It seems as if a new piece of smart home technology is invented daily. Whether it makes our lives safer, more comfortable or more convenient, there is no doubt that we enjoy these products and systems. But how much are they really impacting our lives?
If you take a step back, you will realize that smart home technology is not just about fun gadgets and gizmos. In fact, in many ways, it actually changes the way we live in our homes. Here are five ways smart home technology does this:
- Security: It used to require a lot of effort – not to mention money – to install a state-of-the-art security system in your home. And even after it was done, many systems would fall short from providing you things like high-quality video. But nowadays, there are easy-to-install, DIY security systems that can keep you safe. Most importantly, many of them allow you to control and watch over your home from mobile devices.
- Temperature Control: You used to have to walk over to the thermostat if you wanted to change the temperature in your home. But with today’s smart home technology, not only do you not have to get up – you don’t even have to be in your home. Some companies now offer technology that allows homeowners to control and change the temperature of their homes remotely, which can make lives more comfortable and also help save money.
- Lighting: If you left for a long vacation and realized you left some lights on in your home, you would likely be out of luck. But for those who have invested in new smart lighting, it would be no hassle to turn the lights off from a smartphone. Controlling your home’s lighting remotely can also help keep it safe by creating the illusion that you are at home and deterring potential intruders.
- Entertainment: Most of us have been there: struggling to connect specialty devices to our TVs so that we can watch certain programs that are only available on particular platforms. Doing this can be confusing and frustrating, but with many new entertainment products and systems it is no longer an issue. Certain smart TVs allow users to stream popular apps and shows in high definition – and without complex and expensive auxiliary devices.
- Appliances: Wouldn’t it be nice if your clean clothes were warmly waiting for you in the dryer when you got home – regardless of the time? Or if you could tell how much milk you had in your refrigerator while you were in the dairy aisle at the grocery store? Thanks to new smart appliances, these are possible.
Smart home technology is really changing how we live in and interact with our homes. Later this week we will be exploring smart home products and systems in all of the above categories. Stay tuned!
Cover image via http://www.digitaltrends.com/home/wink-relay-smart-home-control-panel/
