Technology and I

Day to day tech that makes my life easier

It’s been a long time between posts and I apologise. A combination of a lot of work and a fall where my knee was bent to its limit, took a bit more of a toll then I expected.

I wanted to write about technology, specifically technology that I use around the house that helps me as a disabled person.

I’m actually not a big tech guy. I was very reluctant to buy a phone and it wasn’t till I was halfway through film school that it became necessary. I am a film buff so I have a very good tv, soundbar and subwoofer. When I bought those things I spent a decent amount of money and watched a lot of youtube reviews.

As a disabled person I’m very independent and according to my GP more active than usual for someone with a disability. But I am getting older and some things are just kind of a hassle or are harder than they need to be.

Now I’m not paid for any of this. I will probably mention brands and I’ll give a bit of advice as we go.

Smart Lamp.

The first smart device I bought for my house was a smart lamp.

Why? The light switch in my bedroom is on the furthest wall from my bed. Getting up in the night is a pain and tripping and falling in the dark is a big risk.

Cost $100 WIZ Squire Lamp from Noel Lemming

I use it every day, it can be voice activated and it can work on a timer or schedule.

It has made things easier and safer for me.

Robot Vacuum

The next thing I bought was a robot vacuum and mop unit. This was bought after the rules around my home help changed. I was told that the routine that my help had been doing for years was no longer valid. Basically they went from doing light housework to only being able to make me a meal.

Technically they can also shower me but I’m shy, and capable of doing it myself. Surprisingly some of them were disappointed not to shower me, They explained it to me once and I still don’t really understand it. But it’s a nice ego boost.

I started thinking about getting a robot vacuum. I spoke to a friend on twitter, before twitter went… well you know. She told me that while pregnant she had bought a cheapie for $300 from PB tech and it was a big help. So I started watching reviews. A couple of brand names kept getting good reviews.

I wrote down what I needed. A vacuum that can maintain itself. Budget $600. I found one. But it required a lot of maintenance and had to be emptied every time. Too much work, not enough help. Also mopping would be nice. I kept looking and finally one emerged that offered everything I wanted and required 30 mins of maintenance once a month. But it was two and a half times my budget. I slept on it and watched more reviews. No vacuum bags and easy maintenance.

I went for it. It was just under $1600. It was worth it. I bought the Roborock S7. It cleans carpet mops and it has made it easier to maintain a clean home. If I spill something in the kitchen. Once I’m seated I can send the robot in to clean.

Once a month I clean the roller, wipe down the sensors and run the mop through the wash. It auto docks after each clean and empties it’s dustbin into a bigger barrel in it’s docking station.

DO a big clean before using the robot. It’s going to maintain it for you.

If you are thinking of getting one for yourself or someone else be aware that setting up can be a bit of trial and error. You need to tidy cables and keep shoelaces off the floor.It will grab them. I have found charging cables in different corners of the house. Also if you have pets, it’s not gonna do a good job of picking up poo, sorry.

We are getting to the end now. I apologise if this has been a bit dry.

Smart Switches.

These were the last things I added. I picked a few up from bunnings and got an electrician to install them in the kitchen and lounge. They are great as I no longer have to reach over the bench or walk in the dark when I go out.

As a shift worker I often set the timer to turn off the lights two minutes after I leave and turn on just before sunset. It is a small thing but it’s pretty good when you're tired to just go to bed and say “Lights out” to your phone and turn everything off. It’s about $80 for the switches and you should ring around for quotes from your electrician. DO NOT DO IT YOURSELF.

Lastly Echo show or Google Nest

This very much depends on what you need. But it’s good to have a hub in your house so you can control everything. Through circumstance I happen to have both.

Honestly they both have pros and cons. Google nest is good at information and controlling devices. You can send the vacuum to specific rooms by voice e.g. “Clean the kitchen.” But not as good at reminders.

Echo Show

Great at reminders. I gave this to my mother. It announces your reminders. “Take your medication.” “Did you lock the front door?” “Doctors appointment tomorrow.” For this reason I have it in the lounge. The reminders will stay on the screen for an hour or until you say stop. It’s not great at information. Google nest can tell me when the next bus is. Echo can’t.

A hub is nice to have, but if you carry your phone everywhere you won’t need it and it may already be a part of other devices in your home. My tv and soundbar have Alexa built in and a chromecast remote can also control devices. If you’re not sure just look at your tv and say “Alexa what time is it?”

Also most of these things run on voice control. It’s great once you get used to it. And if you’re a writer you probably talk to yourself already. It does get frustrating when someone in the house thinks you're talking to them.

“Hey Google, clean the kitchen.”

“WHAT!”

“I’m talking to the robot.”

“What did you say about the kitchen?”

“It needs to be cleaned.”

“So clean it, I’m not your mum.”

I wish I could say that was made up

In summary these things have made my life easier by removing small tasks that required physical effort.

If you are thinking about buying tech for you or someone else. Here’s the most basic approach.

What do you need?

Does it do exactly what you need it to do?

Does a friend have one? Can you see it in action?

Read or watch reviews and I mean several.

What complaints come up? What does it do? What doesn’t it do?

What is your budget? How much help will it be?

If you’re buying it for someone, can they use it easily?

Do they want it?

Are you/they comfortable talking to themselves?

I’m pretty set for tech around my house now and I can’t think of what my next purchase would be. Maybe a robot lawn mower?

I hope this was helpful or interesting.

Like, share, subscribe or leave a question.