We’ve all heard the hype, and a few of us cannot resist the idea of a ‘smart home’. Just thinking about never having to find your front door keys or worry about re-stocking your refrigerator makes the whole concept exciting.
But just what exactly is a smart house and how do you go about setting up one? This article tries to answer that very question – how to set up a smart home….and what is it going to cost you?
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How To Set Up A Smart Home
When it comes to voice activated or remotely configurable assets for your home, the choice of connective devices is vast – from ‘smart plugs’ to ‘smart garden sprinklers’, there are a host of gadgets which make for easy living. Most of us can imagine turning on the lights before we get home, but there’s a lot more to it than that.
The most popular platforms on the market right now are Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Assistant – by comparatively viewing these options we are offered an overview of the methodology currently available.
Devices and how to use them
Both Alexa and Assistant are available on branded devices released by their respective owners – Google and Amazon. As there is a price war on at present, it’s become somewhat of a buyers market. Among other activation devices, both also have voice activated speakers. Amazon has various Echo speakers available, while Google has its Home device – each has compliant 3rd party connective gadgets as well as apps. Also, it’s worth mentioning that there is a learning curve associated with each system, and often their compatible gadgets, too.
Here are a few:
- Commands (known as ‘Skills’ for Amazon) must be added to the speaker’s controlling app, a set of procedures such as naming the commands and associating them with gadgets, are necessary to instantiate the item. These new commands must be memorised, along with the basic activation and engaging commands such as, ‘Hey Google’ or simply ‘Alexa’. However, both bots learn from you as they go, so education is mutual and gets easier with time.
- Commands associated with gadgets must be unique and not clash. Eg: commands such as ‘outdoor lights on’, and ‘outdoor sprinklers on’, might not be good choices, since the bot might get confused and activate the incorrect gadget – so commands must be selected with care.
- Groups, Hubs & Scenes – Sets of instructions which apply to groups of devices can also be programmed into each system. For instance, to turn off all the lights, and lock all the doors on the ‘Bedtime’ command, but It’s fairly logical, and doesn’t take much getting used to.
The easiest way to find out more is go to the Websites of each provider. Amazon has a Web Page exclusively devoted to ‘smart devices’ that work with their Echo speakers. Gadgets are sorted by category, so it’s very easy to navigate & find gadgets. However, Google’s is somewhat less intuitive, but, nevertheless still informative.
Installing And Connecting Smart Gadgets
Any gadget you purchase will need to be installed. Installation guides are manufacturer specific, and range from simple procedures starting from plugging the gadget in, connecting the app, setting up the commands and WiFi, getting the app to search the environment for compliant gadgets. Once these steps are done, you are good to go. Remember, there are some other complex procedures which require a ‘Bridge’ to operate, and may need professional installation. The trick here is to read the installation requirements before you buy, so as not to land in ‘sticky mud’. BTW, each system has an app available for smartphones or Tablets to connect gadgets.
Some of the gadgets you require to add “smartness” to your abode:
Smart plugs
These are one of the least expensive items you can buy to jazz-up your environment & make it ‘smart’. You will need to replace existing plugs with ‘smart plugs’; almost any electronic device in your home can be turned ‘Intelligent’. Plugs offer one of the easiest methods for transformation.
Smart lights
’Intelligent’ lights, which can be switched on and off by a voice command, are one of the most popular, & inexpensive options. They are generally, available in 2 ‘flavors’ – white bulbs, which can be dimmed or brightened, or colored bulbs that can be adjusted, without lifting a finger, to the ambiance or mood you wish to impart to any room.
Thermostat
Smart air cons which regulate the temperature of your environment, are also a trendy choice. Simply talk to your bot when you’d like a warmer or cooler setting.
Door bell
This option is great for security since it allows you to view your caller on a compatible device with a screen, such as a smartphone or Tablet. Cameras are situated at the door, which permits screening your visitors before you open it. Some gadgets in this class, also allow you to engage in a conversation with the caller over intercom.
Smart cameras
One of the first types of smart home compatible devices ever launched, cameras installed inside the home, or on the perimeter, cater to those wanting to keep tabs on their home from a remote locale. Video, & stills are available on compatible smart screen devices.
Vacuum cleaners
”Alexa, clean the house” or “Hey, Google, clean the house”, must be one of the most sought after skills imaginable. With just a mere voice command, your home will be vacuumed.
Kitchen appliances
Appliances such as microwaves & pressure cookers, which operate on command, might be especially useful if your hands are full, chopping, making cocktails or cleaning up.
In Conclusion
These are only a few of the options available. When you’ve got a few of them across your living room, bathrooms and kitchen, and have started using them, your home is deemed to be “smart”. Cost, however, is something you need to think of before embarking on this journey of smartness so be smart while prioritising, initially. It may take anything between $1500 to $8000 for this entire exercise so choose your system & gadgets with care. One way to go about is to draw up a macro plan but buy the essential few smart items first, get used to them, before buying the rest. Also, watch out for compatibility.