Skip to main content

Make dumb appliances smart with the littleBits Smart Home Kit

make dumb appliances smart littlebits home kit
Image used with permission by copyright holder
If you’ve been warming to the idea of smart coffee makers and air conditioners, but the prices left you cold, the latest kit from littleBits could be a perfect compromise. The Smart Home Kit is designed to let users decide which of their home devices should be more intelligent and build accordingly.

The $249 kit comes with 14 modules and 11 accessories that easily snap together with magnets, no adhesives necessary. A sound trigger, MP3 player, light sensor, and temperature sensor are amongst the included modules. Once a homeowner decides which need should be filled, whether it be an automatic cat feeder or AC controller, he or she can fit the components together, turning their old device into an Internet-connected one.

Recommended Videos

Democratizing the smart home industry is one more step in delivering on that promise,” said Ayah Bdeir, CEO of littleBits. “The Smart Home Kit is giving people the power and opportunity to take the Internet of Things movement into their own hands, and bring their home to the 21st century, on their own terms.”

Some of the projects listed on the littleBits site include wireless lighting you can turn on from anywhere, a smart fridge that will alert you when the door has been left open, and turning a piece of artwork into a security device with a light sensor. The kit also includes instructions for 14 projects. Because LittleBits has been selling kits for a few years, there’s already a community who upload their own ideas and designs, for even more inspiration.

littleBits-Smart-Home-Kit_Poster
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For now, littleBits owners will have to prioritize their projects, however. The Smart Home Kit comes with one cloudBit, the module that connects the newly smart device to the Internet. An extra cloudBit costs $60, if users can’t contain their creativity.

The kit is available for preorder, with shipping starting in early December, as well as at RadioShack beginning today.

We know a few people who will definitely have this on their holiday wish lists, but we will have the theme song for that Nickelodeon TV show Littl’ Bits in our heads for the rest of the day.

Jenny McGrath
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jenny McGrath is a senior writer at Digital Trends covering the intersection of tech and the arts and the environment. Before…
This tiny smart puck can control your smart home without the need for mobile apps
The Linxura with four buttons on the screen.

My home is overrun with smart gadgets, and the main way I interact with them is through my smartphone. This is usually a robust way to control my gadgets, as my phone is never far from my side -- whether I need to toggle my smart lights, adjust my air purifier, or change the thermostat, my smartphone lets me tackle most of these tasks in a matter of seconds. However, having a physical button to perform these actions would certainly be preferred. Instead of diving into apps and wading through menus and automations, a physical controller would perform actions at the press of a button, much like a remote works for a TV.

That’s the idea behind the Linxura Smart Controller -- a disc-shaped object that lets you perform a long list of actions at the press of a button. After syncing it with your smart devices, you’ll no longer need your companion mobile apps. Just tap or double-tap its outer ring, and you can toggle hundreds of different products. I’ve been testing it out in my home, and while I think it’s a fun device, it falls short in a few areas. But if you’re craving a physical remote for your smart home, there’s good reason to take a closer look at the innovative gadget.
Simple, but tedious setup

Read more
Get up to $800 off this Speediance smart home gym system
Speediance smart home gym system Gym Monster in use

If you're in the market for a capable smart home gym or workout system, you're probably scouring the best Prime Big Deal Days discounts to find something. We don't blame you. It's one of the best times of the year to save big on tons of gear. But we've found a deal you might be interested in. The Speediance Gym Monster is a smart home gym that combines AI-powered cardio and strength training. It also comes in a variety of packages, which we'll explore further, like the Family Plus, Works, Works Plus Max, and more. Our top pick is the Speediance Gym Monster Works for $2,299, which is $750 off the usual price of $3,269. Of course, there are more options to check out.

 
Why shop the Speediance Gym Monster smart home gym system for Prime Big Deal Days

Read more
Prime Big Deal Days: Save on Lutron smart lighting solutions for your home
Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Kit - Prime Big Deals Days offer

You may recognize the Lutron Caseta brand for its quality smart home lighting solutions. It's a good place to check for smart switches, dimmers, and beyond. But you'll also be happy to know, as we are, that they're participating in this year's Prime Big Deal Days event. They have a few options, mostly on bundles, which net you several smart lighting devices in one pack. For example, the Lutron Caseta Smart Switch Starter Kit, which includes a smart switch, wall plate, and connection hub is down to $76, normally $95, . Of course, there are a few other deals worth shopping, too.

 
Why shop these Lutron Caseta Prime Day Big Deal Days offers?
We've reviewed Lutron Caseta gear at Digital Trends, like the Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch, or the Fan Control Switch, and they're generally positively regarded. They've been praised for their simplicity when it comes to installation, high compatibility and connectivity, and intuitive apps. The Lutron Caseta lighting solutions included in this Prime Big Deal Days offer are no different. Most work with smart assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Read more