Okay, here’s the thing – I was never really into smart home tech.
I mean, I’m already pretty lazy and sedentary (Netflix binges in bed, anyone?), so getting up to turn off the lights or adjust the aircon? That was my chance to move around a bit. For the longest time, I thought, “Why would I need gadgets that would make me even lazier?”
But then life happened.
The Year I Finally Gave Smart Tech a Chance
This year, I started traveling a lot. Like, a lot. Suddenly, leaving home for days at a time made me think about how to manage things while I was away – especially my six cats. If you’re a fur parent, you know the stress of wondering if they’re eating properly or if your cat room is overheating because you forgot to set the aircon timer.
That’s when I finally caved and bought my first smart home gadgets. I got automatic pet feeders (absolute lifesavers!) and a Smart IR remote so I could control my aircon from wherever I was. Let me tell you – being able to check on Raisin, Bee, Parker, and the Twins while I was halfway across the world felt like the ultimate level of adulting.
Once I started using smart home gadgets, it was like my whole perspective shifted. What started with a couple of pet feeders and a Smart IR remote quickly grew into a small collection.
It’s about how much these little upgrades simplify life. Traveling doesn’t feel as stressful anymore because I can check on my cats from anywhere. And even when I’m at home, the gadgets just make everyday things easier.
Next Upgrade – I Wish I Knew Before
Here’s the thing about getting into smart home tech: It’s a little overwhelming at first.
There are so many products out there, and not all of them are as great as they seem. If I’d known about Next Upgrade back then, it probably would’ve saved me hours of scrolling and second-guessing.
Be it a busy parent, a tech enthusiast, or someone who just wants to make life a little easier, Next Upgrade’s vision-mission is to bring smart living to every Filipino home. For starters, Next Upgrade offers trusted brands, nationwide delivery, and below-SRP deals that don’t hurt your wallet. It’s like having a one-stop shop for everything you need to upgrade your home to a smart home.
Yet, they’re not just selling gadgets – they’re helping Filipinos improve their lives.
Why Next Upgrade is Worth Checking Out
Although I didn’t discover it in time for my first few purchases, I’ve taken a closer look at what they offer, and honestly, it’s pretty interesting.
Here’s why I’d recommend it to anyone curious about smart home gadgets:
- Quality You Can Trust – They stock legit, well-known brands like JBL and Xiaomi. No need to worry about sketchy knockoffs.
- Convenience at Your Fingertips – City or province, their nationwide delivery makes sure your gadgets arrive hassle-free. Your purchase comes as fast as the next day for those in the Greater Manila Area!
- Budget-Friendly Finds – Smart gadgets can get pricey, but their below-SRP pricing makes it way more accessible.
Even if you’re not ready to commit to a full-on smart home setup, Next Upgrade is a great place to explore what’s out there.
For All the Skeptics Like Me
If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’m not really into smart home tech,” I get it. That was me not too long ago. But smart gadgets aren’t about making you lazy—they’re about making your home work for you.
You don’t have to splurge or go all-in at once. Start small, like I did. A single gadget that solves a real pain point – like whether it’s feeding your pets while you’re away or controlling your aircon remotely – can make a huge difference.
My Smart Home Wishlist (Manifesting These Soon)
If I had a cart full of smart home gadgets, these would be at the top of my list. They’re not in my hands yet, but I’m definitely thinking about them for my next upgrade purchase.
#1 – Lasco WiFi Power On Delay Plug
Power surges stress me out, especially after outages. This plug delays power return to your appliances, giving them a chance to “recover” before turning back on. It’s like a safety net for electronics — and I’m all for peace of mind.
#2 – Lasco WiFi Universal Plug
Imagine being able to turn off appliances from anywhere. This plug makes that possible, and I’m all for it. No more “Did I leave the fan on?” moments while I’m already out of the house.
#3 – Lasco WiFi Powerstrip Plus
A power strip that lets you control each outlet separately? Yes, please. This one lets you schedule on/off times for each plugged-in device. It sounds like a great way to manage power usage — and stop second-guessing if I unplugged something.
I didn’t know I needed this until now. Perfect for emergencies, trips, or just having that extra charge ready when I forget to plug in my phone overnight.
#5 – Tenda CP7
They say you can never have too many CCTVs, and I kinda agree. This one has motion detection, clear video, and lets you check in from your phone.
#6 – MiLi MiTag with Luggage Tag
I already have a luggage tracker, but honestly, the more the merrier. Losing luggage is a travel nightmare, and having a backup tracker just makes sense. Attach it to a bag, track it on an app, and skip the baggage claim anxiety. Future me will be so grateful for this.
#7 – mWell Ring
I like that it looks like a regular ring but can still track heart rate, sleep, and activity. Subtle and useful—just how I like it.
These aren’t just “someday” wishlist items. They’re all available on Next Upgrade, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be adding a few of them to my cart soon.
Don’t Miss the Giveaway!
If you’ve been thinking about starting your smart home journey, here’s a little holiday cheer for you – Next Upgrade is part of the 14 Days of Christmas Gadget Giveaway!
On Day 14, you have a chance to win some seriously awesome prizes from Next Upgrade. Prizes include:
- 1 voucher worth Php 10,000
- 1 voucher worth Php 5,000
- 2 vouchers worth Php 2,500
These vouchers can be used on the NextUpgrade.ph online shop, which means you could snag your dream smart home gadget for way less than expected. If you’ve been eyeing a smart speaker, a set of smart bulbs, or even a robot vacuum, now’s your chance to grab it for a fraction of the price.
Start Living Smarter
If you’ve been curious about smart home tech but don’t know where to start, Next Upgrade is a great first step. They make it easy, affordable, and fun to explore the possibilities.
So go ahead and check out Next Upgrade! Smart living doesn’t have to be complicated.
