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Smart homes

by Alexandra Middleton | 24 Sep 2013

You’ve seen them on sci-fi programs like Space Odyssey and The Jetsons, but technologically advanced homes are now a reality.

 

There are a number of ways you can transform your home into a ‘smart home’, with automated lighting, multimedia systems, appliances and heating. 

In the most advanced smart homes, these functions can be programmed to run at a certain time, or controlled remotely via the Internet or your smart phone.

Having a smart home doesn’t mean you have to turn your living space into a space station, but there are things you can install that free up time on your to-do list.

This can be achieved by enlisting the services of a home automation company, but generally these services are quite costly and require extensive wiring of your home.

Instead, lets look at the things you can do on a smaller scale to automate your home.

Home theatre

If you can relate to performing a choreographed routine with a number of remotes just to turn on your television, then a smart remote is for you.

A smart remote allows you to program the functions of a number of controls into a single device.

Often controlled via a touch screen, a smart remote becomes the command centre for your entire home theatre, simplifying functions into categories such as watch television, listen to music, watch a movie, or play a game.

A smart remote reduces the need to turn on a number of devices to perform a single function, achieving the same outcome with the single touch of a button.

For an even more cost effective way to automate your home theatre, try Logitech Harmony Smart Control. The app turns your existing mobile phone into a remote that can perform the functions of up to eight controllers. The app offers a simple, user-friendly design controlled by swiping or tapping your thumb across the screen to adjust volume, change the channel, fast-forward or rewind.

For the complete package you can invest in one of the latest smart TVs. These can be controlled by voice command and physical hand gestures, but again do not come cheap.

Cleaning

For anyone who is time poor, the new range of robot vacuum cleaners are a dream come true. Robot vacuums can be programmed to run while you’re out of the house and are capable of navigating themselves through different rooms and around obstacles. The more times the vacuum runs, the more familiar it becomes with the layout of your home. Once the vacuum has cleaned every area it returns to its docking station where it waits to have its contents emptied. Based on reviews, the suction of robot vacuums does not compare to normal units, so it’s a good idea to do a manual clean every so often.

A similar robot device can be used to feed your pet at scheduled times and even uses a recording of your voice to let your pet know dinner is ready.

Lighting

Lighting control systems can be set up in your home that not only respond to motion but also operate based on a pre-determined schedule.

Many of us have motion detectors outside our home as a form of security and safety when we arrive home. However, what isn’t as common is to have motion detectors inside your home, so that when you enter a room the lights automatically turn on. Depending on the system you choose, these automatic features can be set to create a mood that varies from room to room. Controlling the light in your home can also extend to the amount of natural light through the use of remote controlled blinds, shutters and curtains.

Security

While the bulk of automated systems are designed solely with convenience in mind, there are systems you can purchase to secure your home.

Cameras that track the perimeter of your home can be monitored in real time via screens in your home, remotely via your mobile phone or recorded for future viewing.  

The latest alarm systems reduce any risk of human error allowing you to arm and disarm the system via your mobile phone. To put your mind at ease you can also log in remotely via your phone or the Internet to check on the status of the alarm.