Are smart homes a good idea

 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.

 “A family friend had installed smart appliances in his house and was constantly telling us about the benefits that it offers on three fronts-security, convenience and energy efficiency.  We are keen to install the same in our home, so we are in the process of assessing the best options available,” says Meera Gunderia, a marketing professional, who plans to install these wireless solutions over the next few months.  Demand for these automation solutions in India are largely from the residential sector.  Many homeowners prefer smart lights and bulbs which can be controlled using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology.

 

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