Last week I found myself looking at YouTube videos of smart homes and how people seemed excited about it. Although the topic is not new for me I always thought that one day, in the future, I’d be able to do the same.

Turns out the future is now.

I remember visiting an exposition called “The House of the Future” in Lisbon before High School (around 8 years ago?) where everything there is now at our disposal. Let’s see:

Microwaves and fringes connected to the Internet? Check. Samsung is probably the brand that has the higher number of connected home appliances: washing machines, fridges and microwaves are just the tip of the iceberg.

Control the lights of your house by voice? Check. Phillips Hue is the most famous one and starts from 18€ (white bulb).

Wireless headphones to listen to music? Check. There are so many options here… I’m using a Jabra Move (over ear headphones) in the office/home and a Mpow Chetah (in ear headphones) in the gym.

Tablets with touch screens to communicate with your relatives at distance? Check! Actually writing this article in one of them. Apple iPad is the way to go here.

Virtual assistants? Check. Hey Siri! Okay Google! Alexa!

All of these have to have a common way to communicate between each other so you can set triggers and rules to achieve the dream of the autonomous house. So far the best is HomeKit and having that in mind I bought all accessories compatible with it.

Here are my picks:

• Eve Energy smart plug by El Gato (49 euros)
• Hue Lights by Phillips (76 euros the start pack)

So for just a bit over 100 euros you can have lots of fun and live like you are in the future. HomeKit is somewhat buried in iOS 9 without an official Home app (coming in iOS 10) but Siri comes to the rescue and you can change anything with her.

• Siri, it’s TV time! turns on my TV, Apple TV and living room lights (dimmed at 30% brightness)
• Siri, good night! turns everything off.

The range of accessories will grow in the coming years and iOS 10 will help with that. I’m super curious to see what will be released next and… when can I buy it! :)

For now, it’s time to sit, relax and say ‘Good night Siri!’.