So, you are here now and you may wonder, what is a smart home about? Well, the concept of a smart home covers a broad set of characteristics, which could be quite extensive. In essence, it refers to a residence equipped with interconnected devices and appliances that can be controlled remotely or operate independently based on pre-existing or pre-programmed protocols. It may also include devices that can be centrally controlled by a hub or other computing devices like a phone, tablet, or computer. These devices work together to enhance the residence’s security, save energy, and improve the quality of life by taking over repetitive tasks or reducing physical work.
Smart home devices, when they communicate among themselves, use the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. IoT facilitates the exchange of information between the components of a smart home.
Some of the Features of a Smart Home:
Automation:
Performing tasks independently:
Usually based on a pre-programmed protocol or triggered by user commands. For example, a garage door may open when the camera mounted on the front of the garage recognizes the owner’s car approaching.
Lighting automation:
A light turns on when a presence sensor is activated and then turns off after a certain amount of time.
Scheduled cleaning:
A vacuum robot cleans a specific room on a given schedule.
Remote Control:
Control from anywhere:
Homeowners can control devices from anywhere using a mobile app or web interface. For example, one can check security cameras from a location hundreds of miles away from home.
Remote access:
A homeowner can unlock a door while away from home and communicate with the person entering via cameras and microphones.
Interconnectivity:
Device communication:
Devices can communicate with each other to create a cohesive home environment. For example, a camera equipped with face recognition can disengage the alarm when the owner exits the home and re-arm it once the owner leaves the front porch.
- Access anytime anywhere
- Centralized management devices and users
- Real time activity viewing
- Idle Timeout
- Account activity logging
Routine automation:
A presence sensor in the bathroom can turn on the bathroom light and, if the time is between 6:30 and 7:30 AM, Monday through Friday, can also turn on the coffee maker.
Voice Control
Hands-free operation:
Integration with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri allows for hands-free control of smart devices.
Energy Efficiency
Smart thermostats
These devices control the heating/cooling system based on the day of the week, weather conditions, home temperature, and humidity, and even learn and adapt to the owner’s habits.
Other energy-efficient devices
Humidifiers that stop and start based on air humidity, room air filters that adjust power based on air quality, and dryers and washers that self-adjust energy usage based on load size. Lights controlled by presence sensors in conjunction with daylight detection.
Enhanced Security
Integrated security systems
Smart security systems include cameras, sensors, locks, doorbells, and alarms that communicate with each other and alert homeowners or monitoring companies in real-time when events occur.
These are just a few examples of the most well-known applications of smart home technology. We hope to provide you with further guidance and useful information on our pages to help you choose the most suitable devices for you and your smart home.