Warning: When you have a welcoming, fully functional, and stunning outdoor space, you may find yourself looking for any excuse to cancel plans, work from home, invite the family, friends, and neighbors over, or just sit and watch the grass grow! Why not elevate your experience even further? These top 10 outdoor tech features are designed to enhance comfort, convenience, ease, practicality, style, and fun. 

Top 10 Outdoor Tech Features  

1. Outdoor TVs. Outdoor televisions are specially designed with weather-resistant materials in order to help them weather the… weather. They are built to handle higher and lower temperatures, humidity, and other hazards. Additionally, their screens reduce glare from the sun so you have a crisp, clear picture. (It’s a good idea to choose an outdoor cover to provide further protection when the TV is not in use.)

Your outdoor TV is just as smart as your indoor model with internet connectivity, streaming options, and simple app control. Catch up on the news while you have your morning coffee; stream a workout video and take advantage of the fresh air; watch the big game while the kids play their own on the lawn; make any night movie night. There are endless options for entertainment.  

 

2. Projectors. When you need a larger screen to enjoy films, sports, concerts, and other media, just pop it up on an outdoor projector.  The unit and screen are portable so you can position it for maximum effect, comfort, and convenience, and set-up is a breeze. The projector will connect with your home’s WiFi, so feel free to stream to your heart’s content. This is a great addition to backyard parties and gatherings.  

Note: unlike an outdoor TV, a projector isn’t meant to “live” outdoors. Take it in when not in use. Don’t worry: they are compact and easily portable. 

3. Smart Fridge. Make the most of your outdoor living space while making your life a bit more simple and streamlined. Sure, walking back and forth between the inside kitchen and the deck/patio gets you a few extra steps towards your daily count, but it’s time-consuming and tedious. Installing an outdoor fridge allows you to keep cooking without missing a beat — not to mention having cold beverages and snacks on hand for you, your family, and guests.  

A smart fridge adds some extra functionality that you’ll enjoy, including internet connectivity, voice control, app integration, shopping list creation, expiration date tracking, and more. 

4. Sounds Systems. A great sound system is a must! Discrete speakers can stream Pandora, Spotify, Audible, or your other favorite platforms so you can listen to music, podcasts, and audio books without being tethered to a device. Outdoor sound systems feature exceptional control of volume, bass, and treble, protection from the elements, easy integration with your home’s audio/Wi-Fi systems, and a barely-there appearance that blends in with your design. 

Create a customized playlist for your life. 

5. Automatic Pool Covers. Installing a pool is a dream come true for many homeowners, and certainly, it will be the site of many memory-making, relaxing days. With just a push of a button, you make sure it is safer, cleaner, more efficient, and more convenient.  

While no substitution for adult supervision, pool covers do help keep little ones safer in the backyard, and they also keep leaf matter, debris, and other gunk out of the water. You’ll reduce energy use (e.g. from heating the pool) and conserve water by decreasing evaporation rates. All that, and it could not be easier to use. 

6. Automatic Roller Shades for Privacy Options. Take advantage of the ability to soak in the sun and views or lower your shades to beat the heat and enjoy some privacy. Automatic roller shades are one of our top outdoor tech choices, thanks to the ease of use, convenience, and, of course, comfort. Roller shades have a sleek appearance; when raised, they all but disappear at the top of the window or glass wall. You also have a great variety of light-filtering/blocking levels, as well as colors, patterns, and textures.  

Automatic options allow you to control your shades with a user-friendly app, utilize automatic settings to flex with the time of day, and achieve the optimal outdoor environment.  

7. Remote Start Gas Fire Pit. A fire pit can transform your outdoor space into a year-round destination, while adding that cozy ambience. When compared to a wood fire pit, gas wins hands down. Not only do they burn with exceptional efficiency, they eliminate the need to worry about the hassle and mess of wood.  

Plus, you can start your gas fire pit, control it, and stop it with a push of a button right from your smartphone. And if you use voice control, you don’t even have to push the button. Ultra-efficient, ultra-easy. 

8. Lighting Options. Lighting is crucial for safety and convenience, but also for creating a welcoming environment. Today’s options are endless: from security lighting, deck lighting, and path lights to wall sconces, lanterns, string lights, and spotlights, you can illuminate your walkways, stairs, and focal points, turn on task lighting (e.g. for cooking), set the mood for dinner and drinks, enjoy a good book… or turn them all off for a while and look at the stars.  

9. Remote Water Fountains. There’s something innately soothing about the sight and sound of trickling or bubbling water. An outdoor water feature is one of the easiest, lowest maintenance stress busters out there! Further, it can help cleanse the surrounding air by releasing negative ions, filter out less pleasant sounds (like cars), and attract important pollinators like butterflies while discouraging mosquitoes.  

Remote operation allows you to easily start and stop your water fountain, control its flow, and activate features like lighting to enhance the experience.  

10. Heating Options. A fire pit is as much of an aesthetic addition to an outdoor space as it is a functional one. But during our long, cold Indiana winters (and even during the chilly falls and early springs!), we need a little more help when it comes to heating. Fortunately, today’s top outdoor tech options include natural gas, propane, wood, electric, biofuel, and radiant systems. Further, they can be installed in the form of cozy fireplaces, freestanding options, or discrete, streamlined units that incorporate easily into your overall design. For help choosing the right solution for your space and needs, turn to G&G Custom Homes. 

Tech Smart with G&G Custom Homes 

G&G Custom Homes understands the importance and appeal of technology; we seek to integrate today’s most advanced options seamlessly in your home — and out — so you can maximize the pleasure and pride you take in your space. 

Ready to transform a patio, deck, lawn, or yard into an oasis of comfort, convenience, and style? Contact G&G Custom Homes. 

 

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