5 cheap and easy smart home upgrades I recommend to my friends

Here is a 197-word summary of the key points from the article: The article provides recommendations for 5 affordable and easy smart home upgrades. The author emphasizes the importance of ensuring device compatibility, particularly through support for the new Matter smart home standard. The first recommendation is a smart plug, such as the Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Plug-in Switch, which can be paired with a battery-powered wall-mounted remote switch. Next, the author suggests smart light bulbs, specifically Linkind's affordable Matter-compatible RGBTW bulbs, as a cost-effective option compared to the premium Philips Hue ecosystem. For voice control, the Amazon Echo Spot is highlighted as a versatile and reasonably priced smart speaker. Those wanting a smart display can consider the Echo Show 8. In the smart lock category, the high-end Level Lock Pro is deemed the best option, though the more budget-friendly Tapo DL100 is also noted. Finally, the author recommends the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) as the top smart thermostat pick, particularly for those seeking Matter compatibility. Throughout, the article emphasizes the benefits of choosing smart home devices that support modern standards like Wi-Fi and Matter to ensure a cohesive and future-proof system.