- I have no garage door opener so I added a tag in my car to open the smart garage without having to open the app and fiddle with things.
- I added a tag to our light switch that turns on our bedroom lamp (softer, more pleasant light at night).
- I added a door tag to unlock the door (no information contained on the tag so nobody can break in).
- I added a tag that pauses an automation at night so my stair lights don’t come on with motion sensing.
This is literally just the tip of the iceberg. I think of a new one every couple hours. Anyone have any other cool ones to share?
I think the best use case I’ve seen for nfc tags are periodic reminder reset. Place a nfc tag near your filter register then when you change your hvac filter, scanning the tag records the date which can then be used to send notifications when it’s time to change the filters again.
I do this and even have a card on my tablet/dashboard with how many days left on the filter! Tag is down on the furnace.
You just reminded me that I had tags on my furnace and under sink water filter. I never set them up again after I moved a few years ago.
I hear a weekend project brewing :)
I really like that “tag as a garage door opener” idea!
I set up two tags that trigger the Bedtime routine and taped one to the side of my wife and I’s bedside tables. I much prefer scanning the tag over bothering with my phone or yelling at Google (until I give up and do it on my phone anyways).
I also set up a few medication reminder tags for my wife. Reminder triggers once an hour until she taps the tag on the pill bottle. Very handy with medications on different schedules.
The spouse acceptance factor is huge. Nothing for her to remember.
What tags are you using? Android or iOS?
I am using iOS. The ones I bought are very generic, I will try to find an Amazon link and report back. There’s very little difference between versions so I think just about any would work with both type!
I played around with NFC tags but found that I didn’t really end up using them, mostly because it requires unlocking your phone. I have since gotten a couple ZigBee remotes (IKEA tradfri) and really like it. I have one on my bedside table so I can just hit the button to turn off all the lights. I have another on my coffee table in the living room. It’s also nice when family/friends are over because they can just hit the button to toggle the lights.
I have one inconspicuously hidden under a sticker that will unlock one of my smart locks. Needing to unlock my phone is what prevents me from using it that often, though.
It is fun to use it when friends/family are around, and see them go “Whaaaat?!”
Do you really always have your phone on you when you’re at home? When I’m outside then yes I have it in my pocket, but at home it’s either charging or just on the table in a different room.
I usually have my phone with me most of the time when I’m at home.
For sure. I would honestly love to not but I work from home so it’s easy to watch a movie and wait for a teams notification if I’m needed :)
lol ok, that is a good use of the phone in your pocket, I agree.
I like these ideas!
I have been trying to consider doing something similar but with like a IR proximity sensor. (for things that do not need to be secure) I wanted sitting that you just have to wave your hand in front of to active. Having pets around it may produce hilarious results though https://www.oznium.com/switches/ir-touchless-switch