Are smart homes a good idea?
On one hand, home automation is set to
become easier and more affordable. On
the other, factors like energy-efficient designs and remote monitoring are
influencing interior design yet raising concerns about security and
privacy. Here’s what you need to know
Over the years, smart
homes have become more common in construction and interior designing. Almost everyone wants a space were internet-connected devices and appliances can be controlled via voice-enabled commands
or at the press of a button on a mobile phone. Technology advancements, especially in
artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IOT), have made it possible
for machines to understand and anticipate human routines.
“Earlier, having a smart home was an expensive proposition. But now, it’s becoming affordable to install smart lights, smart TVs, and even smart air conditioners. Almost every client asks for an interconnected ecosystem that can be monitored remotely via a smartphone,” shares Rujuta Shahani, an architect. Most of the new real estate projects have internal wiring plans aligned with smart home requirements. These take into account the distribution of electricity if high energy-consuming devices are connected at one time.
The preference for a smart home
Today, a majority of people prefer smart devices that are
connected, fast, and energy efficient.
For instance, sensors in a smart fan can detect if there is anybody in
the room and switch off automatically if no presence is detected. Wi-Fi plays a critical role in connecting all devices together.
The future is the voice
Voice-assisted technology is becoming very popular, especially among the elderly and children.
Devices can be controlled via voice commands, and this makes it
convenient for people who are not tech-savvy or have difficulty moving
around too much.
“My three-year-old son is constantly directing our smart
devices to turn on and off, or play his favorite music,” says Sneha Patel, a
38-year-old homemaker. Voice assistants
can also act as reminders for important tasks of the day and help organise your
day better.
Security is priority
Motion sensors, cameras, and sirens are some security
options that can be integrated into your smart home. These devices use your Wi-Fi network and
connect seamlessly to your smartphone.
“It’s important to ensure that your Wi-Fi network is secure to avoid any
security breaches. Any breach in the
system will put the entire network and your personal privacy at risk. My internet provider has been very particular
about this and has ensured that I have set up strong passwords, multi-factor
authentication, and lock-screen security,” says Yatin Chedda, who recently
moved into a smart home in Sewri (Mumbai).
Changing passwords regularly, ensuring all screens are
password-protected, and installing robust firewalls as part of the internet
configuration can help fortify security levels.
“Companies keep launching software updates with improved features. I have enabled the auto-update option on all
my devices to ensure that I gain the maximum benefit from updates,” says
Rushabh Mehta, who has around six smart devices installed in his home.
The way forward
As more companies enter the home automation space, the
market is set to get crowded. This means
that smart home devices will become more affordable. It is expected that there will be greater
adoption of smart devices in the commercial segment too.
Thanks - TIMES PROPERTY