Productivity in the Digital Home: Smart Gadgets That Make a Difference

3 min readNov 30, 2023

Unless you’ve lived under a rock for the past 15 years or so, we live in an era of the Internet of Things (IoT). Our homes are evolving into hubs of efficiency and convenience. Far beyond mere comfort, these advancements have started playing a vital role in our productivity.

Whether you’re working from home or simply aiming to streamline daily tasks, integrating smart home gadgets can make a discernible difference.

Here’s a list of gadgets that stand out in the quest for heightened productivity. In parenthesis are the devices/gadgets that I currently have.

1. Smart Thermostats (Google Nest)

Temperature can greatly influence our focus and efficiency. Smart thermostats learn your preferences over time and adjust the temperature to optimal conditions. No more fiddling with dials; your environment is always primed for productivity.

2. Voice Assistants (Google Home — I have 4)

Voice assistants can be invaluable tools for the productivity-focused individual. Set reminders, make shopping lists, or even control other smart devices in your home — all without lifting a finger. Plus, integrate them with apps like Todoist or Any.do to manage your tasks seamlessly.

3. Smart Lighting (Philips Hue lightbulbs — I have 6)

Lighting sets the mood for work. Smart lighting systems allow for custom presets, adjusting the brightness or color based on the task at hand, be it focused work or relaxation.

4. Robotic Vacuum Cleaners (Roomba)

House chores can be a significant distraction, especially when working from home. A robotic vacuum takes care of daily cleaning, allowing you to focus on more pressing tasks.

5. Smart Plugs (Amazon smart plug)

Control and monitor devices from your phone or through voice commands. Whether it’s ensuring the coffee maker is off or turning on a study lamp remotely, smart plugs add an element of convenience and safety.

I use my plug for those appliances or devices that are not connected to the internet or that are not compatible with voice assistants.

6. Wi-Fi Mesh Systems (Google Nest WiFi)

A stable internet connection is the backbone of digital productivity. My house has 3 floors, with my office/workout area on the third floor, but my TV and other smart devices in the first and second floor.

The Google Nest Wi-Fi Mesh is great because I have 1 hub per floor to ensure robust coverage throughout your home, eliminating dead zones and guaranteeing a consistent online experience.

7. Smart Standing Desks (Uplift V2 at work; Marsail at home)

Ergonomics plays a pivotal role in productivity. Smart standing desks adjust to your preferred height at the push of a button and even offer presets for sitting and standing positions, promoting a healthier work routine.

8. Noise-Cancelling Smart Headphones (Beats Studio Pro)

When it’s time to zone in, these headphones help eliminate distractions from the external environment, offering premium sound quality for calls and music.

These aren’t by far the only smart gadgets in the market, but they come pretty handy when trying to keep your focus where it matters, and letting our smart devices take care of the minutiae.

See you next time.

Let’s do this.

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