Smart home technology has become a popular option for all, not just the wealthy and technologically adept. The tech industry has responded by developing ever-more sophisticated solutions. Although many people associate technology with gadgets such as Google’s Nest, Amazon’s Echo or Apple’s HomeKit the term is more expansive than that, and covers a wide range of solutions for your home. This includes everything from remote-controlled heating and lighting to CCTV, home security systems doorbells, as well as smart locks. Some allow you to monitor elderly relatives, pets, and children and even keep track of your children.
Integration is the main ingredient in the success of a smart home system. This is why the most effective products are those that work with other devices and systems to make your home more intelligent. A smart light bulb, for instance, can communicate with an centralized hub to schedule your lights to a set schedule or shut them off when leaving the house. A video doorbell could warn you of any visitors and cause your alarm system to call the police or fire department. Once you’ve learned IFTTT (If This Then That) and Stringify, you can utilize services like Stringify to automate your devices in more complex ways.
Of of course, bringing a range of new devices to your home has its own concerns. CNET strives to be aware of the policies of companies, raise privacy concerns and ask questions directly to companies.