The progress of humankind has been about having a comfortable place to live; we moved out of caves and impermanent dwellings into the homes we have today.

Likewise, we created technologies to assist and improve us in all spheres of our lives. It only makes sense that we introduce these technologies into our homes to further our accessibility and increase the comforts of living at home.

Ever-evolving technology and its role in our lives

Technology is ubiquitous. Most of our daily interactions are on screens. Smartphones connect people globally in a matter of seconds. It was only a matter of time that we brought technology into our homes to assist us.

The Internet of Things (IoT) industry is blossoming. Today, smart living spaces have connected home appliances and electronics to our smartphones. From controlling lights, air-conditioners, TVs, and even washing machines, very few devices will be left out in the smart home future.

Smart homes and their growth in numbers

Smart devices in homes have led to a marked improvement in the standards of living worldwide.

Here are statistics from America that show the potential future of Smart Homes:

• 87% of U.S.A. consumers who already have smart home products agree these products make their lives easier
• 72% of consumers who own smart home items say these devices provide them with peace of mind for their home security

The revenue of the Smart Home segment Control and Connectivity in India is expected to be USD $1,363.2 million by 2023.

What makes up the universe of features that go into making a home truly smart? Let’s find out.

Systems like security cameras, smart appliances and smart thermostats have been introduced in housing societies these days. These are eco-friendly and safe systems that save electricity and expenses.

These devises are the most visible part of the Internet of Things as we interact with them every day.

Interconnected/Networked Homes

It has become possible for us to access, control and change the settings of lights, fans, ACs and trash cans from our smartphones, even when we are not home. Intelligent home control allows users to connect all their devices, appliances, lighting systems, entertainment consoles and even security systems via Wi-fi.

Pre-set and personalised settings work on their own, such as lights dimming or curtains opening up at a particular time. There are about 7 billion internet-connected devices in 2019 according to data from Internet of Things (IoT) analytics. That’s almost 1 for every person alive!

Highlighted below are some of the few better known smart home devices.

• Security cameras
  Surveillance cameras in and around housing societies and at apartment doors have been a preference since a while now. It lets people check on outsiders or visitors. With the increase of food and ecommerce delivery apps, there are a lot of delivery persons entering societies. Security cameras allay fears to a great extent.
  These cameras can prevent thefts, and have in the past identified robbers and helped police and societies come to quick resolutions for unsavoury incidents.
• Motion Detection Alarm Systems
  It is a smart system that includes a self-monitored home security system where users receive notifications on their mobile devices after alarms are triggered. These alarms are triggered when there is any movement picked up by sensors.
• Smart eco-friendly appliances
  Every electronic appliance in our home has a vital impact on energy consumption. This may lead to wastage of such energy or even higher electricity bills. But these smart appliances are programmed to work in a low-power mode and only activate, in some cases, when needed. Some are programmed to sleep when the owners aren’t at home at certain times, and to wake just in time to welcome them home.
  Thus, eco-friendly smart appliances help conserve energy and make huge cost savings.

• Other appliances
  Homeowners have the option to purchase for themselves devices that clean their homes. A Roomba is a popular example of just such a device, making the cleaning of dust and other crumbs on the floors a much less cumbersome affair.

• Thermostats
  Climate control which can adjust around your lifestyle, schedule and habits are standard in these high-tech thermostats. You can control and adjust these remotely and in advance as well. There are options for iOS and Android to control it, when you are away from home or about to reach, it sets the temperatures accordingly. This also leads to saving your money on electricity consumption.

• Integrated Telecommunication Systems
  Telecommunication is not limited to just cell phones. You can transfer phone calls throughout your house. When someone calls you, only the nearest phone to you rings. If you get a video call, the nearest LCD display is activated. There are also personalisable features including hold, mute, intercom, and conference calling options displayed as visual messages.

Smart choice 

We should opt for smart homes as they can be adapted according to our own personal needs. They are one of the most efficient, effective and easy to access set ups. It is here today, for us and for good! Let’s choose the smart way.