Summary
Theres more to building a smart home than simply picking a few lights and cameras.
What Smart Home Systems Does This machine Support?
There are three dominant smart home systems: Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit.
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Youcoulduse a combination of systems and third-party apps, but its better to have everything in one place.
Choosing a system will largely depend on what you already have around the house.
If youve got a Ring doorbell, youve already got an Alexa smart home equipment.
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If you use an iPhone, all of your HomeKit devices will appear in Apples Home app.
If you watch media on a Chromecast or via Android TV, Google Home might be a better choice.
The smart assistant you use to control your devices is also a factor.
Wyze
Support depends on manufacturers adopting a cross-platform approach, and updating their devices accordingly.
That said, even dedicated Home Assistant users should check the list of compatible devices before they purchase anything.
Can I Use This Locally, Without Internet Access?
Arlo
Some smart home devices are entirely dependent on the internet, while others work locally over a web connection.
Some fuse both of these approaches.
Take a smart security camera, for example.
SwitchBot
The same is true of doorbell cameras, many of which only work over the internet.
Some of the most mission-critical devices already have safeguards for this, particularly smart locks.
What Happens if the Smart Service Stops Working?
TP-Link
Some smart home devices rely on entirely proprietary systems, where core functionality is dependent on distant cloud servers.
When the server goes away, so does much of the functionality.
This isnt such an issue if the cloud service is only one optional part of a larger package.
TP-Link
Its easy to assume that these companies will be around forever, but theres no guarantee.
This is especially true for cheap, no-name products.
How Do I Update the equipment for Bug and Security Fixes or New Features?
One way that these devices can be compromised is via software bugs and security holes.
update
Being able to patch problems as they arise is essential.
Find out how easy this process is.
Does the unit update itself when given an internet connection?
Do you gotta update manually via an app?
Do you’re gonna wanna download and flash firmware files using your system?
Some devices may never get software updates.
Once youve bought the gear, its your problem.
Do I Need Any Extra Equipment to Make This rig Work?
Not every smart home gadget is plug-and-play.
While most make it easy to get started, some require a bit more thought.
Some examples include security cameras, smart thermostats, smart doorbells, and smart locks.
Security cameras are designed to be mounted in useful positions, like above your garage.
Depending on the system you choose, you may need to run a cable.
Many smart home cameras usePower over Ethernet (PoE), which provides both power and connection connectivity.
For this, youll need a PoE injector since a standard router or switch wont do.
Smart locks also have a power problem to overcome.
Depending on the system, you may need to wire the smart lock into the doorframe.
The same is true of smart doorbells.
And then theres the additional stress of having too many wireless devices in your house.
At some point, you might need toupgrade your router.
Is the Manufacturer Reliable?
One of the most important criteria youll want to satisfy is that of reliability.
For smart home gadgets, this doesnt just mean that the machine is durable or offers a decent warranty.
Youll want to be sure that product support stacks up too.
How reliable are the cloud services youre going to be relying on?
Is wireless performance a problem?
Does the battery last long enough?
Is the user experience a pleasant one?
Do doorbell notifications actually work as advertised?
Does nighttime security footage look like it was recorded on a potato?
Youre looking for good reviews, ideally from people in the same position as you.
Social media is often the most reliable indicator, given the prevalence of fake reviews.
Reddit and message boards are your friends.
Are You OK with Devices That Fail This Checklist?
Sometimes, you have to make compromises.
You should never compromise on security.
Give it a miss.
This might mean you have to give up some functionality or wait a little longer to expand your system.
