As a tech-savvy individual, my desire to infuse more technology into my living space led me on a quest for affordable smart home solutions. While smart light bulbs with WiFi connectivity have been around, their steep prices were a deterrent. That’s when I stumbled upon Bunnings.
For Australians, Bunnings stands as the ultimate home improvement destination, providing everything from the tiniest nail to the tallest ladder. The possibilities for envisioning a dream home are truly amazing within its aisles. Introducing Grid Connect, Bunnings’ smart device connectivity line, which pleasantly surprised me with its affordability. It is undeniably a smart solution from Bunnings. Despite the clunky user interface and speed issues of the Grid Connect app, the overall experience is fantastic.
I’ve invested in a few smart globes and a smart IR blaster, and I’m thoroughly enjoying the newfound love for RGB lighting. In rental spaces, where bright white lights are the norm, these smart globes allow me to add a touch of warmth with subtle yellows during dinner or when I’m unwinding with a beer.
The most exciting aspect is the seamless integration with voice assistants like Google Home or Alexa. I couldn’t help but ponder whether parents still name their children Alexa, considering the constant commands associated with the name!
The integration with Alexa through the Grid Connect app is flawless, although there’s always room for improvement in technology. Rating the products, I’d give them 9/10 for price, 9/10 for quality, and a perfect 10/10 for the fun they bring to my daily life.
While the Grid Connect application might resemble something from the early 2000s, it efficiently performs its job. However, the widgets for smartphones could use some improvement, particularly when using functions with Alexa, which leads to a lot of shouting.
I’ve been eager to try out their smart plugs and smart strips, but budget constraints and stock availability have delayed my experimentation. Nevertheless, I don’t feel like I’m missing out on much.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the IR blaster. Introduced to me by a tech-savvy customer at work, this device has become a game-changer. I managed to pair it with various devices, including our tower fan, air conditioner, and even our television, which runs on LG webOS despite being from Blaupunkt.
Despite initial struggles to set it up, the wait and effort were worthwhile. Spending AUD$30 on it felt like a Christmas gift to myself. The beauty of the IR blaster lies in its ability to pair with any device that comes with a remote, making it a versatile addition to my smart home setup.
In conclusion, despite minor flaws in the app, Bunnings’ Grid Connect products are outstanding. They prove that you don’t need to splurge on big-name brands to create a smart home. I’m eagerly anticipating new products from Bunnings and hope they continue to build on their smart home line, as there’s undoubtedly a market for it. With a bit more attention, Bunnings could further solidify its presence in the smart home space.