Get Security Cameras Installed

Whether you do it yourself or get certified professionals like Geeks on Wheels in to set them up, security cameras are a great option. They not only act as a deterrent, letting would-be thieves know your home is monitored, but are also packed with features.

Thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity you can keep an eye on your home or office from anywhere. Many cameras have two-way audio so you can communicate with visitors from afar. Most models also have motion detection so you can be notified, instantly when movement is detected. Security Cameras also have wide fields of view with adjustable angles, so you can keep an eye on more of your property.

In recent years all of the best security cameras in New Zealand have improved vastly and become much more accessible. Check out our list of favourites if you’d like, or get in touch with the team to organise security camera installation and connection to your wireless network. We even have models in stock, ready to install. Don’t have time to check out the full list of the best cameras? Our top recommendation is the TP-Link Tapo – C425 camera.

Set Up A Smart Doorbell/Lock

A Smart doorbell or lock is a must-have for your home security, not only do they add a layer of protection to your home but they are super convenient too! Want to keep an eye on deliveries? Have tradies coming around but won’t be there to let them in? Or simply want to watch your home while you’re away?

Smart Locks have you covered! Much like the security cameras we mentioned they are accessible via an easy-to-use app. They even give you the ability to monitor your home wherever you are. Just as long as you have reception. The only drawbacks compared to security cameras are the limited field of view and the inability to angle the camera to suit.

Use Smart Bulbs or Smart Plugs

Keep would-be thieves second-guessing by using smart devices to make it look like someone is home. This tip is all part of your home security system and is yet another deterrent.

Set up schedules using smart plugs or smart bulbs so your home doesn’t look dark and empty in the evenings. These great devices connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network and allow you to control them from afar.  You could also install outdoor lighting that is motion or darkness-activated. Keeping your property well-lit is a great deterrent against thieves.

Bonus Tip – Update Your Privacy Settings

It’s always been sound advice to avoid advertising your valuables or sharing that your house might be left empty for an extended period. But, we often share holiday plans or new purchases for all to see on social media.

We know that the family all wants to be updated around the holiday season, but make sure you’re not updating strangers or would-be-thieves too. Update your privacy settings or make your profiles private/locked. Doing this means only those who follow you or are friends with you can see your updates.

Don’t give strangers insight into when your house will be empty or what shiny new devices Santa has just left.

If you want to make sure your home is safe and secure this festive season make sure you’ve ticked these items off your home security checklist. If you need help with installing security cameras or setting up your home security then make sure to reach out to Geeks on Wheels. From network support to guidance using the app we’ve got you covered!

Before we start listing off smart home essentials, let’s answer an important question!  

Smart Devices, what are they and why should you make the switch?  

Smart devices are internet-connected gadgets that collect and process data to automate tasks and improve your daily routines. A few examples include Smart TVs, Smart Plugs, Smart Lights, Smart Locks and Smart Thermostats. 

Smart devices allow you to conveniently automate simple daily routines, such as turning on lights at set hours or, having the heating start just before you get home. Additionally, smart homes also consume less energy, lowering carbon footprints and reducing emissions. So, let’s look at what Smart Home essentials you need to get started! 

Google Nest Mini – Smart Home Hub
 

The Smart Home Hub is the nerve centre of your home automation system and ties all your devices together. Most smart devices don’t require a hub and can be controlled through their own app. But, to create a truly optimised smart home we recommend bringing all your devices together with a Smart Home Hub. 

We recommend the Google Nest Mini as a budget friendly option to start your Smart Home journey. This compact, voice activated smart speaker is compatible with over a thousand smart devices including lights, thermostats, and smart plugs. Simply say, “Hey Google” to play your favourite songs from Spotify, or to get the weather forecast and day’s news. 

A smart home hub lets you get the most out of your smart home devices and makes the smart home experience, simple, streamlined, and convenient. Need some tips on connecting devices to Google Nest? Check out our blog!  

TP-Link Tapo P100 Smart Plug 

Smart Plugs are a must have in your smart home ecosystem. They save time, money and energy by having the ability to turn connected devices on/off remotely, wherever you are! If you do link your smart device to a Smart Home Hub, you’ll even be able to manage your smart plug with voice commands.

We recommend the TP-Link Tapo P100 Smart Plug, it’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, is affordably priced and has the ability to set up schedules and away modes. Therefore, this Smart Plug is a great option and a must have for any 2023 smart home! 

Phillips Hue Smart Lights 

With over 20 smart light bulbs to choose from, the Philips Hue range is sure to have a lighting solution that will work for you. Whether you want to create ambience, improve wellbeing or simplify your daily routines, Phillips Hue has a range of solutions to suit your needs! 

Philips Hue Smart Lights allow you to create the right atmosphere to match your mood. With the ability to choose from all shades of white and over 16 million colours, you can customise the feeling of any room. Smart automation lets your lights mimic the sunrise to help you wake up more naturally or turn on when you’re away to make it look like you’re still at home. Overall, smart lighting brings emotion, convenience, and security to your smart home. 

Sensibo Heat Pump Controller 

With winter on the way, creating a warm and cosy smart home is a must! A smart thermostat or smart heat pump controller allows you to schedule your heating to create a warm liveable space in your home. With 7 day scheduling you can be fully in control of your climate. Additionally, you can create schedules that will warm the house when you wake up in the morning or turn on the heating 30 minutes before you come home from work. 

The Sensibo Sky Smart Wi-Fi Air Conditioner Controller has a built-in temperature and humidity sensor. With Climate React, you can control your comfort and energy use by setting triggers to change the climate based on temperature, humidity levels and comfort parameters. 

These four Smart Home essentials are key to any Smart Home overhaul! However, there is a plethora of other smart devices which you can add to make your home smarter, more liveable and more convenient! So, if you want to learn more, read our blogs on The Best Smart TVs 2023 or The Best Brand Of Home Security Cameras.

Need help setting up your smart home devices? Our friendly technicians can help with pairing, connecting and automating your devices, saving you time and stress! Call today to Book a Geek – 0800 424 335!

Many devices can work with Google Home – simply look for the ‘Works with Google Home’ sticker when shopping to ensure their compatibility. This way, you can connect anything from your lighting and entertainment units (such as TV and radio), to your home security and appliances (such as a fridge). This network can be as simple or as complex as you like. The first step is to get it all set up.

Related: List of Google supported smart home devices

Step 1: Setting up your smart devices

If you haven’t already done so, follow the steps provided by the device maker to set up your smart home devices.

Geeks on Wheels also offer a handy Smart Home set-up service. We not only help you with the set-up process but also train you on how to use all your smart devices, and ensure all steps are taken to make them as secure as possible.

Step 2: Connecting your smart home devices in the Google Home app 

1. The first step is always to check the manufacturer’s instructions on your new device. This will ensure you’re aware of any special guidance or steps you’ll need to know for that specific product or model.
2. Next, download and open the Google Home app with your smartphone or tablet. It is available for Android here, and on iTunes here.
3. Once the app is downloaded, open it and tap the ‘Add +’ button. Then hit ‘Set up device +’ and select ‘Works with Google’, and select the device from the list.
4. The app will then prompt you for the specific device, so you’ll simply need to follow the steps on the screen.

You can complete these steps for as many smart devices as you like.

Related: How to set up Google NestMini

Step 3: Controlling and managing your smart devices 

Learning how to control and manage your devices effectively can make life even easier.

1. Creating rooms

One of those management options is to create ‘rooms’. This means you can assign a device, or a number of devices, to a specific room in your home to make it easier to manage. For example, this would be useful to easily manage the smart light bulbs in your living room specifically.

To do this, enter the app, and touch and hold the chosen device’s tile. Then hit ‘Settings’, ‘Room’, and either ‘Add a custom room’ to create a new room or ‘Choose a room’. Note that you cannot add a device to more than one room at a time. However, you can change a device’s room, rename rooms, and delete rooms all within the app.

2. Rename your devices

Another feature you can use is the option to rename your smart devices. This might be helpful if your devices have technical or doubled up names that make them hard to tell apart.

To change a device’s name, touch and hold the device’s tile then hit ‘Settings’ and ‘Name’ to enter the new name.

Need a hand? Or a whole Geek?

Our Geeks are experienced in dealing with complicated technical systems. If you need help setting up Google Home with smart devices, we’re just a call away.

Our friendly Geeks can set it up, ensure it is secure, and teach you how to use it and make it work for your needs.

Book a Geek online here or give us a call on 0800 424 335.

What are smart home devices?

Smart devices are electronic devices that are in some way connected to other devices or networks. Generally, they often also have interactive or autonomous functions as well. Some of the most common smart devices in Kiwi homes include:

• Smartphones
• Voice-controlled speakers such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa
• Smart doorbells
• Smartwatches
• Tablets and laptops
• Robot vacuums
• Smart lightbulbs
• Smart thermostats

The earlier study showed that while Kiwis had an average of 29 smart devices per home, 80% of Kiwis said they only had one to five smart devices in the home. This suggests that we tend to underestimate which devices are classified as ‘smart’ and how many of them we have.

How might smart home devices compromise our security?

As much as smart devices can make life easier, they can also add new security weaknesses. This is because many of these devices connect to the internet, record personal information, and access personal data such as shopping accounts and even bank accounts.

For example, a smart speaker with voice activation is essentially always listening to what you say. A home security camera is watching what you do, a wearable fitness device knows where you are, and a smart fridge can order things online.

Should any of these devices become hacked, you can potentially lose sensitive personal information. Hackers could also ‘hijack’ these devices and not give back control until a ransom is paid. However, that doesn’t mean you have to live without smart devices. It just means you have to be smart about living with them.

How can we be smart about our smart devices?

1. The first step is to change the passwords on your smart devices as soon as you get them. Many devices will come with a pre-set password upon arrival, just like your Internet modem, and it’s important to change this to a stronger, private password immediately.
2. Secondly, you should put your smart devices on a separate Wifi network from the one you use daily. Your router provides a ‘guest’ network option, so use this for your smart device network, and keep your laptop and mobile on the main network. This ensures there is no unwanted communication or weaknesses between devices.
3. Much like keeping your laptop secure, you must also keep the software up to date. New software updates help to fix any potential weaknesses that hackers might exploit, so update each device as soon as there is an update available.
4. Ensuring your network is secure is imperative to keeping your smart devices as safe online as possible. Make sure your Wi-Fi password is long and strong, and check your router regularly to make sure only your devices are connected to your network.
5. You can also do a little research before making any smart device purchases. If an item has a common security bug or well-known issue, it may be best to look for a different brand.

Get help with Smart Home set-up

 Geeks on Wheels offers a handy Smart Home set-up service.

We can supply devices we know to be highly secure and reliable, set up your Smart Home hub, recommend devices that would suit your lifestyle, train you on how to use all your smart devices, and ensure all steps are taken to make them as secure as possible.

Book a Geek online or give us a call on 0800 424 335 to find out more.