Smart Home Technologies
Smart home technology is now a standard option for everyone, not just the wealthy and technologically adept. The tech industry has responded with ever more sophisticated solutions. Although many people associate automation with gadgets like Google’s Nest or Amazon’s Echo or Apple’s HomeKit the term »smart home » is more inclusive than that and encompasses an array of options for your home. This includes everything from remote-controlled lighting and heating to CCTV doorbells, home security systems and smart locks. Some allow you to monitor elderly relatives, pets, or children and even track your children.
The key to a successful smart home system is integration. That is why the most effective products available are those that can work with other systems and devices to make your home smarter. For example lighting bulbs that are smart can communicate with the central hub to set your lights according to a predetermined time or turn them off when you leave the house. A doorbell with video could alert you to visitors who might be coming in, and your alarm system can notify police or fire departments. Once you’ve got the hang of IFTTT (If This Then That) You can make use of services like Stringify to automate your devices in more complex ways.
Of of course, bringing a range of new smart devices into your home can have its own concerns. CNET is determined to learn about company policies, address privacy concerns, and even direct questions to companies.