Whether you are a homeowner or a renter who wants to improve outdoor living, there are many ways to improve the functionality and look of your space in the yard. It is easier with leading technology, so knowing what is available is the next step. Here are the top choices:
Cutting the grass is a chore that extends through several months of the year and takes away from quality time spent with the family. Not to mention how it makes you sweat on hot summer days. Avoiding the activity altogether sounds great, but how?
That is where a robotic version of your traditional lawn mower comes in handy, providing a great mow in less time. The best robot lawn mower uses cloud computing, intelligently navigating your lawn, including avoiding obstacles, and can be programmed to reach the lawn's edges, so you won't need to manually trim. It can be programmed according to your grass growth rate, based on local climate, grass species, and other factors.
If you love spending time on the patio, get more usable time out there with proper lighting so you can see properly when evening comes. That makes for a safer environment when it gets dark and enables you to have parties outdoors rather than always being limited to the home interior.
Outdoor solar lamps are a great choice for those who want to be energy efficient and have the latest in tech. Look for ones that are rated highly for having a long lifespan; many in-demand models offer 8 hours of illumination after the sun charges them fully. The right one can add sophistication to the area with a soft glow.
If you like to entertain outside and serve up food on the grill, consider a wireless smart meat thermometer. It involves putting a leave-in thermometer into a cut of meat on the barbecue. The probes pair with a receiver or smartphone app via Bluetooth, sending an internal temperature reading. You can then read the temperature on the LED display (receiver or app) that's a safe distance from the BBQ.
You can monitor cooking at any point. The best part? The meat will cook to the exact temperature you want. You will get a notification when the meat reaches the desired temperature if it connects to an app. For those using this on a balcony, practice apartment safety tips when grilling.
Sound systems have come a long way. The latest ones are waterproof Bluetooth speakers. The top-rated models bring premium sound to your backyard, so you can play upbeat tunes to bring more energy to your patio party.
With a portable design, you can take them with you too, from the front yard to the back (and anywhere else). The Bluetooth design means no WiFi connection is required. The waterproof ones are great choices for the poolside. Look for one with a battery life of at least 6 hours, so you can get longer use out of it at one time.
Ever thought about having a backyard movie night? If you've groaned thinking about a complicated projector setup, the good news is that the latest tech is much easier now. Using Bluetooth and WiFi, projectors designed for the outdoors are often wireless, user-friendly, and portable. That makes it straightforward to set up in your chosen location in the backyard to watch action films (or any other genre).
Being able to connect the projector quickly, use it with a simple remote, and make adjustments with an app on your smartphone can all make for a seamless and fun evening. Consider an outdoor projector with built-in speakers for great sound quality. The next movie night is at your house - Well, actually, it'll be outside your house!
A high-tech fire pit might be on your must-have list. The newest models are low-smoke and have little smokey smell, thanks to tech innovation, making them more sought after than traditional designs. Some sit directly on the ground, while others are slightly elevated. If you plan to move it regularly, look for one with built-in handles to make carrying it easier.
Smokeless fire pits can vary widely, so take the time to find one that is straightforward to use. Choosing one that ignites easily makes sense. With some models, you can control the height of the flame and heat, making for a more custom experience as you toast marshmallows with friends at night. Of course, stay within your household budget.
The above list is not exhaustive. There are many more outdoor options for the tech-savvy. Propane-powered pizza ovens are one example, designed to evenly cook pizza in less time (as little as six minutes for some models).
Another choice to consider is the wireless outdoor fan, which can run for hours without having to be plugged in, so you can bring it closer to your patio chairs for cooling in summer. There are also weatherproof TVs to watch the latest shows from outside, whereas regular televisions are not made to withstand the elements over time. For those who have a backyard pool, some TVs are splashproof, so you won't worry if it gets a bit wet while you're swimming close by.
The gadget you decide on can transform the outside living space, so you get even more out of the property. They can also add convenience to your life, like the robot vacuum and wireless meat thermometer. It can also bring more usability to the space, as shown with the projector and waterproof speaker.
Thinking about what your needs and wants are is the first step in deciding what technology to get to enhance your outdoor space. Think about the size of the area, as well. Of course, follow the homeowners' guidelines if you are a renter.
Smart designs have come a long way, and new ones will continue to develop over time. They have gotten better in battery life, WiFi range, and weather resistance. Automation is also changing the tech space considerably. Your backyard is going to be an amazing space to entertain and enjoy!