Article written by My system journal
The smart home, or what can be more accurately described as a connected home is the next big thing coming out of Silicon Valley. Setting up your own smart home is not very difficult. There are many competing brands and standards, but for the most part, they are somewhat interoperable. Here is everything you will need for a connected home:
The first and primary device will be a hub, it could the Smart Things hub by Samsung or the Amazon Echo, either way a single point of control will be needed. For items that do not have compatibility look for IFTTT support to bridge the gap.
The next item will be a light bulb. There are Wi-Fi or Bluetooth bulbs that can be controlled by the hub. Alternatively, there are remote controlled switches that do not require connected bulbs. It is also more cost effective.
The next two items will be for security. The two are a connected front door lock and a bunch of door/window sensors. Use the sensors to check any windows or sliding windows for when they open and close. The front door lock will allow you to enter your home with a code or from the app and record the coming and going.
For enhanced security, setup cameras around the house. The cameras can be triggered on any activity picked up with the door/window sensors. Motion sensors, remote plug controls, IR controllers, Thermostats and smoke detectors are just a few more parts of your home that you can bring online.
