STACK #185 Mar 2020

LIFE TECH FEATURE

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through Wi-Fi, but it also supports ZigBee and Z-Wave, two widely deployed wireless home automation systems that enable a broad range of non-proprietary devices to be connected and they operate on different wireless frequencies similar to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Symbol For this feature a heap of review product arrived at the office, which we actively set up in our chaotic work environment with great success, some of which we’ll be covering in this feature. So to make life easier, we’ve put a symbol next to the review so you can tell at a glance what hub it’s compatible with.

the Assure SL is a sleek unit combining

a sharp, minimalist design with a heap of functionality. Installation is a relatively straightforward proposition as long as you can use a screwdriver; the unit retro fits directly into a standard 54mm bore hole. Once the batteries are inserted, set your PIN code. Users can log 25 different PIN codes, which can be distributed to visiting family members or to let the cleaners in, and the door can be locked with a simple touch of the pad. The codes can easily be changed, making the lock an invaluable tool in the rental and Airbnb markets. When the battery life reaches 25 per cent the lock will display a continuous warning, so there’s no excuse not to change them. The name Yale comes with a benchmark of quality, so if the idea of a key-free lock is appealing, look no further. Lighting the way We covered smart lighting extensively back in the October issue, but options are abundant. The two big players here are Philips Hue and LIFX, that not only offer a broad range of lighting for entertainment and practicality around the house, but also for the garden (more on that below). These quality lighting solutions are simple to install and even easier to connect, delivering 16 million different colour variations to suit any task or mood. If your house is fitted with downlights, consider the LIFX 100mm downlight. And the soon to be relased Philips Hue 90mm plug in and play downlight is the perfect solution, bringing smart lighting to the most popular downlight size in Australia. The beauty of introducing smart lighting to the house is that it can be done progressively – all you need to do is choose the first room and you’re off.

Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Home Kit and Samsung SmartThings. It’s important to remember that these centralised management systems are competing businesses, so not all devices will work on them; always check compatibility before you put your money on the counter. While most third party smart home devices will work with Google Assistant and Alexa, if you have a house predominately dominated by Apple products, then you’ll need to look at Apple Home Kit for your hub of choice. Samsung SmartThings is another player that allows connection to its proprietary devices

Apple Home Kit

Amazon Alexa

Google Assistant

Samsung SmartThings

Setting the scene You’ll often hear the word ‘scene’ used in conjunction with the smart home. Basically, a scene is a set of digital instructions to manage the smart devices in the home that the user programs through a smartphone. For example, you can set your garage door to open, switch external and internal lights on, and have your favourite music track or TV show start up – all as you approach the house. And when you climb into bed at night, with one simple voice command to the hub in your bedroom, you can activate night mode and close everything down until you reactivate it again with a simple command when you wake in the morning. It sounds daunting, but setting up a scene is virtually dummy proof. Lock it up How many times have you pulled the door closed and instantly realised that your keys are still inside, or struggled to the door with shopping in both hands and your key is at the bottom of your bag? Well, enter (pun intended) the Yale Assure SL smart lock. Aesthetically,

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MARCH 2020

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