Staying connected with smart technology
Life gets busy and sometimes families are spread across different cities or even continents, but that’s where smart tech steps in to help make it easier for families to stay close. It can help families stay in sync, feel more secure and create shared moments.
Smartphones keep families connected
Video calls, messaging apps, and social media platforms using smartphones help bridge distances between family members, allowing them to share moments and experiences in real time. You can have a quick video call with grandparents, share photos in a family group chat or create a shared album for sharing memories.
Many smartphones come with built-in parental controls to help balance screen time. Parents can customise settings to ensure safe usage, while kids can use their devices to stay in touch with loved ones.
Wearable technology for safety and wellness
Wearable technology is transforming family life, offering health monitoring, GPS tracking and real-time alerts.
Smartwatches, in particular, help parents stay connected with their kids through customisable features designed for security and convenience.
Want tips on keeping them digitally secure? Check out our guide to online safety for kids. That’s smart parenting.
Smarten up your home
Google Nest Hub Gen 2.
From remote learning, working from home to managing chores and playtime, your home is a hub of activity. With the right smart devices, it can also be a hub of convenience and connection.
Smart home technology helps families stay organised, so you can spend less time managing tasks and more time enjoying moments together. A smart home is a living space enhanced by interconnected devices that automate everyday tasks.
Getting started with smart home technology
At the heart of every smart home is a smart home hub such as the Google Home and Amazon Echo Show. This hub acts as the control centre, linking and managing devices such as lights, thermostats, security systems, and appliances for seamless automation.
Making everyday life easier
For busy parents juggling household chores, childcare, and online learning, managing a home can feel like a full-time job. From creating chore lists to setting homework reminders, AI-powered assistants like Google Assistant are making parenting more manageable. With features like Google’s ‘assignable reminders’ and the Nest Hub Max, you can keep your household running smoothly.
Stay in control with remote monitoring
Smart home security lets you check in on your home anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s viewing security cameras, locking doors remotely, or adjusting the thermostat from your phone, you stay in control no matter where you are.
Keeping your smart home secure
As smart homes grow, so do cybersecurity risks so here’s what you need to know about cybersecurity and protecting your home. Hackers can gain access to smart home systems, potentially locking homeowners out, stealing sensitive information or even committing identity theft. That’s why learning about and investing in reliable security solutions is more important than ever. Google Nest security products such as the Google Nest Camera and Google Nest Doorbell help you keep an eye on your home, indoors and out, with intelligent alerts and remote access.
As smart homes become more common, cybersecurity risks increase—here’s what you need to know to protect your home.
Enjoy music and shows your way
Smart homes can make entertainment effortless so you can spend more time with your family. With voice-controlled speakers and smart displays, you can play your favourite music through Spotify Premium with Telstra, stream shows or catch up on the latest news.
Devices you can add to your smart home
Smart homes aren’t just about convenience but they are also about adapting to your family’s lifestyle. Nearly every aspect of your home can now be smarter. Here are some great additions to consider:
- Smart TVs let you stream everyone’s favourites, from Saturday morning cartoons to movie night classics. You can even mirror your phone screen to share holiday snaps or funny videos in the living room. Some models include voice or gesture controls, making it easier for kids to join in too.
- Smart lights help you create the right vibe for any moment. Dim them for bedtime stories, brighten them for homework or set fun colours for parties. You can even sync them to music.
- Smart pet technology can keep your pets fed, entertained, monitored and cared for with smart feeders, cameras and interactive toys. It is useful for pet loving families.
Thinking about a smarter setup? Explore smart home devices to find what works for your space.
