Home from Your Phone

Oct 15, 2014

Since Brit + Co started, we’ve been writing about all the gadgets, devices and hubs that bring a little more intelligence into your home. Smart home technology has a come a long way since the first automatic button was revealed, and it continues to improve every day. We scoured the market for 15 of the top tools that you can use to control your house, all from your smartphone. From quirky controls like sprinkler systems and slow cookers to life-saving ones like smoke detectors and security systems, these must-have devices will have you keeping tabs on the house on the go.

1. Lyric: This smart thermostat lets you adjust the temperature at home whether you’re there or not. Intelligent scheduling makes it comfortable around-the-clock and the geofencing feature can track your phone while you’re out to make sure it heats or cools to the perfect temp before you walk in the door!

2. Canary: Home security just keeps getting smarter. Plug in your Canary and download the connected app and you’ll have a range of security tools at your fingertips, including a motion detector, HD camera and microphone. The tool will measure everything that happens at your house while you’re away and report back anything you missed.

3. Relay: Replace a home light switch with this wall-mounted controller by Wink and you’ll be able to command thermostats, locks, lights, smoke detectors and even your home security cameras. The smart hub will even push notifications to your phone through the Wink app, enabling you to know vitals of the house when you’re away.

4. Wink: Once you start accumulating some smart gadgets, you’ll need one hub to keep track of it all. Wink is just that: an app that will control connected devices from a handful of brands. Easily keep an eye on your sprinkler system, garage door, appliances and even the climate of your house when you’re out. (Free on iOS)

5. Dropcam: This little in-home camera is totally transforming home security. Inexpensive and easy to install, the camera packs impeccable clarity, crisp sound and smart features in its tiny package. Seamlessly check in on every room in the house from your phone.

6. Sense+: What’s the point of having a smart home if you’re not safe inside it? Sense+ is a phone dock and connected app that will sound an alarm if it senses smoke or carbon monoxide. So whether you’re sound asleep or wide awake, the tool will make sure you get out safely and even dial an emergency number for you.

7. Hue: If you said you’d never wished you could turn off a light without getting up, you’d be lying. Hue turns the lights on and off for you, plus so much more. It custom color-matches your bulbs to every imaginable shade and lets you schedule lights to turn on and off at certain times.

8. Zuli: Since almost every tool or appliance in your home requires a plug to function, it only makes sense to be sure that plug is smart. Zuli lives in your outlet and lets you do just about anything with anything using electricity in your home, whether it’s smart or not!

9. WeMo: Kind of like Zuli, WeMo is an outlet addition that lets you easily control anything plugged in from your phone or tablet. However, WeMo has a handful of other connected items for your homes, like light switches and electronics that don’t run on wall outlets.

10. Kevo: Replace your old-fashioned lock with this digital one and you’ll have keyless entry to your home. The lock’s bluetooth connection to your phone grants access, but what’s even better is the security and peace of mind it gives when you can let other people have access for designated time periods. No more hiding that key under the mat!

11. GoGogate: Now that you’ve upgraded your standard exterior doors, get the same peace of mind from your garage doors. The GoGogate device gives you the ability to open and close your garage doors from your phone and even share access with others if you like.

12. SmartThings: If you’re looking for one product to help make every process and appliance in your house perform better, SmartThings is it. The hub makes various “things” inside your house smarter through the use of a simple app, including motion sensors, power outlets and other tools that sense your presence.

13. Aros: At the very least, your air conditioner will keep you cool. At most, it will be a sleek, smart machine named Aros that pairs with your phone to save you money and keep you cool. This A/C understands your schedule, knows your location and keeps your budget in mind while it works.

14. Lono: Why should the indoor appliances get all the smart upgrades? Sprinkler systems have never been known for their intelligence (we can’t help but laugh when we see them watering the lawn while it’s raining) but this tool lets you control the sprinklers from your phone, making them a whole lot smarter.

15. Nest Protect: Just like its smart thermostat, Nest delivered again with this smoke and carbon monoxide detector that sends user-friendly information straight to your phone in times of emergency. The app alerts you about battery maintenance and, of course, delivers life-saving information to you if a fire or carbon monoxide leak is detected in your home.

How do you use your phone to make your home smarter? We’d love to hear about your favorite products and apps!

50 Gadgets and Gizmos for All of Your Tech-Obsessed Loved Ones

Unlike Ariel, true techies can never have enough gadgets and gizmos, whozits and whatzits galore. It's like an itch we just have to scratch. Technology continues to surprise us with new and innovative devices that help us live our best life — or just have fun. Looking to turn your home into a smart home? Trying to find the perfect gadget the entire family can benefit from? Need something cool to surprise your kids with that will keep them busy for hours? Well, stop looking! There's sure to be something right here for everyone on your list (including yourself). Check out these techie-loved products to charge up your gift-giving this holiday season.

Lenovo Smart Clock with Google Assistant ($80): Go beyond the traditional alarm clock with this Google assisted smart clock. Control the lights in your home, see the weather, check your calendar and get traffic updates before you leave your bed.

LifeFuels ($179): Get the nutrients you need when you need them with this smart water bottle. Inside the bottle are three pods that dispense vitamins and nutrients throughout the day with the touch of a button or swipe in the app.

Nintendo Switch ($300): Gaming is for all ages and the Nintendo Switch is a great system for hours of family fun.

VTech KidiBuzz G2 ($90): Your little doesn't have to play on your phone anymore, they can play 40+ learning games, listen to music and take photos on this interactive kid-friendly device.

Stash Portable Battery Bank ($30): Don't let the activities of the day drain you. Stay charged with this stylish portable battery bank.

Cinemood ($400): Experience movie magic wherever you go with Cinemood, a portable smart mini-projector. Tiny but mighty, this projector is kid-friendly and an investment in nights of family fun. It's also on Mariah Carey's must-have list so obviously, we must-have, too.

Echo Dot Kids Edition ($70): Designed with kids in mind, children can ask Alexa to call Grandma, tell them a story, play music and other kid-friendly actions.

Lockly Secure Pro ($299-$329): Upgrade your home security with this smart lock. Compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa, this lock can be operated by voice, mobile app, access code, fingerprint, or traditional key.

PlayShifu Orboot ($50): Make screen time educational with one of Shifu's interactive toys that mix education and entertainment together like this one that teaches children about different countries and cultures around the world.

Acu Palm ($85): After typing, texting and holding things all day, your hands could use a little TLC. Acu Palm offers a heated compression massage that ranges from your fingers to your wrist to help your hands recover after working them to the bone.

House of Marley Exodus Anc ($250): These eco-friendly noise cancelling headphones carry a 28-hour battery life with active noise cancellation and 80 hours without. You'll be able to enjoy hours of music and entertainment without having to charge.

Luigi's Mansion 3 ($60): Kids will have fun zapping ghosts and beef up their problem-solving skills in the process.

Singing Machine Official Carpool Karaoke ($60): Turn road trips into concert tours with carpool karaoke.

Polaroid Mint Pocket Printer W/ Zink Zero Ink Technology & Built-In Bluetooth ($140): One of the biggest problems with some instant cameras is that the picture never comes out exactly the way you planned. With Polaroid's pocket printer, you can get instant prints of your fave photos from your cell phone; problem solved.

Scuf Vantage 2 ($170): Create your own unique gaming experience by using this fully customizable controller. The Vantage 2 can not only be customized visually by choosing one of the 60 designs available, but you can customize the weight, thumbstick sensitivity, and more.

Moodo Smart Home Fragrance Diffuser Bundle ($100): Load up four scents at a time to mix and match the aroma you need, when you need it, for your bedroom, living room, or office.

Boolean Box ($170): Watch as your child builds their very own computer.

Bluetooth Shower Speaker ($30): Shower karaoke anyone?

Tanoshi 2-in-1 Kids Computer ($190): This child's laptop/tablet combo comes with preloaded educational games and apps and parental controls so kids can have fun and parents don't have to worry about their cyber safety.

LED Fitness Data Smart Rope ($80): Track your jump count, calories burned and workout times with this smart rope. Stay motivated with training sessions and compete with your friends to stay motivated.

Pictionary Air ($20): Game night just got elevated. Pictionary Air is classic game with a tech upgrade. Draw in the air and see it on the TV, your phone, or both.

Indy($85): Zone out in these water-resistant earbuds by Skull Candy that are great for music and calls.

Schatzii Smart Cloth 10pk ($50): May your picture always be pristine with these smart cloths. You can use them on your glasses too.

C by GE Full Color Bulbs ($30): Make daily chores and homework fun by scheduling each with a different color using these smart light bulbs.

Disney Frozen 2 Coding Kit ($80): Use your child's love for Disney to get them started with coding.

Universal Grip Band Metallic Rose Gold ($15): Tired of your phone falling on your face? Use this multi-functional phone grip & stand. It's easy to apply and doesn't leave a sticky residue.

UBTECH JIMU Robot Mythical Series: Firebot Kit ($130): Your little builder will love spending hours building their own robot.

Network Case ($28): Use MyTagalongs' signature pink pouch to keep your chords in one place.

Adjustable Neck Smartphone Mount ($12): Go hands free while catching up on all your latest shows with this phone mount.

Wally Dual USB Wall Charger + Standard AC Outlet ($40): We all know the struggle of too many devices and not enough outlets. Charge all your devices at once with this dual wall charger that comes with two USB ports so you don't have to play the switching game anymore.

Legacybox ($60 and up): Transfer retro to digital with Legacybox. Send in your VHS tapes, film reels and photo prints, and have them digitized for a sentimental gift you can share with the whole family.

Upright GO 2 Posture Trainer ($100): This wearable reminder will train you to have better posture in no time.

GE Lighting 93100352 LED + Speaker ($43): Make your home sing with GE's bluetooth enabled smart bulbs with built in speakers.

Jammy Guitar + Detachable Frame ($450): Rock out wherever you happen to be with this digital guitar.

Lovebox Messenger ($100): Send a digital love note to your S.O. through an app and they display in this beech wood box. Watch your loved one light up when they receive a new message alert.

Hot Wheels id Smart Track Kit ($180): This ain't the same Hot Wheels you once knew. With the smart track, you can build, race, and beat in-app challenges. You can also build and beat more than 20 layout designs with 16 assorted track pieces.

InstaShiatsu Foot Massager with Air Compression & Heat ($200): Your piggies will get a kick out of this foot massager.

Tovala Gen 2 Smart Steam WiFi Countertop Oven ($300): The scan-to-cook technology on this countertop oven not only saves time but takes a lot of guess work out of cooking.

Tap Strap 2 Wearable Keyboard ($200): Control your smart devices with this single-handed all in one wearable keyboard.

Pocketalk ($300): Communicate with anyone with this two-way translator, great for everyday use and travel.

WS1 Immersive Wearable Speaker ($300): This wireless speaker rests on top of your shoulders and packs the same vibrations and full sounds of other bluetooth speakers to make you feel like you're actually inside the movie or front row at the concert.

Smoko Boba Tea AirPods Case ($15): Store your AirPods in a compact reminder of your fave drinks.

Wynd Plus Smart Portable Personal Air Purifier ($200): This compact purifier is great for night stands, desks or your suitcase to carry with you wherever you travel.

Arlo Video Doorbell ($149): Keep track of who comes and goes at your front door with this video doorbell that notifies you when motion is detected in front and receive a call when your doorbell is pressed. You can also keep watch over all of those Amazon packages that are left on your porch during the day.

Sony Digital Paper ($448): Go paperless by taking notes on this low glare screen with a texture that feels just like real paper.

Retractable Stay Positive Charging Cord ($30): Cute keychain + charging cord = winning.

Courant Catch 2 ($80): Charge all your devices at once with this multi-device wireless charging pad.

Adonit Note+ ($70): An alternative to the Apple pen, the Adonit Note+ allows for up to 10 hours of continuous note-taking or artistry along with programmable short cuts.

Sunpak Ultimate Vlogging Kit ($150): For the friend who has always wanted to start a vlog, gift them with a quality filming setup.

Side Trak ($300): Busy bees will appreciate this attachable portable dual screen that works with your laptop.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Why Timothée Chalamet Abandoned “Good Friend” Austin Butler’s ‘Elvis’ Method For Bob Dylan Role

Austin Butler as Elvis, Selena Gomez as Linda Rondstat, and now Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan — there will never be enough biopics for me! (The real question is when are we going to get a Taylor Swift movie?). When pictures from the set of the new Bob Dylan movie, A Complete Unknown, hit Twitter, I had to do a double take because Timothée Chalamet looks so much like the musician I couldn't believe my eyes! You can watch the A Complete Unknown trailer here.

Timothée is going to be joined by Met Gala queen Elle Fanning, as well as Top Gun superstar Monica Barbaro. Here's everything you need to know about the movie — and our favorite Bob Dylan songs to listen to while you wait for its release.

Keep reading to see the latest updates from Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.

Timothée Chalamet stars in A Complete Unknown, coming to theaters December 25, 2024.
He's joined by Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro.
The movie follows Bob Dylan's career in the 1960s as he rises to fame and later shifts from folk to rock'n'roll.

Did Timothée Chalamet take inspiration from Austin Butler’s Elvis?

Timothée Chalamet recently revealed that while he originally wanted to approach A Complete Unknown by taking direct inspiration from Bob Dylan, he quickly changed his tone...so to speak. "Somebody once said to me, you can't make a movie about a painter because it's not interesting to watch paint dry," he says in People's exclusive video. "Bob has that element because he's not one of these forward-facing musicians."

While Timmy saw Natalie Portman a sequence in Jackie "step-for-step exactly what Jackie did," and paid attention to "all this stuff that I saw my good friend Austin Butler crush it with on Elvis," he quickly realized "I gotta do none of this because this is not my style."

"Bob did not have a vocal coach," he continues. "He had two bottles of red wine and four packs of cigarettes. There's no way to impersonate that." One of my favorite things about biopics is seeing how a well-known actor portrays a recognizable figure. And you can see Timothée Chalamet's interpretation of Bob Dylan in theaters December 25!

Monica Barbaro Sings Her Heart Out

twitter.com

We got a look at Monica Barbaro as singer-songwriter Joan Baez, who was one of the first major artists in the 1960s to record Bob Dylan's music!

I was super impressed to learn Timothée showed up and sang live for the film. "It was important for me to play and sing on set because it was in the spirit of the movie to do it live," he says in a video from People. "Many of the artists through American pop culture that had the balls to turn their back on what was expected of them, that moment started with Bob. His words are relevant; 'Times They are A Changing' ' is relevant, 'Blowin' in the Wind' is relevant."

Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet In "A Complete Unknown"

twitter.com

Elle Fanning totally embodies the late '60s vibe in this fall outfit. The bold maroon blazer, the long straight hair, and the striped turtleneck — I love it all! Elle is starring this Bob Dylan movie as Sylvie Russo, a university student and artist Bob falls for in the '60s.

twitter.com

Thanks to some onset leaks, we also got a glimpse of the movie's version of The Freewheelin'! Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet look incredible as Sylvia Russo and Bob Dylan. I'm a sucker for any kind of recreation, so seeing this new version of the classic record cover is incredible!!

The First Pictures From Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan Movie

twitter.com

Timothée Chalamet has totally transformed into Bob Dylan on the set of A Complete Unknown. And when I saw the pictures of Timothée carrying the guitar my jaw dropped!! He completely engrossed himself in Wonka and Dune 2 and I'm so excited to see him do the same for this Bob Dylan movie.

What is the movie about Bob Dylan called?

H. Thompson/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Plot

Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie is called A Complete Unknown. The movie filmed around New York City in the spring of 2024, and James Mangold is serving as director (you might recognize his name from Logan, Girl, Interrupted, and Walk the Line). The movie will cover the period during the 1960s when Bob Dylan shifted from folk to rock'n'roll, changing the face of pop culture (and culture in general, TBH), forever.

"When that movie finally comes out, people are going to be shocked because you're going to think you're hearing Bob Dylan sing," vocal coach Eric Vetro tells PEOPLE. "[Timothée Chalamet] just has this uncanny ability to not impersonate, but really breathe life into it. He's embodying Bob Dylan and what he was like at that age."

Who else is in A Complete Unknown with Timothée Chalamet?

Amy Sussman/Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute

A Complete Unknown Cast

The A Complete Unknown cast is incredible! Alongside Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, we'll see Top Gun: Maverick's Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, and Nick Offerman as Alan Lomax.

When is the Bob Dylan movie coming out?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Release Date

A Complete Unknown will hit theaters on December 25, 2024. And since Timothée Chalamet has been seen in turtlenecks, hats, and jackets on set, this sounds like the perfect cozy movie to me!

I always need some brand new music to listen to once the weather gets chilly, and I will for sure be listening to anything Timothée records.

What song did Bob Dylan write for a movie?

Christopher Polk/Getty Images for VH1

Bob Dylan wrote "Things Have Changed" for the 2000 movie Wonder Boys, which starred Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, and Katie Holmes. This Bob Dylan song ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Original Songand the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song!

"Knockin' On Heaven's Door," which is arguably the singer's most popular track, was released two months after the 1973 premiere of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid as a part of the film's soundtrack.

What are some other Bob Dylan songs to listen to?

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

I totally agree that one of the best Bob Dylan songs is "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," but "Blowin' In The Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'" are also great songs to listen to if you're a new Bob Dylan fan. So far, "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is my personal favorite song.

His style is the perfect blend of rock and folk that reminds me of summer picnics and walks in the woods. His sound also reportedly inspired Taylor Swift's Folklore!

What are you most excited to see in Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie A Complete Unknown? Check out our Facebook for more movie news!

This post has been updated.

pop culture entertainment movie

11 Cleaning Gadgets to Make 2019 Your Tidiest Year Yet

Keeping your home nice and tidy is always high up there on the list of New Year’s resolutions. But just because you’re motivated and ready to make this year your tidiest yet, it can still be a struggle to get to the hard-to-reach places and conjure up the energy to clean after a long day of work. You won’t have to worry ever again with these near-magical cleaning gadgets you’ll wish you had gotten ages ago.

Awair

What if you could know what’s in the air around you? Awair tracks the elements that will have an impact on your health and how you feel, including temperature and humidity, and connects with your other appliances on a smart network for convenience. It even promises that you’ll sleep better too!

Joseph Joseph Totem Intelligent Waste System

Get ready for a new kind of waste management, one that outsmarts the rest. This trash bin’s compact design allows for it to take up the same space as a regular kitchen bin, but it comes with a removable divider to encourage and organize recycling different materials. Plus, it features a removable inner lining and breather vents to make taking out the trash a cinch.

Mocoro Robotic Fur Ball Vacuum Cleaner

Believe it or not, this adorably colorful furball is actually a robotic vacuum. All you have to do is clean the cover, sit back, and watch the fluffy ball do all the work. Its internal timer starts up every 15 minutes, ensuring your wood and vinyl floors are as spotless as they can be.

Okki Nokki Record Cleaning Machine

If you’re a fan of vinyl, you know how important it is to keep your records clean to maintain their best sound. This cool running turntable vacuums forward and backward for deep cleaning while its quiet motor gives you peace of mind.

CleanWave Portable Sanitizing Wand

This sanitizer and sterilizer in one kills up to 99.9 percent of germs and allergens that surround you — and it does it without using any chemicals or irritants. Plus, its compact design makes it easy to take with you from home to work, or even on your travels.

Dyson V6 Cordless Vacuum

The versatile motorized, cordless tool can be used on all floor types, which makes the stressful act of cleaning way less stressful. Even better? Its detachable wand helps you get all those hard-to-reach places. No more allergen-filled dusty corners!

iRobot Braava Jet 240 Robot Mop

This compact robotic floor mop self-navigates to clean your floor using microfiber cloths or your preferred brand of disposable cloths. You won’t have to worry about the noise a vacuum makes, because this baby operates at “whisper-quiet.” And did we mention it runs up to three hours on a single charge?

Verilux CleanWave Sanitizing Portable Vacuum

Here’s a vacuum that not only clears the mess but also helps to reduce germs, deodorize, and sanitize. It relies on safe UV-C light to sanitize surfaces without the worry of harmful chemicals and other difficult-to-clean liquids.

OXO Good Grips Electronics Cleaning Brush

This home essential gently sweeps away dust with soft bristles while its silicone wiper grabs dirt from even the hard-to-reach places. Use on your keyboard, computer monitor, camera lens, or cell phone for the best clean tech you’ve ever had.

Winbot W730 Window Cleaning Robot

With the touch of a button, the robot, which comes with two pads and a squeegee, automatically cleans both framed and frameless windows effortlessly.

Winix FresHome Model P300 True HEPA Air Cleaner With PlasmaWave

This unique air purifier features three-stage air cleaning that includes an activated carbon pre-filter, HEPA filtration, and PlasmaWave technology. These three stages work to capture offensive household odors, 99.9 percent of airborne pollutants and allergens, and even neutralize bacteria in the air without producing a harmful ozone.

gadgets goods smart home spring cleaning cleaning

Renée Zellwegger & Leo Woodall Prove Age Gaps Are Sexy In 'Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy' Trailer

If you're a rom-com fan who also can't get enough of Jane Austen's books, you've probably seen the Bridget Jones movies. The story (which is loosely based on Pride & Prejudice) follows the titular Bridget Jones, a 30-something who sets out on a mission to improve herself over the course of a year while she looks for a partner. And, in true romantic movie form, she keeps a diary the whole time. Not only can we rewatch the original trilogy as many times as we want, but we're also getting a fourth movie! Here's everything we know about Bridget Jones 4.