How to make a smart home for $200

[@TheVerge]

What's your favorite smart home gadget?

[@YM-vu7zd]

The Verge xiaomi home!

[@clkoontz3]

Crestron

[@clkoontz3]

Also the TPLink smart plugs and switches. No hub required!

[@tamago6783]

Ir blaster from xiaomi

[@DZDNDR]

Xiaomi really done well. All of their smart home devices can be controlled using one app, Mi Home. And for their lightbulb, I can control it using google assistant. Yeah, you should explorer more about the xiaomi devices, it range from smart socket to smart rice cooker 😂

[@tleme4221]

Hello, I just want to thank you so much!!! I am a grandmother, that has pretty much been baffled and frozen with fear when it comes to getting started with anything and everything related to beginning the conversion to smart home. The fear stems from the fact that there were so many different devices out there. I felt overwhelmed by the idea of beginning to research each of them to determine if it was what I needed, and then to try to figure out what else I would need to make a device work. I was convinced that I would end up buy a lot of things that sounded cool, but didn't work for me because I was missing some other thing. I knew I wanted to make my home a bit smarter... heck I even knew what I wanted the device/devices to be capable of. But, that was as far as the fear of it all let me go... Thus being "frozen with fear". However, watching your video a couple of times while taking some notes, has changed everything for me. You made it so clear and simple, yet you presented so many options, possibilities, and really practicle ways one could use the devices mentioned in the video. It all just clicked for me!! I am amazed at how simple it really can be, and I just wanted you to know that you may not even realize it, but by doing these videos, you are changing lives. I am now able to see my grandkids every single day, even though I live in Hawaii, and the kids are on the east coast. That is such an amazing and wonderful gift that you have given to my family and I. We are all so grateful. THANK YOU!!!

[@react0r569]

Ok boomer

[@FunBoysGaming]

@@react0r569 that's kinda rude dude

[@thepessimisticoptimist9375]

@@react0r569 that checks out with this amount of text. Like my mother lol.

[@RichardTech]

If you're on more of a budget, Ikea also has a range of smart bulbs that are more afforrdable than the Philips Hue range.

[@oliverr.3718]

They also work with the Hue Bridge.

[@matthewjackson3435]

Richard Tech or even better get a smart light switch so you can buy cheaper bulbs

[@RichardTech]

@Matthew Jackson That's a good point!

[@erindi23]

Xiaomi lights do not need a hub and a RGB bulb costs about 13 dollars

[@adyandrey23andrey]

@@erindi23 They also work with G Home

[@zintere91]

I'd like to know where you got a Phillips Hue starter kit with "a bunch of light bulbs" for $65

[@vrsce0178]

Ebay.

[@drfezyt]

It might be 65 pounds

[@nocilantro_gack]

Or shekels

[@victorhopewave]

He could mean $65 each😂

[@OhhInk]

don’t even bother with smart light bulbs imo. just get smart light switches and plugs. can control the lights and appliances you already have for way cheaper.

[@Naara.]

The fact that you used lego for making a chart blew my mind

[@opalesnt]

Lego and Duct tape are the most important business materials

[@johndavid360]

Ákos Lovász LoL IKR

[@ericching3829]

But you need to have a house first 😂

[@thefinaltouchdetailinggrap4409]

Eric Ching not true. Just a room you live in.

[@thefinaltouchdetailinggrap4409]

Alex Duggan but your home is where you live, weather that’s a room, apartment, house or a box you found in a alleyway. If you live there, it’s your home. 🤷‍♂️

[@ciachef32347]

n Not to mention a job.

[@DraculHemming]

More than likely if you're watching this, its in your home, possibly in your room, where you have a job already to pay for this.

[@jfish032]

😭

[@maacpiash]

If you notice very carefully, you will see that the tabletop wood pattern and the narrator's sleeve length change suddenly at 2:42.

[@harris9922]

Md. Abdul Ahad Chowdhury think the table is different too

[@meloD30]

I was gonna give 'em a pass but...

[@gerasimosrico]

Lol

[@DRKNGHT21]

Best smart video I have seen 10x better than the competition, keep making these!

[@victordobo]

"This is America” started playing in my bedroom because of this video

[@jeffmedia8755]

Victor Dobo ik right, I was like "Google cancel"

[@NeverStark]

Redbone here. Took me a second to figure out what was going on! I'm shocked it picked that up in the next room.

[@AndreLivin]

same, for real it just lit up and i was wondering what happend cus i never said anything lol

[@napoleon_bonaparte2462]

I said "Google, do not do that", google said "alright" and kept bloody playing.

[@nadiasilver5762]

@@napoleon_bonaparte2462 😆

[@sromer]

Why not just buy Xiaomi lights? $20, WiFi enabled, RGB, Google Home compatible and they dont need a hub.

[@blobsDOTau]

Link? I can't find them

[@cjraymond1847]

@@blobsDOTau They're called "Yeelight". You can find them on AliExpress, and Amazon. They really are a great option.

[@501lilspoon]

I bought my smart light for 10$

[@Ricky-bt8zg]

I just stick with my Philip hue lights

[@roemip]

Or, even easier, just get smart plugs. You can hook up just about anything to them and your lightbulbs won't run out nearly as quickly

[@ryccoh]

I think in the near future when people say "Hey Google" in videos it'll be censored lol so that our devices don't get activated, so annoying. Or google will just get smarter and realize it's the TV talking

[@froxxi668]

Or maybe then finally give you the ability to choose your own activation word

[@JonasHamill]

Alexa is actually pretty good at being able to tell if it's the TV saying her name

[@Icybubba]

I think the Amazon Echo and the Cortana Invoke have the ability to choose your own activation word

[@vintristan]

Buddy you told the future

[@really7052]

YOU ARE RIGHT

[@8aravindk]

I really like the advice that smart homes are best done piece by piece, that makes perfect sense.

[@jillysgoods675]

You are a natural instructor

[@RichardMedhurst]

This started out like a Malcolm in the Middle episode. Love it.

[@Zilla12]

Dewy grown up

[@primomartinez2942]

3:31 This dude just activated my Google Home mini and my mini started played Childish Gambino lol

[@Nikiaf]

I was expecting this to be somewhat clickbaity and short on content, but I really enjoyed it. Good job guys!

[@KicstarV]

I am liking this guy more and more. Great stuff Jake 👌

[@alisdairhorgbury430]

The visual explanation with lego at 01:36 - excellent

[@frankiecal3186]

The NSA loves this guy.

[@MESerralde]

I like this guy. Please have him doing gadget reviews!

[@Jonathan-uo6ui]

This video was way more informative and interesting than I expected.

[@northlander4370]

Good video , i have 10 TP-Link smart plugs , three TP-Link smart switches and an Ecobee smart thermostat in my home , i also have four Echo devices and an Echo Show Eight and every runs very well .

[@naptownfizzle]

I have the Google Home mini and two wemo plugs controlling a lamp and a fan in the bedroom which makes it super easy when going to bed or running out the house.

[@Roboticexile]

It might be worth mentioning that smart plugs aren't necessarily suitable for devices that draw a lot of current. Certainly in the UK there have been stories about small fires being started by high amperage devices being plugged into smart sockets which then overheat.

[@franciscorocha657]

Came looking for a comment like this. Is it safe for an A/C to be turned off like that?, damagewise

[@adyandrey23andrey]

@@franciscorocha657 Look for Broadlink RM PRO/MINI. It will control the A/C as a universal controller and not by plugging or unplugging it. It's really awesome as you can integrate it with Assistants and IFTTT :)

[@franciscorocha657]

@@adyandrey23andrey Thanks Andrei! will take a look at it!

[@MimiTheFirst627]

Rob Locke Agreed. I tried an electric radiator in a smart plug & it didn’t register properly - the plug had been fine with the Christmas lights. I suspected it wasn’t suitable so stopped using it. As you aren’t supposed to use an extension cable with things like radiators, I think smart plugs may be out of bounds too.

[@aqalbin]

Finally a video that gives a good overview for these complicated things. I wonder, can you make your monitor ”smart” with that chrome device that you put in your speakers?

[@mean1979Jusitn]

Good video. Nice and simple for the newbies out there.

[@Leonvolt28]

Sonoff wifi switches are a good option if you want to start a smart home.

[@TechTicking]

For smart lights, there is a cheaper alternative than the philips hue, I suggest Sengled lights

[@anjai4448]

Tech Ticking Or tp-link bulbs

[@mercatore030]

Or even Ikeas Tradfri

[@gabriell04032]

LIFX is the best IMO.

[@refreshedtracks2340]

Sengled is great, they still have a hub just like the HUE so they don’t use up any router band width and they have no delay at all! They work great with the google home too

[@annegothong]

The cheapest I've found is a brand called TECKIN. You can find them on Amazon. Doesn't need a hub, and can connect to your Google Home.

[@bsfatboy]

Wo. Using the Aiwa stereo as a speaker stand. Thats pretty much what it’s good for, I guess. My Aiwa’s CD and cassette player broke years ago, but I still use it to listen to the radio.

[@jasperfredrickson4420]

Our whole house is smart top-to-bottom. Probably spent waaaay too much but whatever. My suggestion for newbies, invest about $300 and go with a Smartthings as it works with 99% of smart products, a Hue Hub for all your lighting needs (it also integrates with Smartthings). And grab whatever smart assistant (Google / Alexa / etc) and link them up. Those three things will handle everything you need.

[@maxbutton1990]

Thanks for making This is America blast throughout my home, waking everybody up...

[@becca1330]

Max Button um u can mute it🤨

[@Stoverjennifer08]

omg you guys, my favorite thing about this video is the b e a u t i f u l table that record player is on. It looks rustic, as if made by some craftsman

[@HeyItsKayJayBae]

In 2021 the echo show 5” is also 49.99. Totally more useful and easier than the google without a screen 🤙🏼👍🏼 you’re welcome.

[@alyasyafinaz7861]

Hello, how do I pair the aircond which is using smart plug with a door detector? Is it possible?

[@neilfordan]

In 2:41 he has long sleeves then it became a shirt hahaha. Nice video!

[@chrheca]

Isnt it a bad idea to hook an airconditioner to the outlet? Wont turning the ac on and off multiples times during the day affect the longevity of the device?

[@goliathsuperstar]

home assistant is excelent for a sort of cheap integration with some tech savyness required

[@christianrietbroek9246]

Great stuff. Keep it going Jake!

[@gurleenkathuria9526]

Xiaomi mi home is only 60 dollars + add 1 more temperature sensor and smart plug then add lifx light bulbs ( they are best,period) . Use Google assistant from your phone . This is my set up and it's awesome . Less than 120 USD

I prefer yeelight. It does have less lumen than lifx (800 vs 1200) but it has better software support, can reach wawrmer light (1700K) and costs 1/4th of the price.

[@7er3miah]

@ when they haven't told you yeelight is made by Xiaomi

[@adyandrey23andrey]

I was always questioning myself if the Xiaomi Starter Kit (especially the hub) is compatible with G Assistant. Will it work with google home to make it do things?

[@MrMichaelcaesario]

@@adyandrey23andrey not the hub (at least for now), only the smart sockets wifi version, air purifier, robot vacuum, yeelights bulb and their standing fan, the list will grow since they have tons of product, guess they add em gradually to support google assistant

[@Olson34]

Been looking for a video like this. Thanks

[@682ariki]

Great video, gave me some ideas to bump up the smartness of my house

[@killerkamatis2243]

Love the visual explanation :)

[@bd8594]

After watching this video, I feel lucky here in China, Xiaomi offers all kinds of smart home appliances like smart bulb, automatic curtain, vacuum cleaner and so on which can be connected to Mi home app and controlled by your voice at a very competitive price that everyone can easily afford. I built my own smart home using all Xiaomi smart home products(fingerprint door lock, automatic curtain, smart speaker, smart bulb, vacuum cleaner, window lock detector, air purifier, flower soil moisture detector, human move detector and other small gadgets ) under 750 USD.

[@ClayMann]

There is a lot you can do that goes way beyond just voice control over single devices. Having an air conditioner and your heating tied to temperature sensors. A door sensor triggering the lights when you come home. Playing music triggering all the lights so they react to the music in time for a more party/chilled experience. Loads of fun once you really start to build a collection and come up with neat new ways you can combine them. I'd avoid Philips Hue because its overly expensive. You can get three light strips for the price of one Philips strip from other equally well made brands.

[@PositivelyLizzie]

any brand recommendations?

[@alexcarter8082]

Would have to say I prefer the lifx bulbs for lack of hub. Brighter bulbs. And better app. Overall the experience with lifx has been amazing. Plus no hub 😝

[@MidCenturyMikey]

I did mine for $50. Google Mini on Craigslights$15, smartbulbs 2pc on sale @ Costco $15, 2 smart wifi plugs on Amazon $15.

[@DZDNDR]

If we plug the Air Conditioner to the smart socket, isn't it gonna consume more power when it starts up than when it's idle?

[@chickenwand3766]

I can tell you are putting in an initiative to do hand motions, keep working on it you'll get better!

[@joshshultz620]

you said "play on both speakers" if you are using one chromecast audio per speaker, you are getting two mono signals instead of one stereo.. Use a 1/8th splitter and it will make a huge difference

[@philoupc2239]

Great video ! Thanks

[@Jammilogy]

Nice ! I hope you do a tutorial on how to connect the speakers on smart home hub. 😎👍

[@TheAdidaskicks23]

dope just got a google mini too

[@JL-zw7hi]

Great video.

[@johndigregorio8609]

Question if I get a smart plug can i plug in a surge protector to it to control my tv and my ps4 and my stereo system.

[@LaconicMind]

You can use existing coaxial cable to make a moca network and extend wifi. Some moca adapters even broadcast wifi without needing an extra adapter. The MOCA network manages itself without user input. It's basically ethernet over coax cable. MOCA 2.0 can do ~900 mbps in real world use, 2.5 is supposed to do ~2.5gbps. Only adds about 5-6ms in latency which is amazing! There is no need for zigbee or zwave, just use coax with moca to set up wifi wherever you need it.

[@KishorTwist]

I'd love to smarten my house and it's just that most of the gadgets aren't _reliable_ enough. I read the customers' opinions and they turn you off! Is the technology too new?

[@keyboard_zombie]

3:31 >_> you broke the unwritten rule of smart home videos!

[@navipersaud8528]

Hi what are your thoughts on home automation with xiaomi Home Products in North America?

[@PositivelyLizzie]

I’d love that answer, too

[@mathiasdth]

If I buy the Chromecast thingy for sound, do my speaker system has to be turned on All the time? Or will it turn on automatically when I ask Google assistant to play music?

[@tylermelton7325]

Great video, great quality. Thanks!

[@NeverStark]

A Hue Starter Kit at the price you mentioned does not come with "a bunch of bulbs." It comes with two, and they aren't the kind that can change color.

[@clarkmosses5498]

You gotta admire how at 1:18 the video turns into an Oceans 11 heist exposition scene.

[@nolife_sism4o386]

The chart is not correct. You can also use wifi repeaters, zigbee doesn't have a higher range than wifi.

[@daliah5293]

I died laughing. When he said “hey google, play childish bambino...” my google mini started playing too 🤣🤣

[@rajsingharora1]

So i am about to install the Hue bulbs in my new home ...please do more videos

[@wesjones7260]

*Awesome upload, great production values, and useful info!*

[@josjong5522]

For most (small) houses home automation is a solution looking for a problem. And if you want to save yourself a walk of a few meters to a button on the wall, then remember that you will have to compensate for that at the gym.

[@trickie3605]

Do the TP links work with google home

[@laurentl714]

The Workflow series is awesome. Good job!

[@Duci1989]

Your window sill and heater could use a lick of paint

[@thetruthhurtsu]

perhaps a good sanding first then a lick of paint but...I think he wanted that old rustic country charm in his home. it balances out from old to new. notice how modern his place is?

[@MichaelBeltranPhoto]

Do I need a Hue hub if I already have a SmartThings hub to use the light bulbs?

[@hkitm]

Does the Google Home Mini still work if the WiFi goes down?

[@hkitm]

@Anderson Ferrero What happens if you say "Hey Google, what time is it?" when the Internet is down?

[@hkitm]

@Anderson Ferrero In other words, "Designed by idiots!"

[@aadityagrewal13]

You’re very creative my friend, nice video.

[@Rugerman205]

Nice 👍🏾 Turntable

[@Samialjundi]

Great video thanks for the info

[@uss_04]

I’m not comfortable with these things being able to ping/access stuff on my local network, despite my devices being password protected. Since they communicate via cloud instead of locally, is it okay to just throw most of your IOT in the DMZ in your router settings?

[@NodixD]

I have Bose Companion 50, which I connect to my laptop through USB or an aux cord. I would like to connect it to my Google Home Mini, but I can't seem to figure out how to do so without disconnecting it from my computer everytime I want to use Google Home Mini to put on songs. Is it possible to have it both connected to my laptop, and also to Google Home Mini?

[@mikefayfer6613]

I have several devices installed in my home, including Hue lights, smart outlets, Harmony remote, chromecast, chromecast audio (3), several Google home devices (GH hub, GH, 3 minis) and kind of a mish-mash of umbranded devices. I am finding it a challenge to manage all the apps for the devices, however. While the Google Home app will, ultimately, control all the devices, setup is a bit of a mess. For example, I recently upgraded my phone and some of the devices needed to be reinstalled through their specific app, to return to full function. Once installed, I do not return to the app, as Google takes over, but, might there be a 'universal' app which might provide an interface for a more broad control? I've tried IFTTT with some success in setting up specific tasks or events.

[@FigureFourNews]

Aloha, what camera are you using for the walking intro in this video? Beautiful footage! Thanks!

Great video!!

[@stayoneteam7620]

any way to cooperate with you guys about testing?

[@InovaMentePT]

BEAUTIFUL INTRO WALK & TALK!! GREAT CINEMATOGRAPHY!!!

[@DraculHemming]

If you want to make your lights smarter, don't just jump out and buy these smart bulbs immediately. There is a smart light switches you can buy, including one from SimplySmart Home that just fits over your existing light switch (models included for both switches and toggles) so you can use your Google Home or whatever to turn on your lights that way. And with the money you saved, you can also buy smart plugs that basically fit into your existing plugs already that you can set up (separately if you wish) to control your fan or your humidifier or whatever buy just leaving them on, and using Google or Alexa to effectively shut the power to those devices. And both one light switch and one plug (fits both plugs on your standard outlet) costs only $40.

[@tophers3756]

It's worth mentioning that a convenient, full featured smart home can be created without using a voice assistant device like Google Home or Amazon Echo. They do make interacting with home devices easier (when configured correctly) , but understandably many people are hesitant to have a device that's always listening to private conversations. . A phone, tablet, or computer (to a lesser extent) work well as controllers. Voice commands can still be done from Google Assistant on Android and Chrome OS devices There are many customizable apps for different brands that can help extend functionality, as well. Plus there are window switches and dimmers for various lights. A big decision that deserves some attention is which hub - or hubs - to buy. If you want to use Hue bulbs you'll need a Hue Bridge.. It will work fine for Hue products, when it's time to add things like smart switches you're going to need a hub that supports several communication options. (There are devices that don't require a hub, but the software is often subpar and their ability to work well with other smart devices is less than optimal when it's present at all. .What brands and communication protocols someone will be using will influence which hub is best for a given situation.

[@adnxn1]

Who tf will read that

[@07truth]

So phone and tablets are not "always listening" but smart speakers are? Everyone has a listening device nowadays.

[@mizzle234]

word y'all shot in crown heights, nice vid!

[@WebbstR]

You nearly woke up my entire household to Childish Gambino.

[@aaribanwar1387]

You can just use echo dot and plug in the audio jack into your old speakers, no need for an extra Chromecast.

[@Leonvolt28]

You can connect a Google home mini wirelessly to speaker via bluetooth. You can use a Bluetooth USB Audio receiver if the stereo doesn't have Bluetooth.

[@IsakThor434]

Do i have do plug the bridge into my router with a lan cable

[@cristienperezzx5141]

I have like 17 hue lights 3 hue strips and 1 hue portable light and a HomePod. Is that smart enough?

[@perkpetersen9937]

Cool video 🙂👍. Cheers from Denmark

[@BradVicious]

What about Tp Link bulbs? They are cheaper and you don't need a hub to control them.

[@Cre4tivEdits]

What happens when internet goes out will it all work through bluetooth still

[@mrlowkey]

Would love to watch a video about the best office chair

[@xyz-pg3zd]

I can't find a solid reason(s) to really use this tech, since a phone can do a lot of the same (e.g. assistant already in android phones), and you can just manually do these things but not as fast. Have these assistant devices been a life changer for any of you? If so, how?

[@divano1014]

why did google remove the chromecast audio

[@austinjamesfr]

idevices makes rly good cheap smarthome products, they’re a small company but 👌👌

[@kjmok]

started with lifx bulbs in 2016 and echo dot in 2017. now i wanna change all the bulbs at home to lifx bulbs.

[@privatly6809]

I can't find the Chromecast audio. Where can I buy one?

[@NeverStark]

I'm perplexed by whatever you're doing with the Chromecast audio. I see two nice Elac speakers presumably hooked up to that Denon receiver (and not that Aiwa relic of our youths). . . but for what reason would you have to say "on both speakers"? I assume the Chromecast is hooked up to a stereo input, right?

[@Psi-Storm]

He has a chromecast receiver on both stereos and wanted to show you can use them to play the same on multiple devices. Multiroom audio.

[@NeverStark]

@@Psi-Storm Even if you do have that inside info, that's not what he said. "I have this two speaker system here - it's old, it's like from 2004 or something - but if I hook the Chromecast Audio up by plugging into the AUX port, I can now control it from my phone, or do this - I can say: Hey Google, play Childish Gambino on both speakers." Taking his word for it, he must have named his Chromecast "Both Speakers" for some reason. That setup wouldn't allow for one or the other to play individually. . . .

[@paulozhan]

Thank you for the explanatory video but the continuity is tripping me for real. In the illustration bits you have 2 sets of hands with sleeves, and then on the wider shot you have ... no sleeves.