What Makes a Home Smart?

We’ve been obsessed with smart homes for a long time now. If you’ve ever watched The Jetsons or Star Trek, you know exactly what I mean. Your home should be an extension of your will. It should integrate perfectly with your daily routines.

You may see smart homes by a few different names:

Smart home
Automated homes
Connected homes

These all mean the same thing, so you can use them interchangeably.

With a smart home, you’re like a superhero. Turn on your heating from the office, and check your front door camera from a beach in Bali – all from your phone.

But it’s not all just fun and games. Smart homes are also about beefing up your home’s efficiency and security. Your smart thermostat tunes anticipate your routine and your needs, saving you bucks on heating and cooling. Your security system gives you a buzz at any hint of trouble. What you need, it delivers.

Basic Types of Smart Home Tech

What magic devices make a home ‘smart’? We chat about a whole range of them here at Smart Geek Home, including:

Smart Hubs: The brains behind a smart home. They tie all your smart tech together. These could be standalone hubs, but they are usually integrated into speakers (Amazon Echo, Google Nest Mini), displays (Echo Show, Nest Hub), or even streaming sticks or thermostats.
Smart Lights: Control your home’s lighting from anywhere. Want a purple living room? Done!
Home Security Systems: We’re talking smart cameras, doorbells, locks, alarms. Your home’s personal bodyguards.
Smart Sensors: Most connected devices have built-in sensors, but standalone sensors are one of the cheapest ways to extend an existing system’s power. Motion sensors, contact sensors, air quality sensors, light sensors, and more can feed valuable data into your smart home routines.

Don’t stress about the sea of choices. Building a smart home is a marathon, not a sprint. Take it one step at a time, and soon you’ll be living in the home of tomorrow!

Choosing Your First Smart Home Device

Alright, you’re ready to take the plunge and buy your first smart home device. But where do you start? Your first purchase really depends on what you care most about. Let’s break it down:

Convenience: If you’re all about making life easier, consider a smart speaker like Amazon Echo or Google Home. These nifty devices not only play your favorite tunes but also act as the command center for your smart home. Ask it to set a timer, check the weather, or control your other smart devices.
Security: If safety is your top concern, a smart security system would be a great first buy. Smart cameras, doorbells, and locks can give you peace of mind. With these devices, you can keep an eye on your home from anywhere in the world.
Entertainment: For the movie buffs and music lovers out there, a smart TV, streaming stick, or speaker system could be your best first choice. Imagine controlling your TV or stereo with just your voice or setting the mood with some ambient lighting.
Energy Savings: If you’re looking to save on your energy bill, a smart thermostat, smart light, or smart plug would be a great place to start. These devices can learn your habits and adjust accordingly, saving you money in the long run.

Remember, there’s no wrong choice here. It’s all about what’s most important to you. Once you’ve made your first purchase, you can always add more devices to your smart home setup.

Picking a Smart Home Platform

Okay, so you’re set on getting a smart home device. But have you thought about which platform you’ll be part of?

In the smart home world, a platform or ecosystem is a family of devices that can work together seamlessly. It’s like a team where each player knows their role and plays it perfectly, making the whole operation smooth and efficient. You’ve probably heard of at least a couple of the major ones – Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s Assistant, and Apple’s HomeKit.

So, which one should you pick? Here’s the secret – it’s not that big of a deal. Most smart home devices these days are compatible with all the major ecosystems. So, whether you’re team Alexa, Google, or Apple, you’ll be able to find devices that play nice with your chosen ecosystem.

That said, each ecosystem has its own vibe. Alexa is inexpensive, great for compatibility, and has a massive range of devices. Google Assistant is well-loved for its superior search and language abilities. Apple HomeKit is the go-to for anyone who loves their iPhone and values privacy.

And here’s the best part – you’re not locked in. Since most devices can work with any ecosystem, you can switch teams down the line if you want to. Your smart thermostat won’t mind if you decide to bring home a Google Home after years of being in the Alexa camp.

In short, choosing an ecosystem is more about your personal preference than anything else. Take a moment to consider which one might suit you best, but don’t sweat it.