STACK #241 November 2024

HOW TO AUTOMATE YOUR HOME

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How does it work? Smart home devices are Wi-Fi or Bluetooth enabled – individual devices can be controlled from their respective apps, a smart speaker, or consolidated into a central hub for even easier control. Connected devices all working together creates a smart home ecosystem, which streamlines control of your automated home so you don’t need to keep switching between multiple apps. Google, Alexa and Apple Home are the three big players in this space, so choose devices compatible with the voice assistant and smartphone you’re currently using, or ones with Matter certification.

COMPATIBILITY MATTERS If you have a range of devices from different brands and ecosystems, some of them can talk to each other thanks to Matter, a wireless connectivity standard for the smart home that enables cross-platform conversation to keep everything running smoothly.

L aunched in late 2022, Matter allows proprietary smart home ecosystems like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home to speak a universal language. So if a device that you want is Matter-certified, like a smart plug, it can be controlled using Alexa, Google, or Siri. Matter-certified devices communicate with each other directly using Wi-Fi or a Thread mesh network, and can also operate offline using the latter. So, if your internet connection goes down, your automated home will keep on running. Matter also simplifies set-up and operation by standardising device communication and control across hubs, phone apps, smart speakers, voice assistants and cloud services. It also incorporates strong security and encryption to protect your privacy. Currently, not all smart home devices support the Matter standard, but those that do include smart light bulbs, plugs,

Automated devices can be scheduled to activate and deactivate at certain times with a single command, and automated routines can be easily set up by inputting a sequence of preset instructions, such as scheduling the lights and TV to switch off when it’s bedtime. Routines can be as simple or as complex as you please, and are easily customisable to include additional commands or remove ones that you no longer use. Is it easy to set up? Smart devices are designed to be user friendly – including installation and connection – and easily programmed and customised for set-and-forget convenience. Companion apps guide you through the process, step by step. Fast and stable Wi-Fi is essential to keep an automated home running smoothly. If you have a big house, consider setting up a mesh network for wider and stronger coverage throughout, and no more dead zones. What you need to get started

roller shade drivers, locks, and sensors. Simply look for the Matter logo on the box. Further unification is on the horizon – Matter 1.3 was launched in May 2024 with support for even more devices, along with better energy and water management. Manufacturers are also adding Matter compatibility to some existing devices via firmware updates. The diversity of smart home devices available and different ecosystems can create uncertainty, but Matter certification gives you the confidence that your automated home won’t suffer any compatibility issues, as well as effectively future-proofing it.

Automated living can begin with a single Wi Fi-enabled smart plug that can turn whatever is plugged into it on and off. This will give you a feel for app control and

scheduling, and adding more devices helps you appreciate how a smart home ecosystem connects and interacts.

Automating your home can take time and money, so decide what you want to automate and then smarten things up one device at a time. A lifestyle of convenience awaits!

40 NOVEMBER 2024

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