Exploring the Latest IoT Devices and Integration

With advances in technology and digitization and an increasing desire for convenience in one’s own four walls, smart homes have quickly become an interesting topic of discussion.

Smart options for virtually all household products – lighting, appliances, thermostats and locks – are now readily available. Their digital technologies enable these devices to run automatically or respond to commands placed via mobile device or voice control.

1. Smart Lighting

Smart lighting controls offer users a way to manage their lights using either voice- or app-controlled lightbulbs, with settings enabling users to manage brightness, color temperature and time-of-day adjustments via smart phone apps or voice control. Furthermore, these smart light bulbs can even be programmed to automatically turn on at specific times or change according to day and time.

Some smart lights feature sensors that detect movement inside a home and can alert police or fire officials if necessary. Furthermore, machine learning technology enables these lights to adapt and learn their user’s routine over time.

2. Smart Appliances

Smart lightbulbs, outlet plugs or refrigerators; television and speaker sets, doorbells or smoke detectors – connected devices have become more affordable to the average household than ever.

Smart appliances utilize timer settings or artificial intelligence (AI) to save energy, money and your schedule – not to mention come equipped with usage logging technology so you can see exactly how much resources they use.

3. Smart Thermostats

Many smart home devices come with independent certification to show they can lower energy costs, learn your habits, set schedules and alert you if your house is vacant.

IoT thermostats are especially well-equipped to help conserve energy. For instance, they can receive real-time weather information and offer advice on weatherproofing your home, while enabling manual or remote temperature adjustments through an app.

4. Smart Locks

Most smart home devices are WiFi-enabled and can be controlled using either a smartphone app or voice assistant. A basic smart lock allows users to provide remote access for delivery personnel, repairmen or cleaners without giving out keys.

Many smart home devices can be set on schedules to save users time. Some can even utilize geofencing technology to automatically turn lights or appliances on whenever someone near your home approaches.

5. Smart Doorbells

Smart doorbells provide instant notifications to your phone, as well as live video feed of who’s there via an app on your smartphone. Some models even allow for communication using voice command technology!

These devices connect to your Wi-Fi internet network and a central hub. Most use Amazon Alexa, while some also work with Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana or Siri.

6. Smart Alarms

Smart devices make everyday activities simpler – from turning on the grill for family dinner or playing Drake songs on Spotify with voice control to acting as home security systems when you are away.

Devices such as light bulbs, thermostats, televisions and speakers, door locks and security cameras are now connected to a central hub that can be managed from any mobile device.

7. Smart Security Cameras

Smart home devices make daily living simpler and more convenient, from voice-activated lightbulbs to doorbells that notify you who’s outside. Many also help reduce energy use costs by tracking usage logs.

Still, security holes plaguing IoT devices remain a significant impediment to its widespread adoption and will prevent smart homes from reaching widespread popularity.

8. Smart Lighting Controls

No matter your morning coffee habits or evening lighting needs, IoT devices can work on schedules that meet them – some even monitor energy use to save on costs!

Most smart home technologies connect to a wireless network and can be managed using an app on a smartphone or other device, including speakers, thermostats and locks.

9. Smart Doorbells

Smart doorbells allow you to remotely screen visitors using two-way audio on your smartphone and create access codes for guests.

Consumers anticipate IoT devices connecting seamlessly to home Wi-Fi networks. One effective method to achieve this goal is through creating a standard data communication network protocol; doing so will improve customer experiences for those 96% of survey participants who agree that exceptional customer experiences provide opportunities.

10. Smart Security Cameras

Monitoring your home remotely via smart devices gives you peace of mind when away, while deterring criminal opportunists.

IoT security devices monitor your facility to detect irregularities and alert you of them, using a central event log and machine learning processes to provide you with key cost elements and recommendations.

Home automation via IoT devices offers convenience and savings, yet it is essential to understand its security limits. Common vulnerabilities include risky passwords and outdated firmware.