In our last post, we explored some of the automation the Buzz team uses to make their work lives easier. In part two, we'll learn what our team uses at home.
At the heart of the home automation system for several team members is Amazon Alexa, which is used to streamline communication throughout the house. The Alexa Drop-In feature is a game-changer for keeping the family connected, whether it's announcing dinner time or reminding everyone about an event. With Drop-In, you can make quick announcements to any room equipped with an Alexa device, making communication instant and efficient. Not only does it save time, but it also adds a fun element to you daily routine. One team member’s kids love using it to send messages to each other or to make house-wide announcements—sometimes just for fun! They’re friends love it too.
Another automation many of the team rely on is Alexa's shopping list feature, which automatically compiles a grocery list based on needs mentioned throughout the week. As a team who loves efficiency, this feature saves us from writing lists or forgetting items when we head to the store. A Buzz team member commented: “It's especially helpful during busy weeks when I don't have time to sit down and plan meals; instead, I just call out what we need, and Alexa takes care of the rest.”
Creating the right atmosphere at home is a breeze with the help of smart technology. Several team members use Alexa Routines and smart bulbs to adjust the lighting throughout the day, enhancing both the environment and mood. In the morning, cooler and brighter lights help you wake up, and in the evening, dimmer, warmer colors signal it’s time to wind down. The lighting transitions are programmed based on the time of day and even sunset, so you never have to think about manually changing the lights. To add a personalized touch, you can sync certain Spotify playlists to specific times of the day—whether it’s upbeat music in the morning or calming tunes in the evening; your home is filled with the perfect soundtrack.
Pro-tip from a Buzz team member: For added ambiance, we use Fire TVs to display peaceful video scenes in the kitchen while cooking or eating, helping to create a relaxing environment. We also use RF-controlled candles to provide a cozy glow in the evening, controlled by a smart RF controller that Alexa oversees. These small touches, all automated, make our home a more enjoyable place to be without requiring constant attention or adjustments.
Safety is always a top priority, and an automation system can enhance your home's security. With smart locks, you can remotely lock and unlock doors via Wink Alexa or Apple devices, making it easy to give access to family members or guests without needing a physical key. This is especially useful for Buzz team members with kids, who can easily lock or unlock the door using voice commands.
In the evening, outdoor cameras connected to Alexa, which triggers interior lights to turn on if motion is detected outside, add an extra layer of security. Additionally, you manage all these functions without relying on expensive subscription services, as our outdoor wireless camera system stores footage locally.
Automating energy use is another way to simplify life while also saving on utility costs. The Buzz team loves Nest thermostats programmed to adjust temperatures based on the time of day, helping to conserve energy when we’re not home or when we’re sleeping. Whether it’s cooling down the house before we wake up or adjusting the temperature remotely when we're out, it ensures our homes are comfortable and energy-efficient.
Similarly, smart bulbs are programmed to turn off at specific times to save electricity. In the mornings, lights gradually turn on before waking up, ensuring a smooth start to the day without needing to fumble for switches. In the evening, lights automatically turn off as part of a “wind-down” routine, promoting a more relaxed environment while conserving energy.
With all these automations in place, Buzz team members have created home environments that are not only functional and secure but also stress-free and enjoyable. By letting smart technology handle the little details, we have more time to focus on what really matters—family, fun, and relaxation.