Interested in Smart Home tech?
The internet of things refers to physical objects or devices that can be identified, send, and receive data through a network connection. Most of the items considered to be a part of the Internet of Things send information for storage into what is referred to as "the Cloud" - powerful off-site servers that run applications or store large amounts of data. The Internet of Things includes devices that are used in households, for commercial and industrial use, and even personal medical devices.
S Some of the benefits of enabled devices are that they allow control via smart phones and tablets. Some
devices have sensory capabilities that detect characteristics of the environment, or in the case of the FitBit,
characteristics of the wearer such as sleep and activity levels. The data from the devices, such as lights with sensors, can record movement in a room, and adapt to preferred settings during varying parts of the day.
Automation of this nature can be beneficial to some individuals and families. The ability to remotely turn on lights, lock doors, and so on via voice control could appeal to some persons with physical disabilities. The ability to turn off lights when no one is in a room, for instance, could provide energy savings in households with young children.
Some examples of smart devices follow, but do not indicate an endorsement of the product by SVCC or SVCC employees.
Features: 360 degree omni-directional audio, voice control, supported by cloud technology. Echo plays music from a variety of sources and will search the internet for answers to questions, recite the news, and report the weather. In addition, Echo can control lights, thermostats with WeMo, Phillips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, Wink, Insteon, Nest, and ecobe smart home devices.
Control the temperature of your home from your smart phone when you are away from home. The best thermostats will remember your habits and preferences and automatically adjust temperatures based on your habits. Some use motion control and remote sensors to determine when someone is in a room, when you are away from home, or when you are sleeping.
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors give early audio alerts. False alarms can be turned off from a smart phone. The alerts identify the location and nature of the problem.
Smart security systems include cameras, sensors, and alarms. Some rely on subscription services and cloud data storage. Others will stream live video from a smart device such as an android or IOS phone or tablet.
Smart lighting allows for remote and/or automated control of your home lighting. Some additional features include dimming or adjusting the color of light, syncing lights with movies, tv, or games.
Connected deadbolt locks require a user code to be entered, or recognize your phone as you approach the door. Sensors allow the locks to alert the homeowner to movement outside the door, and can connect with home security service providers.
Detect broken water pipes, leaking water softeners, and receive an alert via smartphone.
Allows user to adjust cooking time and temperature level using a phone app.
Start the coffee maker from your mobile device, schedule and adjust brew time.
This bluetooth enabled kitchen scale allows users to analyze 35 nutrients from a selection of over 8000 food items, create a food journal, and record it all via a free phone app.
The built-in camera takes a photo of food in the refrigerator every time the doors close. Photos are accessed via mobile device. A digital bulletin board/calendar is available. The refrigerator will also play music, allow for online shopping from the screen, and connect to recipe sites. Bored while cooking? The refrigerator can mirror a smart tv screen playing in another room.
Privacy advocates caution that smart devices collect and analyze a lot of user data. The data is generally stored on cloud servers, and privacy advocates fear that the very personal information generated could fall into the wrong hands. In the case of remote surveillance services, the data stream would include live video feeds from every room in a house.In addition, people who dislike targeted marketing may object to the data collection for fear that businesses will utilize the information to direct advertising at the user. Finally, Ethicists have concerns that a smart refrigerator that takes photos of the food in a home and complies a shopping list could be exploited by, for instance, life or health insurance companies.
Devices that transmit location data could enable tracking of the physical location of a home. The ability to remotely view home data could be used to monitor when someone is home and when the home is unattended. A stolen or lost smart phone that has not been properly password protected could put an entire home at risk. Hackers have already demonstrated the ability to take control of unsecured baby monitors.
Risks: Planned Obsolescence
Smart technologies can represent varying degrees of investment. When a company determines that they will no longer support a product, the investment value decreases dramatically.
Should you invest in Smart Home tech?
Consider investments in smart technology the way you would any other home expenditure. How long will it last? Will it enhance the value of the home? Will it significantly contribute to quality of life? Will it help me to save money, offsetting some of the initial investment?
Before purchasing, it is a good idea to compare brands and features as you would for any other significant purchase to make sure you are getting the best value.
