I remember a time, not so long ago, when the idea of a “smart home” felt like something out of a sci-fi movie. Flashing lights, robots serving drinks, maybe a holographic butler. Fast forward to today, and while we might not have the holographic butler just yet, our homes are quietly becoming smarter, more intuitive, and surprisingly, a powerful ally in our quest for productivity. It’s not about the novelty anymore; it’s about making our daily lives smoother, more efficient, and giving us back precious time and mental energy.
For years, my co-host Brooks and I have explored the evolving landscape of productivity. We’ve seen trends come and go, but one area that has consistently delivered real-world benefits is home automation. It’s about creating an environment that supports your goals—whether that’s a seamless morning routine, a focused work session, or simply the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is looking after itself.
Your Voice, Your Command: The Subtle Power of Voice Assistants
When voice assistants first hit the scene, many of us—myself included—saw them as a bit of a gimmick. Fun for asking silly questions or playing music, but truly productive? Not so much. Brooks, for example, has largely moved away from them, finding other methods more straightforward for his family. Yet even with their limitations, they offer a subtle, but significant, boost to daily efficiency.
For me, my Amazon Echo is an integral part of my morning stretches. I just say “Good morning,” and it rattles off the weather, my calendar, and a quick news brief. A tiny win, but it lets me preview my day without even touching my phone.
Brooks uses his Google Nest in the kitchen the same way. Beyond displaying cherished photos, it’s a quick way to set timers or ask a question hands-free. And with AI tools like ChatGPT’s voice mode, on-the-go information retrieval is only getting better. The voice layer is still in its infancy, but the potential is enormous: hands-free, context-aware assistance that actually does things.
Illuminating Efficiency: The Smart-Light Revolution
Smart lighting has come a long way since the first Philips Hue bulbs. What started as a fun color trick has become a keystone habit-builder.
• When I leave, every light shuts off automatically.
• When I return after 6 p.m., a preset, welcoming scheme lights up.
• At 7:30 p.m., everything shifts to red to reduce blue-light exposure and help me wind down.
Brooks went deeper: he swapped traditional switches for Lutron Caseta smart switches. Same automation benefits, but you still get an old-school physical switch—critical when multiple people live in the house. As he says, “Chances are the people you live with aren’t going to be as patient with app-only controls.”
Need flexibility? Smart plugs turn any lamp (or ring light) into a smart device. Brooks even mapped his Stream Deck so one button sets his computer and his lighting for video calls.
Peace of Mind on Autopilot: Smart Locks & Security
Smart locks felt risky to me—until my building installed them. Now I enter with a code, key card, or phone. My pockets are lighter and remote access is simple: friends can water plants with a temporary code.
Brooks added a Chamberlain MyQ to his older garage door opener. Now a ping reminds him if the door’s left open, and he can close it from anywhere. “No more ‘Did I shut the garage?’ anxiety,” he says.
Add an indoor camera and you have next-level peace of mind. I set mine to record only when I’m away. If maintenance pops in, I get a clip—nothing more, nothing less.
One Platform to Rule Them All
The quickest way to hate home automation is to juggle five apps. Brooks standardized on Apple HomeKit; you might pick Google or Alexa. Better yet, look for devices labeled “Matter” to future-proof yourself. One ecosystem = less friction, faster setups, and fewer headaches.
What’s Next? Beyond Buttons and Bulbs
Smart fridges that reorder milk still feel gimmicky, but the idea—anticipatory automation—is powerful. I’m excited about smart mirrors that show my schedule or health metrics while I’m brushing my teeth.
The real leap will come from AI agents that learn your patterns and act without being asked: blinds that lower because the afternoon sun overheats your office, or a bot that schedules the AC repair before you notice a problem.
One Small Action
Home automation can get expensive fast. Pick one upgrade—maybe a smart plug, switch, or indoor cam—and add it to your cart today. Nail that single win, then iterate. One tweak a week, right?
Stay productive,
— Thanh
