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The term “smart home” has become an increasingly popular buzzword in the world of home security, as every aspect of our home life becomes increasingly digitalized, with the field of domotics (a contraction of the Latin “domus” meaning “house” and “robotics”) at the forefront throughout this process.
But what does smart home actually mean, and how can homeowners leverage this technology to increase peace of mind in their homes? Read on for more details surrounding this increasingly popular term.
For more ways to automate your home security needs, check out our list of the best home security systems.
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What is a smart home?
A smart home is a living space equipped with home automation devices that use an internet connection. The connected devices can communicate with each other and synchronize tasks over a common network. This is different from typical home automation, which includes devices connected through other means such as Bluetooth or a local network.
Smart home devices are typically connected via Wi-Fi and fall under the broader term Internet of Things (IoT), which includes devices connected over a local network. Smart homes can make your home more energy efficient, improve your home security system, and make it easier to manage everyday tasks.
History of the Smart Home
It may not seem like it now, but technically, a washing machine is an example of home automation. Tasks that were once done manually and took a lot of time and effort are now handled automatically by machines. In this way, the rise of household appliances in the early 20th century was the first wave of home automation.
The first major communications protocol for electrical devices, X10, was invented in 1975. The protocol uses powerline wiring for signaling and control between devices and is still widely used today. Modern interest in home automation began in the late 1990s and has continued to grow as Wi-Fi access and new connectivity technologies have become more widespread.
How does smart home technology work?
Smart appliances can synchronize tasks in a specific order called routines. These appliances communicate through home automation connectivity standards (technical specifications that allow devices from different manufacturers to communicate with each other). Some, such as Z-Wave and Zigbee, are only available for certain brands, but recently Matter has emerged as a common standard across companies and is gaining attention.
Smart home products can also be activated with voice commands, usually with the help of a voice assistant. The most common of these assistants are Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple's Siri. Whether operated through a smartphone or a smart home hub, a voice-controlled assistant can help you control multiple home appliances at once and initiate routines that make your daily life more convenient.
Examples of smart home technology
Smart lighting (e.g. smart lightbulbs) Smart thermostats Smart home security devices (e.g. security cameras) Smart locks Smart plugs Refrigerators Dishwashers Smart speakers Video doorbells Washers and dryers Ovens Sprinklers Motion sensors Televisions Automatic garage door openers
Why Invest in a Smart Home System?
A smart home can make your home more energy efficient by automatically turning off lights at certain times and optimizing energy consumption. You can also improve your home's security by integrating your home automation system with security cameras and motion sensor technology, which can be controlled from a central hub or your smartphone.
However, smart home systems can also expose you to security risks in terms of data privacy. Some gadgets connected via IoT lack reliable encryption. Also, a smart home requires a consistent and reliable internet connection, which is not available in all parts of the US. Ultimately, the specific circumstances and needs of your home are factors to consider in determining if smart home automation is right for you.
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