Your home is smarter than you think

 

With smart plugs, smart lighting, and AI-powered devices, your house can now think for itself

From checking the live cricket score and weather forecast to catching the top headlines, playing your favourite music, waking you up each morning, or turning lights and appliances on and off, everything can now be done with just a voice command. The Internet of Things (IoT) has made living in a Jetsons-like era a reality. Your home might already be filled with tech-savvy gadgets like smart security cameras, speakers, video doorbells, and kitchen appliances, but are you really using them to their fullest potential?Did you know? Even if you don’t own smart devices, you can easily upgrade your existing ones with minimal investment.Smart plugs, for example, offer a brilliant way to turn your existing appliance into a smart appliance.Most smart plugs require minimal to no setup and come in a plug-and-play format. You can easily control them through an app or a smart speaker. Even if you forget to switch off an appliance, you can do so remotely via the application installed on your phone.

Moreover, you can also enhance your lighting experience by simply swapping your generic bulbs and tube lights with their smarter counterparts. Now, the same bulb can provide a spectrum of lighting options, from warm and cool tones to a variety of RGB colour schemes.Smart lighting can also help you set the mood in your house. “Smart lighting can be programmed to mimic natural daylight cycles, promoting better sleep and productivity. Features like voice-controlled colour changes or scheduling lights to turn on/off can create the perfect ambience while improving energy efficiency”

While most smart devices can be operated via an app on your phone, having a voice assistant can help you take the experience a notch up. “If set up right, the speaker becomes much more than a music player with the ability to control multi-room audio, lighting, cooling, security systems, and even kitchen and bathroom appliances” 

What Does Smart Tech Offer?

 “Even more impressive are the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered features found in appliances like smart air purifiers. These devices can work without command by leveraging intelligent modes that go beyond basic timers. They detect real-time air quality and automatically adjust purification levels, ensuring optimal air quality without any manual intervention. This AI-driven approach not only provides cleaner air but also generates valuable insights into your air quality, accessible directly through the app

Smart devices may seem like a costly affair, but do note that they are often touted to help you save electricity in the long run. “Most smart devices come with energy usage tracking. This feature can help monitor electricity consumption and reduce wastage. Smart lights, for example, can adjust their brightness based on daylight or occupancy, offering both, convenience and sustainability” 

Moreover, what makes smart devices click is the fact that they understand user behaviour and have been designed to meet and simplify daily tasks and wants. For example, with cutting-edge technology entering the kitchen, appliances like your fridge or chimney can now double up as your binge-watching zone. “So, if you want to catch the latest OTT show or follow an online recipe, your kitchen gives you the space to do so” 

What’s more? Today’s smart appliances come with features that simplify kitchen management. Take grocery apps and reminder functions, for example, they help streamline your daily routine.If you refill your LPG cylinder today and know it lasts about 28 days, you can set a reminder to reorder on time. Or if you notice you’re running low on oranges, you can instantly add them to your online shopping cart. Over time, even a chimney evolves into a full-fledged kitchen management system, helping you track essentials with ease. You can also take a peek inside your fridge from your phone while you are at the supermarket to figure out what you need to stock up on.

Ovens and dishwashers are also not far behind, but not many know that they come with several useful features. “Smart ovens are capable of much more than mere baking and roasting. Many models come with remote pre-heating, meaning you can start warming up the oven from your phone while still finishing up your work emails. They also have preset cooking modes that take the guesswork out of meal prep; say goodbye to hovering over the oven, wondering if your food will be cooked right. Plus, some oven models even send notifications to your mobile phone when your dish is ready. On the other hand, dishwashers are also making waves, as you can optimise water and energy usage based on the load, the same technology also exists in washing machines. Several models also have customisable racks that can accommodate oddly shaped cookware. If you’re still rinsing dishes before loading them, it’s time to imbibe the pre-wash settings and let the machine do its job”

Another useful appliance is an internet-enabled and app-linked water purifier. The app can provide you with real-time data on the total dissolved solids (TDS) levels, warranty details, filter health, water consumption history, etc.

Security Cameras and Security Systems

 Smart security cameras, when used to their full potential, can significantly enhance safety and efficiency. “Traditional cameras without AI are passive devices, but enabling AI transforms them into intelligent surveillance solutions. AI-powered cameras offer advanced features such as face detection, intrusion detection, crowd monitoring, violence detection, and identifying unknown visitors at the door. With automated monitoring, centralised accessibility, and predictive analytics, these AI-enabled cameras provide real-time alerts, ensuring proactive security” 

A video door phone (VDP), however, may require some user training. The end-user must be familiar with key functionalities such as remote answering, motion detection, recording, and integration with other smart devices. “Use the mobile app to answer door calls remotely, observe and interact with visitors, and record door calls and motion events for future reference. Additionally, integrating your VDP with other smart devices, such as lights or locks, can enhance convenience and security”