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Innovative technology has given homeowners new ways to manage their appliances, thermostats and lighting systems. There’s even a smart oven on the market that knows what food it’s preparing and cooks it to perfection.
Some of the latest technological gadgets can simplify the operation of garage doors, as well as make garages more comfortable. Take a look at some of these trendsetting products:
Smart opener
Garage door opener manufacturer Chamberlain has developed an app for Android and Apple wireless devices, MyQ Home Control. With the app and a compatible opener, users can open and close their garage door from anywhere and control individual lights throughout the home.
MyQ can communicate with other wireless devices in a home, too, such as Nest thermostats. And eventually, Chamberlain plans to introduce MyQ technology that will open the garage door automatically, when it detects a homeowner’s car approaching.
Intuitive fan
A powerful new air circulator from Vornado is designed to ensure maximum airflow – it doesn’t just blow air in a straight line, it twists and twirls to move up to 655 cubit feet of air per minute.
Most fans have settings of low, medium and high, whereas the Vornado Energy Smart Circulator has an output control just like the volume knob on a stereo and can be adjusted incrementally. At only 17 inches tall, this powerful air circulator may be the perfect solution for stuffy garages.
Light and sound
A new product from Canadian manufacturer Sengled lets homeowners enjoy adjustable lighting and music in the garage. The combination light and speaker screws into a standard outlet, and using the Sengled app, homeowners can adjust the brightness of the lights and listen to their favorite music or podcast.
Amazon recently released Echo Dot, a smaller version of its Echo, a wireless Bluetooth speaker. With the accompanying Tap, which is about the size of a hockey puck, users can play music on the speaker or ask it to find answers to questions, similar to iPhone’s Siri interface.
Warmth on demand
The QMark programmable digital wall heater can warm up a chilly garage without taking up valuable floor space. Designed for spaces up to 200 square feet, the heater also includes a nightlight and a fan-only function for air circulation. For larger garages, the Berko Architectural Wall Heater heats up to 480 square feet and features a stylish powder-coated steel finish.