The same thing happens to houses, as to cars, as to telephones at the beginning of this century: they become intelligent. Home automation is becoming increasingly popular, with solutions finally integrating products from many of the world’s largest companies.
Many users have control devices of all kinds at home, but even more do not yet dare to take the plunge. Getting started on making a home smart isn’t particularly expensive or complex.but there are a few things you need to consider, from what internet connection you have to what type of devices to buy.
The simplest is Start with products that don’t require significant technical knowledge. Home Assistant, for example, is extremely powerful software, but not very user-friendly for people who are not very tech-savvy. Products linked to the Apple, Google or Amazon ecosystems are generally better, at least initially, given their simplicity.
Choose an ecosystem
That said, the first thing to do is choose one of these platforms to start building the ecosystem, which can be as simple as a speaker and a light bulb, or simply a light bulb controlled from your mobile. Home kit,
Apple and Google have the two most user-friendly and cost-effective ecosystems focused on their smart speakers, although you don’t have to buy them. You can control the different devices from mobile or tablet applications. Google Home and Alexa.
It is possible to use both systems at the same time, but this is completely unnecessary. Google of course has better integration with its services, but Alexa generally has better home automation features and crashes less than Google. In addition, the activation phrase itself is more convenient and natural than Google’s.
The importance of Wi-Fi
The vast majority of home automation products connect to the internet via WiFi. This makes the quality of the connection used at home is essential. It is therefore important to know the signal strength where a home automation device will be placed, whether it is a speaker, a light bulb or a lock.
If the signal is weak, you can opt for a signal booster, whether it is a Mesh router, a PLC or another type of device. Obviously, th is would also result in a better signal for other devices, such as cell phones and computers. Similarly, Many devices only allow you to connect to 2.4 GHz networks,
Centralized control
It’s totally possibility of using home automation devices at home without having to use voice assistants from Google or Amazon. Xiaomi, for example, has in Xiaomi Home a platform on which to control dozens of different products, from fans and vacuum cleaners to air fryers and security systems.
The problem is that, Unless we are willing to manage many different applications, it is best to integrate them all into one.. That’s where the Alexa or Google Home apps come in, whether or not you want to use voice commands from these assistants. From these applications you can activate and deactivate different devices, create routines that program behaviors, and all this without having to use different applications on a daily basis, with different interfaces.
What to buy to get started
The advantage of home automation is that it adapts to each user. Some started by taking control of their security system, installing cameras and sensors controllable from a standard but also from the mobile. The Ring system, for example, is an option, or the Eufy system if you’re looking for something cheaper.
But it’s okay to start with lighting., to be able to turn certain lamps on and off easily without having to use the switch. This can be done by installing smart bulbs, sockets in the case of street lamps and even relays with WiFi if you want to control a set of lights with different bulbs.
Another use which also This will save us money on the electricity bill is to use a smart plug on the electric water heater, if this type of water heater is used. Being able to program it to turn off at night is something that may suit many users, and it can still be turned on or off remotely, if necessary. THE smart vacuum cleaners This is another very interesting option, to program, control from your mobile or even from the speakers.
You can also home automation. It is possible to install a smart lock in the house, open from your mobile even if you have forgotten the keys and even open the garage door from the car. And all this can also be controlled from a smart watch.
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