It’s the powerful connections that make it smart.
Smart Homes Are All Different
An official definition of “smart home” doesn’t exist.
Smart home technology is still in its infancy.
Even among those who have adopted it, one smart home can look very different from another.
Differences include which smart devices are in the home and even how many of these devices are present.
What a smart home is for you depends on what you want to get out of it.
The promise was straight forward; the thermostat would save you more money than it cost to buy.
Teaching is as simple as changing the temperature when you feel the need.
The process is supposed to be much simpler than programmable thermostats provide.
Smart Lights and Plugs Offer Voice Control and More
Smart lightsand smart plugs come in various forms.
Each has benefits and downsides.
But you won’t get color-changing features.
Usually, either option has voice assistant integration, though sometimes a hub is required.
The main difference is the ease of installation and space.
To use a smart plug likeSonoff’s, plug it into an outlet then plug a rig into it.
No wiring is necessary.
But it will be close to flush with the wall, just like your current outlets.
Related:What Kind of Smart Lights Should You Buy?
With asmart locklikeSchlage’s, you’ll have more control of who can type your house.
Smart doorbellscan be a little more tricky to install.
If you don’t, you’ll need somethingbattery powered.
If you have a wired doorbell, you could pull up video at any time.
Related:Which Smart Lock Should You Buy?
Voice Assistants Tie Everything Together
You may notice we haven’t mentioned hubs.
That’s because voice assistants likeGoogle HomeandAlexaarekilling the smart home hub, and overall that’s a good thing.
With a voice assistant, you could pull your various devices together to make them work in collaboration.
That’s much better than remembering which manufacturer app controls one unit.
You won’t want to go back to only having light switches as an option.
you could always save money by not buying something.
The question should be whether the cost is worth what you get out of it.
Once you’ve done the cost/benefit math, you’re free to pace yourself.
Nearly every smart home is different, and that’s no surprise because homes themselves are very different.
At the end of the day, a smart home is whatever you want it to be.
