The promise of smart products is vast.
Sure, they save time, because they work without your input.
But the best reasonthe reason you really cant refuteis that smart home products make the world accessible.
You need strong and consistent wifi
Smart home devices need internet.
Setup is almost always going to require wifi, and usage often depends on the internet as well.
It is also worth noting that smart devices almost always run on 2.4 Ghz wifi.
What devices does a smart home consist of?
I like to divide smart tech into groups.
These are items that can be plugged in, and are, themselves, smart.
Through an app, you’re able to control them directly.
Next, there areconnectors: devices meant to turn a dumb rig smart.
That includes smart devices like plugs, outlets, extension cords, and switches.
Plug a regular fan into a smart plug, and now it’s a smart fan.
Through an app, you’ll turn theplugon and off, instead of the fan.
Lastly, there arecontrols.
The same company probably has one app on your phone you’d use to control all those devices.
All of these partshubs, multi-hubs, speakers, assistants and appsare used to control your smart home.
Soon, you’ll find you have a lot of these physical hubs hanging out in your home.
It’s a lot of hardware and a lot of corresponding apps to have just taking up space.
But, it hasn’t really worked out that way.
Sure, youcanrunAlexa and Googlein your home, but it’s easily avoidable.
Start adding smart home tech in layers
Dont go hog wild on smart products.
Choose a hub, and then choose one layer of utilities: Lights, HVAC, or cleaning.
Experiment with automations along the way, voice control, and what to do when you lose connection.
Slowly add on more layers as you get more comfortable with the technology.
As you build your system, you’ll notice all those hubs start to pile up.
Locate the hubs in one spot and label them so its clear from the front what they control.
Keep a doc or spreadsheet somewhere with all the apps on your phone and what they control.
Ive found it pretty easy to relocate floor bots and smart plugs.
Voice assistant speakers or your hub are a pain, but not impossible.
The same goes for lightbulbs and smart appliances.
Your robot pool cleaner might come with you, but the smart garage opener wont.
Consider the longevity of your choices.
But we know that companies are fallible, networks are hackable, and security breaches happen.
Thefallibilityof connected devices is, of course, their connection to the internet.
They can behacked,accessed remotely, or in the case of smart cameras,jammed.
Use strong, unique passwords or phrases.
What are the most popular smart home sensors and devices used today?
Most people are going to start with the basics of smart home technology: lightbulbs and smart plugs.
Automating it would remove a tiny amount of labor in your day.
For instance, I have been unimpressed with the Roombas I’ve trialed.
First, I strongly advise people to get PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras.
Most brands now carry these PTZ cams, but I’m particularly fond ofReolinkandEufymodels.
Generally speaking, I considerAqarathe “sensor people.”
They have a highly robust line of sensors, including the groundbreakingpresence sensor.
Moreover, I have found their sensors to be consistently reliable over time.
I’d also noteAirthings air qualitymonitors.
