Smart home
Best Internet-of-Things Products You Can Buy in India
There are many Internet-of-Things (IoT) products available in the Indian market, covering various use cases. A lot of these devices can even work together; for example, you could use a smart speaker to control your smart appliances through voice commands. Because there’s just so much you can do, we’ve come up with this guide to help you make your home a smart one. Read on to find out which are our top picks among IoT gadgets and appliances in India right now.
However, before we get into our recommendations, it’s important to explain just what an IoT device is, and how it works.
What is the Internet-of-Things?
The entire purpose of IoT is to add Internet connectivity to regular devices and appliances, thus making them operable in different scenarios. The most common way to use this kind of connectivity is to make it possible to operate certain devices and appliances remotely using a smartphone or smart display app, or through voice commands. Some examples of this include being able to switch on or off smart bulbs without actually flicking a switch, viewing a camera feed of your home when you’re away, and more.
While the smart home and IoT segments in India are still growing, markets abroad show just how capable and impressive IoT devices can be, with everything from air conditioners to refrigerators gaining connected capabilities. The Internet of Things also has a lot of scope in the fields of elder care and healthcare. In India, the space already widely covers products such as air purifiers, cleaning robots, bulbs, and plugs, to name a few.
What do I need to use a smart device?
The most important thing to use any smart device is a good Internet connection. You need stable connectivity since your smart devices will need to always be connected to the Internet and hence, need to be within the range of your Wi-Fi router. The quality of the router is also important, as it will need to cover the range of your home to connect to all devices, and also be able to handle multiple connections.
Apart from this, you’ll need to install the individual apps for all of your smart devices, and it may therefore make sense to stick to a single or a few brands at best for all your smart devices so you’re not juggling between multiple apps. If you have a smart speaker or smart display, this makes it even easier to use IoT devices and appliances within your home, as many such devices allow for hands-free voice controls through the speakers. It’s advisable to look for IoT devices that work with Amazon Alexa and/or Google Assistant, since this way, you can control them directly via Google Home or Amazon Alexa apps and smart speakers.
You’ll also need to make sure your smart devices match with the inputs, sockets, and existing appliances in your home. For example, smart bulbs will need to fit into the right holder sockets, smart plugs will need to be matched to appliances according to their rated capacity, and devices such as air purifiers and smart air conditioners will need to be connected to an active power supply at all times. A mismatch here could cause damage to not only your smart devices, but also to any devices or sockets they are connected to.
The Best Smart Speaker: Google Nest Audio
While we do have a detailed guide on the best smart speakers, the Google Nest Audio is our top pick. With very good microphones for voice recognition good sound quality, and access to Google Assistant, the Rs. 7,999 Google Nest Audio is among the most versatile smart speakers you can buy right now.
Support for Google Assistant means that the Google Nest Audio can be used to control IoT devices around the home, as most third-party products such as smart bulbs, smart plugs, air purifiers, and more, are designed to work with Google’s voice assistant. You can also stream music and other audio content on the speaker, and good tuning and sound makes for an excellent and convenient listening experience.
The Best Smart Display: Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
One step above the smart speaker is the smart display, and the Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) is the absolute best you can buy right now. While it is expensive at Rs. 24,999, it’s also the most advanced product of its kind, with a screen that can turn to follow the gaze of the user.
Apart from voice controls for supported IoT products from a number of brands including Xiaomi, Philips, and more, the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) also works well for video calls, music, and watching the occasional video content on its 10.1-inch screen. This is a great addition to any smart home, if you have the budget for it.
The Best Smart Bulb: Mi LED Wi-Fi Smart Bulb
The simplest and often most affordable IoT product you can buy is the smart bulb, and this is a great way to get started with setting up your home automation. Among the best smart bulbs you can buy right now is the Mi LED Wi-Fi Smart Bulb, which is priced at Rs. 1,299 in India. It’s possible to control this smart bulb using an app from anywhere in the world, provided you have Internet connectivity and the bulb is connected to your home Wi-Fi.
You can also change the colour of the light as the 10W bulb supports 16 million colours and works directly without the need for an IoT bridge controller. It’s rated to work for up to 11 years, you can adjust the brightness, and it even works with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice controlled operation. It’s among the most versatile and feature-filled smart bulbs in the market.
The Best Smart Plug: Realme Smart Plug
Among the most affordable 6A smart plugs you can buy right now, the Rs. 799 Realme Smart Plug is simple but effective in controlling any connected devices and appliances. It can be voice-controlled using Google Assistant and Alexa, and also works with the Realme Link app where you can set timers or control the power state.
There is a physical button to control the smart plug, and it’s also considerably smaller than its competitors, thus making it a bit easier to use in tight spaces. It’s a great way to make smaller devices such as lamps, mosquito repellent machines, and power strips automated and connected.
The Best Smart Cleaning Robot: 360 S7
One of the most useful applications of the Internet of Things is cleaning robots; you can control your robot to automatically clean your home at any time and from any place using a smartphone app. Among the best cleaning robots we’ve reviewed in recent times is the 360 S7, which is currently priced at under Rs. 30,000 in India.
The 360 S7 features both vacuum and mopping, uses laser navigation, and has a detailed app with the ability to very specifically and precisely control the cleaning tasks for the device. You can also control the robot using Alexa voice commands.
The Best Smart Air Purifier: Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Air Purifier
With increasing air pollution and also the possibility of allergies, air purifiers are a useful addition to your home. Although it’s possible to buy a good air purifier for under Rs. 10,000, top performance comes at a premium. The Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Air Purifier is priced at Rs. 55,900, and offers not only app-controlled air purification, but also warm air functionality which will come in handy during winters.
Although this isn’t the fastest or most effective air purifier you can buy for the price, it is IoT-enabled, looks and feels good with Dyson’s popular bladeless fan design, and works quietly, with an on-device display that shows you the PM2.5 levels in your room.
The Best Smart Camera: Realme Smart Cam 360
A smart camera is a simple and effective way to set up a home security or monitoring system, allowing you to access the audio and video feeds from anywhere in the world using an app. Among the best affordable options in India is the Realme Smart Cam 360, which is priced at Rs. 2,999. It’s well designed, can rotate 360 degrees, has the option of physically covering the camera shutter when not in use for privacy, and works well even in dark rooms.
The camera works with the Realme Link app, and also has a memory card slot to let you save footage at up to 1080p resolution, which can be accessed later through the app. The Realme Smart Cam 360 also supports motion and sound detection alerts, making this a capable and versatile IoT home security camera.
Also Consider
Mi Air Purifier 3: Priced at Rs. 10,999, the Mi Air Purifier 3 offers good air purification at a reasonable price, with a display for air quality, app controls, and support for voice assistants.
iRobot Roomba i3+: Although not quite as versatile as the 360 S7, the iRobot Roomba i3+ offers effective vacuuming, and can also have the vacuum bin on the robot automatically cleaned by the Clean Base docking station.
Apple HomePod mini: The Apple HomePod mini isn’t as capable as the Google Nest Audio or Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) when it comes to IoT compatibility, but it’s a good smart speaker that’s worth having if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem.
Mi Smart Speaker: Among the most affordable full-sized smart speakers you can buy today, the Mi Smart Speaker is priced at Rs. 3,499, and offers Google Assistant support as well as loud, capable sound.
Mi Home Security Camera 360: The Mi Home Security Camera 360 is a worthwhile alternative to the Realme Smart Cam 360, with similar features and specifications at roughly the same price.
Google Nest Hub: Not quite as capable as the Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) but considerably more affordable at Rs. 6,999, the Google Nest Hub integrates with your Google account to give you visual prompts for Google Assistant functionality.
Philips Hue Smart Bulb: One of the earliest brands in the smart bulb segment, Philips has expanded its Hue range significantly over the years. However, Hue bulbs are still a bit expensive, and not quite as smart as the competition.
Amazon Smart Plug: At Rs. 1,999, The Amazon Smart Plug is much more expensive than the Realme Smart Plug, works only with Alexa, and is fairly large in size. However, it has a feature called ‘power state retention’ that’s very useful for India where power cuts are frequent in some parts of the country.
During the briefing, I got a chance to check out the 65-inch variant of the X Pro QLED TV. Its design remains the same as before. It still features the same skinny metal bezel that surrounds the massive display. Apart from the 43-inch and 55-inch options, I was told that the TV will also be launched in a smaller 32-inch variant. The smaller display means that it will be offered at an even lower price point, which will make the QLED TV more accessible than it already is.
The design of the 2025 models are similar to the previous one
Photo Credit: Xiaomi
There’s a new remote. It has rounded sides, which makes it more comfortable to hold. It is also a lot taller than the previous one. Xiaomi has added a number pad to it and gets new RGYB buttons at the bottom.
The TV’s slim design is now accompanied by better-sounding, built-in box speakers. Xiaomi has considered feedback on the previous series and enhanced the TV’s audio delivery. The brand claims that these deliver better sound compared to the previous models, but in terms of wattage, the 43-inch model remains the same as before, which is 30W on paper. The 55-inch and 65-inch models get a slight boost at 34W.
The audio quality was sufficiently loud, clear, and immersive during my short experiential session. Indeed, it seemed as if it did not need an optional sound bar. But again, I was listening to and viewing a movie in a very controlled, studio-like environment.
The panels have changed… well, kind of. The displays that generally operate at 60Hz can now, thanks to DLG technology (Dual line gate), double their refresh rate when required. Xiaomi claims it is useful when watching sports (with enhanced motion) or when connected to a console to play games that support high refresh rates. Xiaomi offers 4K 120Hz panels on all three models. However, do keep in mind that DLG does reduce the resolution of the panel when aiming to deliver a faster frame-rate.
The new remote gets a number pad among other add-ons
Photo Credit: Xiaomi
The main attraction of Xiaomi’s X Pro QLED series this year is the Filmmaker Mode or FMM. Xiaomi claims that it is supposed to show any content (except for gaming content) from any source (Blu-ray discs, streaming, or broadcast) the way it was intended by the filmmaker. FMM also corrects the aspect ratios and frame rates, preventing any artificial enhancements from ruining the movie.
While it sounds fancy, it is basically a picture mode which turns off all the unnecessary alterations like frame insertion (motion-enhancing MEMC), sharpening or colour boosting that happens in the standard or other picture modes provided by the TV. The result is content that appears natural and untouched, as it was intended to appear whether you are watching standard definition content or HDR content. The mode can be activated either manually (in picture settings) or is automatically triggered by the metadata in the content being viewed.
During my short demo, the Dolby Vision Filmmaker mode in the new X Pro series did make the colours appear natural in this mode, with lesser sharpening and the motion enhancing (or motion interpolation) turned off.
In terms of software, Xiaomi’s PatchWall continues to exist. PatchWall and the underlying Android TV worked as intended during the demo. However, smart TVs (especially the affordable ones) are known to lag once they begin to age. With no hardware upgrades compared to the previous models, I am a bit sceptical about how well the new X Pro will age.
The port selection too remains the same as on previous models
Photo Credit: Xiaomi
The Smart TV experience is powered by a quad-core Cortex A55 CPU and a Mali G52 GPU. There’s 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, all of which is identical to what you get on the previous model. The port selection also remains the same as before. There are two USB 2.0 ports, one ethernet port, an AV port, three HDMI ports (one with eARC), an earphone jack and a port for the antenna.
We will be testing out the Xiaomi X Pro QLED series thoroughly in our review. With price tags starting from as low as Rs. 31,999 these TVs, given their QLED panels, do seem feature-packed but do check out our detailed review before you take the leap.
Xiaomi QLED TV X Pro Series Price in India, Availability
Price of the Xiaomi QLED TV X Pro smart TV series starts at Rs. 31,999 for the base model with a 43-inch screen. The 55-inch variant is priced at Rs. 44,999, while the 65-inch version is priced at Rs. 64,999. The new series will go on sale starting April 16 through Flipkart, Mi.com, and Xiaomi retail stores.
During the launch event, the brand also confirmed that a new Xiaomi QLED TV A Pro 32-inch variant will be available in May. Pricing details for the 32-inch TV will be revealed at a later date.
Xiaomi QLED TV X Pro Specifications
The Xiaomi QLED TV X Pro series is offered in 43-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch displays with 4K (2,160×3,840 pixels) resolution and a 178-degree viewing angle. The display supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and offer up to 120Hz refresh rate. They use Xiaomi’s propriety Vivid Picture Engine 2 technology and DLG (Dual Line Gate) technology.
The 43-inch model has a 30W speaker unit, whereas the 55-inch and 65-inch variants have a speaker unit with 34W audio output. They support Xiaomi Sound, Dolby Audio, DTS:X and DTS Virtual: X technology. The Xiaomi QLED TV X Pro models run on Quad Core A55 chip alongside Mali-G52 MC1 GPU. They pack 2GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage. They come with a MagiQ feature that is claimed to deliver vibrant, true-to-life colours. Xiaomi has also included a Filmmaker mode.
Xiaomi QLED TV X Pro series runs on Google TV with Xiaomi’s own Patchwall UI. The series has Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity. All three models feature Xiaomi TV+, a platform that provides free access to live channels. They support Apple AirPlay 2, and there is inbuilt Google Chromecast and Miracast. They have an inbuilt Google Voice Assistant that lets users navigate the TV with voice commands. They offer a Kids Mode feature with a parental lock.
The new Xiaomi QLED TV X Pro series ships with a remote with a numerical keypad. It has features such as Quick Wake and Quick Settings. The TVs include three HDMI ports with support for eARC, two USB 2.0 ports, an Ethernet port, an AV connector, Antenna input, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The 65-inch variant measures 1445 x75 x833, while the 55-inch and 45-inch models measure 1226 x76 x711mm and 57x72x563mm (without stand), respectively.
Air India Integrates Apple AirTag
If the baggage containing the AirTag does not arrive at the destination, guests can report it at Air India’s Baggage Counter at the airport, as per the airline. The staff will assist them in filing a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). They will then be required to generate the Share Item Location link in the Find My app on their Apple device such as an iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and share the location link with the airline along with the PIR number via Air India’s mobile app or website. This can be done in two ways:
- Air India Mobile App – On the mobile app, guests are required to navigate to the ‘Customer Support Portal’ on the app and choose ‘Baggage’. Then, select ‘Lost and Found Check-in Baggage’ and provide the AirTag link there.
- Air India Website – Visit the ‘Lost and Found Check-in Baggage’ in the Customer Support Portal page and provide the ‘Share Item Location’ link for their Apple AirTag along with PIR number.
Following the submission of the required information, guests will receive an acknowledgment email from the airline with a link to check baggage status. Air India’s authorised teams will use the shared AirTag link to locate the baggage if it is still within airport premises. The feature requires an Apple device running on iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, or macOS 15.2 or later.
Air India says this feature builds upon other baggage tracking facilities it offers to guests. They can source real-time information available from airports. Customers can add their flight to the My Trips section on the Air India app and be automatically informed once the bags are checked in. They may also scan the barcode on their baggage receipts to initiate tracking.
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