With the ever-evolving technologies, more and more people are moving towards a 'smart' home equipped with the latest smart gadgets. But, many may still be wondering what these smart home devices are. All gadgets that can be connected to Wi-Fi and work on Artificial Intelligence (AI) are termed as ‘Smart’. Such devices can be controlled through voice commands, remotes or smartphones to make life easier.
Here are some prime advantages of such gadgets:
They add convenience to life.
They are energy-efficient.
They make homes safe and secure.
With time these devices are becoming cost-effective as well.
Various devices are now Wi-Fi compatible and use AI. These smart home devices include smart locks, smart fans, smart kitchen appliances, smart video doorbells, smart switches, smart bulbs, smart vacuum cleaners, smart security cameras and many more.
Such devices make life more comfortable and enjoyable.
Smart devices are Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices that you can connect to your home Wi-Fi system and operate remotely. Some of the features of smart devices which make them ‘Smart’ are as follows.
Connectivity: They can link to a Wi-Fi system or Bluetooth to connect and share data and perform other actions.
Remote control: You can control a smart gadget from anywhere in the world through apps on smartphones.
Voice control: These devices can be controlled through voice commands and virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.
Cloud storage: All smart device data are stored in the cloud. Thus, you can easily access or backup data.
The future is here. Many consumers are looking for smart devices to make life easy, convenient and secure. But there are certain factors to take into account before shopping for smart gadgets. Let us talk about these factors in detail.
A smooth internet connection is required to exchange information between smart devices. So check the capability of your Wi-Fi router. Your internet connection should be fast, consistent and reliable to give uninterrupted power to the devices.
Do not go to the market and pick up just any smart device from the shelf. Wait, think and decide which smart device you need. Are you focusing on energy-saving devices like smart lighting which can automatically turn on or off as per your settings? Or are you looking for smart fans that can add convenience and ease for all your family members irrespective of their age?
Be smart while making decisions. Go through consumers' testimonials and choose the most trusted brand.
The internet is full of threats and cyber-attacks, and no one would want to lose their confidential information and data because of smart home gadgets. Hence before buying any smart devices, you must reinforce your network security. How?
Buy robust internet security software to detect any threat from a mile away.
Keep a strong security password.
Always update your router with the latest firmware.
Today, working remotely is common. We spend more time at home. Home automation helps control lights, fans, kitchen appliances and thermostats to manage daily chores. These smart gadgets for home can simplify your life. But they also come with some disadvantages. Let us discuss some pros and cons of these smart home gadgets.
Energy efficiency: These smart devices can help you save a lot on electricity bills. They come with in-built timers. Hence the settings can be changed based on their functionality and the timings set by users. For instance, smart lights can switch off automatically when no one is in the room, or smart fans can slow down at night after certain hours as per users’ settings.
Greater control and convenience: Imagine coming home and finding the place to be at the perfect temperature. This is possible through a smart thermostat, which can customize the setting as per your daily routine. Another example is smart fans. Based on the weather conditions outside, you can set the fan to increase or decrease its speed at midnight. These are just two examples. Likewise, all other smart devices add convenience to our lives through greater control.
Internet dependency: You need a strong internet connection to operate such devices. The internet allows all smart devices to work in sync. A poor internet connection will be a hindrance. You will need at least a 4G/5G connection to avoid any inconvenience.
Privacy concern: Data breach has become common. Your Wi-Fi must have a private connection with a strong password to avoid such instances. Also, you must update your router firmware timely to avoid any cyberattack.
You must check the compatibility between your smart home gadget and your home virtual assistant. People usually buy Alexa, Google Nest or Apple HomePod for voice-based virtual assistance. Usually, your smart device will be compatible with one such device. You must connect all your smart devices and your virtual assistant to the same Wi-Fi connection to ensure smooth connectivity.
Matter: The Matter is an open-source code that helps smart devices connect. While buying smart devices, you can pick any device marked with Matter as it will easily connect with other Matter-branded devices. Matter employs Internet Protocol (IP) and allows Matter-certified devices to work together.
Thread: Thread is a new protocol to simplify IoT functions. Thread eliminates the need for gateways or translators, allowing seamless connection of smart devices. It works as a Wi-Fi network and brings all the smart devices to the same infrastructure. It works with Matter and eliminates the need for Matter devices to revisit the translation application.
Smart devices work on automation. You can change the settings through the app on your smartphone to make the smart device work differently at different times. In this way, you can save a lot of energy. Let’s consider two examples here.
Smart fans: You can set the speed of smart fans in your mobile app and allow them to work at your convenience even when you are sleeping.
Smart heaters: You can set the heating system of smart thermostats as per your presence at home or as per weather conditions. Thus you will always find your home in a cosy condition right from when you enter your home. At the same time, your heater will consume minimum energy when there is no one present at home.
Technological advancement has changed the way we live. Smart home appliances have brought comfort and convenience to our lives. Many buyers are opting for smart devices to save energy and simplify life.
1. What smart home gadgets are there in a smart home?
The following are some smart devices that can be found in a smart home:
Smart locks
Smart fans
Smart switches
Smart vacuum cleaners
Smart thermostats
Smart security cameras and more
2. How can you ensure safety with smart devices?
Security is the biggest concern for any buyer. The most crucial step is to keep a strong password and regularly update the firmware through your smartphone.
3. How do smart devices work?
Most smart home gadgets usually run on either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Irrespective of the connection, you can continuously operate your home smart devices with your smartphone through the mobile app.
