Smart homes are changing the way we live. Over the next few years, we'll see increasingly more smart home features incorporated into our day-to-day life. These devices can be especially helpful for disabled people, tech enthusiasts, and people with a busy schedule. Here are some ideas on how to turn your own home into a smart home.
Make Your Home a Smart Hub for Your Lifestyle
Smart home devices connect to your Wi-Fi network and can be accessed remotely via an app on your phone. For example, some popular connected home devices include thermostats that automatically adjust the temperature by sensing when you’re at home or away.
Install Natural Language Voice Processing Assistants
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are subsets of Natural Language Processing (NLP), which is widely used today. Voice assistants use Natural Language Processing to understand what you're saying. Alexa, for example, can answer questions, play music, read the news, set alarms, and control smart home gadgets. In fact, you can enjoy your favorite entertainment without looking at your phone or reaching for it.
Automate Your Home
You can automate your lights with smart light bulbs, like Philips Hue or LIFX, which you can control remotely with an app on your phone or laptop. Also, you can automate blinds, air conditioners, heaters, coffee machines, and even pet feeders so they'll work on a schedule. Of course, if you find all this too complicated to do on your own, simply hire an electrician to set everything up for you.
Improve Security and Safety Features
Sensors are the future of home security. Currently, the technology is used to monitor a lot of different things. For example, whether doors are open or closed, if a person has fallen, and even where people are in the house. Modern homes also need smart locks that can be unlocked remotely and sensors that can detect intruders.
Enhance Functionality & Convenience
Here are four examples of how you can incorporate smart technology into your lifestyle:
1. Make a smart night light that turns on when the sun sets.
2. Set up a smart thermostat that adjusts the temperature in your home based on the time of day and what you want.
3. Add a motion sensor to your front door so it will turn on when someone gets close.
4. Install a voice-activated light switch in the kitchen so you can control the lights without moving.
Use the IoT to Reduce Energy Consumption
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of devices, vehicles, buildings, and other objects embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity to collect and exchange data. IoT lets objects be sensed and controlled remotely over existing networks.
Smart Sensors, for instance, can detect changes in their environment and transmit information about them over a network. The device gets data from the environment to which it is connected or from other sensors within range of its wireless signal. You can use this to track your energy consumption or to keep an eye on your home security.
Conclusion
Start small when it comes to smart home technology. For instance, install smart plugs, Wi-Fi thermostats, and security cameras. As soon as you have these devices in place, you can add other devices such as a voice assistant or an automated vacuum cleaner to your arsenal. Whatever you choose, you will be sure to benefit from the convenience these devices have to offer.
