STACK #221 March 2023

TECH FEATURE

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The smart home revolution has brought convenience, comfort, security, and energy efficiency to millions of Australian households. If you’re considering the move to connected and automated living, we’ve got you covered – from where to begin, to what you’ll need to smarten up every area of the home. Words Bec Summer

No expertise required

A lifestyle of convenience awaits Control everything from lighting, blinds, and security cameras, to heating, cooling, laundry, vacuuming and more with preset instructions (known as ‘scenes’), or by simply talking to your tech. Set daily routines, like awakening to freshly brewed coffee, a warm house, and a morning news summary tailored to your interests. The set-and-forget convenience of smart home automation lets you enjoy more downtime by assigning everyday tasks and chores to connected devices. And you can leave home content in the knowledge that

The good news is you don’t have to be a sparky or an IT wizard to build a smart home; the simplicity of smart home tech can convert even the most ardent technophobe. Most devices are designed for easy set-up and connection, although some basic DIY may be required for installing brackets and attachments, and wired security systems could require a professional’s touch. From little things, smart homes grow Partial or full home automation is a matter of personal choice, and of course budget. Joining the smart home revolution can begin with something as basic as a smart light bulb, smart plug, or door sensor. Determine what parts of the home you want to smarten up – lighting, security, and everyday appliances, et al – and explore the plethora of products and possibilities. Planning and building a smart home can be both fun and addictive.

Choose an ecosystem A smart home ecosystem connects all the smart devices on your home Wi-Fi network, enabling communication between them. The hub or app is the command centre for management and control, so you should choose a platform that’s compatible with your existing smart devices. The major players here are Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings, so it’s likely you’re already using one of these virtual assistants on your phone.

the stove or iron is definitely off. Save power, save money

The ability to monitor power usage makes smart homes more energy efficient and good for the back pocket. And a smart water-controller for the garden hose will further reduce wastage and utility bills.

MARCH 2023

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