This week’s SmartHome roundup features a new way to intuitively control home appliances, a smart thermostat maker that’s expanding its product line to more smart devices, and a smart doorbell for your pets.

WigWag

This device helps you control your automated devices at home, such as lights and switches, and even helps you gets organized with your activities and appointments.  WigWag comes with a QR code on the back that you scan to connect it to your smartphone.

After that, controlling things is as simple as a few taps on your mobile screen.  You can set conditions that, when met, automatically perform actions.  For instance, you can set WigWag to turn off all lights at 8 A.M., or set it to send a notification to your smartphone when there’s dynamic activity in the house, such as temperature changes or opened doors.

Nest expands product line

Nest, the maker of the smart thermostat, has been busy improving its device and offerings.  First, it teamed up with solar power solutions provider Sunrun to provide a better way of saving electricity.  The latest product is a smart smoke detector.

Nest’s Learning Thermostat

Dubbed Protect, the smart gadget not only alerts you when there is smoke detected, but will also serve as a carbon monoxide detector.  It’s equipped with a motion sensor that lets you turn off the alarm with a wave of your arm.

Protect will be compatible with the Nest smart thermostat, solidifying the brand within the home automation market.  And most recently, at the CEDIA Expo 2013, Nest announced the availability of the Nest API to app developers.  With this, more smart home automation solutions can be made compatible with Nest, broadening capabilities across the Internet of Things revolution.

Pebble Smart Doggie Doorbell

Not all homes can be fitted with a pet door, especially if you’re just renting.  Plus there are some instances that burglars have used the pet door to gain access to homes.  A good way to keep you and Fido happy is to install the Pebble Smart Doggie Doorbell.  It is a wireless doorbell that can be placed inside or outside or both, that can easily be pushed by your dog using his nose.  This way, Fido can alert you if he needs to go out or wants to come back in, without damaging the door from scratching or barking continuously.  Plus its paves a way to train your dog since there’s a treat holder, behind the yellow push plate.