As technology rapidly advances over the years, an increasing number of homes are embracing automation and connected devices. This trend has fueled the popularity of “smart homes”. As per Joe Cianciotto, a smart home implies to a living space where diverse electronic devices like appliances, lights, televisions, locks and cameras are connected to the internet. This setup is also referred to as home automation, and allows homeowners to remotely control their devices via their smartphones or tablets.
Joe Cianciotto offers a brief overview of smart home systems
A smart home is essentially a residence that is equipped with a variety of connected devices and appliances that can be remotely controlled with a smartphone or tablet, and are linked via a central hub or network. A smart home system can include light, heating and security devices, like light bulbs, thermostats and security cameras. All of them are part of the Internet of Things (IoT), which implies to an ecosystem of objects that gather and share data with each other through sensors, web and other hardware. A smart home ideally comprises of multiple interconnected by remotely controlled smart devices. Homeowners would be able to control multiple functions, starting from turning their thermostats up or down to opening and closing their window shades, by just pressing a button on an app or even by using a voice command.
Smart devices can typically be run autonomously by using either triggered or timed events. For instance, a smart coffee pot shall turn on exactly at 6:30 am, if it is programmed to do so. Or if a home reaches a specific temperature, the smart cooling system can be programmed to turn on and regulate the temperature to ensure that the living space stays cool and comfortable. By using smart home devices, one would be able to streamline and automate their daily routines pretty conveniently, increase energy efficiency home, and improve overall home security.
Smart home security systems typically include cameras, locks and lights, all of which can be controlled remotely and monitored from a tablet or smartphone. Therefore, homeowners can always check what is going on in their home. Such systems may also send notifications in case suspicious activity is detected at home. In addition to common security tech like surveillance cameras and motion detectors, smart home systems may even include sensors for detecting water leaks and carbon monoxide leaks. The system may send alerts to the proper authorities and trigger security measures for such instances, thereby providing peace of mind to the homeowners.
As per Joe Cianciotto, devices like smart lighting systems and thermostats generally make use of sensors and AI algorithms in order to understand user preferences and adjust automatically, so that they are only used when necessary. This helps in using electricity more efficiently, and saving on utility bills. For instance, rather than keeping an AC unit on all day, smart home systems may consider factors like user behaviors, room occupancy and weather conditions, in order to optimize its energy use.
