STACK #217 November 2022

LIFE TECH FEATURE

Scene setting A ‘scene’ is basically a sequence of

commands that manages smart home devices, and can be set using a smartphone. It’s a bit like programming a computer, albeit more straightforward and dummy-proof. For example, set a scene that will open the front door and turn on the lights and TV when you get home. Or when it’s bedtime, shut things down for the night with a voice command to your bedroom speaker. And when you’re away on holiday, set scenes to create the illusion that someone is home. They can be as simple or complicated as you choose, and are easily expandable to include further commands. Making a mesh A smart home depends on a fast and reliable Wi-Fi network to control it, and if you’re still using an old router, an upgrade is highly recommended. Setting up a mesh network is an easy solution that boosts the Wi-Fi signal using a single router that sends it to satellite devices positioned throughout the home. The result is a powerful and far-reaching wireless home network that eliminates dead zones and keeps all your smart devices running smoothly and continuously.

compatible with the big three, and also support ZigBee and Z-Wave, which are two popular wireless home automation systems that enable a range of non-proprietary devices to be connected. Not every smart device requires a hub, however. For example, some smart bulbs feature inbuilt Wi-Fi, and depending on the ecosystem, many can be controlled directly from a phone app. Talk to your tech Built-in voice integration has become the default for many smart home devices, providing vital hands-free convenience. Simply tell a speaker or video hub to turn on the lights, TV, and air-con when you walk through the door, or catch up on the latest news when you wake up. A fount of information is also available on demand, from news and weather, to sports scores, recipes and answers to dumb questions. The easiest way to get started is with a smart speaker from a popular range like Amazon Echo, Google Nest and Apple HomePod.

Smarter laundries

and kitchens Smart home tech now extends to washers, dryers and fridges. That’s right, these modern appliances connect to a smart home network with app control and voice assistance to simplify domestic chores and shopping. Smart washers can determine load types and set the appropriate cycle, which can be started remotely via your phone, while smart dryers can weigh a load and detect fabric types in order to apply the correct heat setting. Smart fridges will alert you if the door is left open, and inbuilt cameras let you check the contents while at the supermarket. Some models will even tag contents by use-by dates, and generate a shopping list for items that are running low. Now that’s smart!

Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa

Whymake your home smart?

Netgear Orbi AX6000Tri Band MeshWi-Fi 6 System

Energy efficiency From smart plugs and light bulbs to thermostats, fridges and garden water controllers, many smart home devices will save you power – and money. Easy living Voice control is just the tip of the iceberg. Setting pre-programmed schedules gives you the time to do the important things, content in knowing your automated home will take care of the rest. Stay entertained There’s plenty of smart stuff in the entertainment space, whether you’re parked in front of the TV, chilling out to a favourite playlist, or hosting a party. Total control Your smartphone is a remote control for the smart home. Wherever you are, you can easily manage lights, cameras, music and domestic chores.

A Matter of connectivity Specific protocols used by manufacturers can sometimes make communication between smart home devices problematic, with users locked into a single ecosystem or required to use multiple apps to control them. Fortunately, unification is on the horizon with the introduction of Matter, a wireless connectivity protocol for interoperability that’s been developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), together with major industry players like Google, Amazon, Apple and Samsung. This will enable direct communication between Matter-certified devices via a local Wi-Fi network and Thread for mesh networking, with support for ZigBee and Z-Wave. Matter launched in early October 2022, so expect to see a broad range of popular smart home devices supporting the protocol soon.

34 NOVEMBER 2022

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