It’s a new year and along with it, there is a continually growing list of new technology on the horizon that you will have the possibility of automating and integrating into your home. But before we get started reviewing all of the new devices we are excited about, we’d like to have a few conversations about concepts that will become increasingly more vital as time goes on.

Fads and trends come and go, but there is one buzzword that is proving its enduring worth with the ever-increasing connectability of everything; IoT, or internet of things. If you’re not sure what that is or have briefly heard it mentioned and haven’t quite figured out what it is, we recommend you read on and stay tuned for future parts of our upcoming series on the internet of things.

What is IoT?

While it can be described in many ways, IoT is essentially a catch-all term that covers everything from individual “smart” devices up to entirely connected communities. No longer a concept of science fiction, it is becoming increasingly apparent that most if not all devices will have some kind of internet connectivity in the near future, allowing these devices to communicate with each other, and therefore making our lives easier.

IoT is not just a product or a brand, but an entire network of connectivity that allows all of your devices to communicate with each other and you, seamlessly. As it is a topic that encompasses many aspects, including software, hardware, and different protocols, this will be the first of a series of articles in which we will be discussing what the internet of things truly comprises, especially when it comes to smart homes, as well as the negatives and positives that come with it.

Smart Homes and IoT

It seems that almost every day there are new smart devices being released to the market and consumers eagerly take to the stores to bring them home. It is important to note, however, that it is not necessarily the smart devices themselves that make a smart home. Just as most definitions of intelligent life entertain the idea of self-awareness, using tools, and the use of language, intelligent homes consist of compatible components communicating with each other. In a truly smart home, all devices are easily identifiable and distinguishable, but they are nevertheless embedded and integrated into a single fluid network.

With separate do-it-yourself audio, lighting, heating and cooling, and security systems, there is little integration between the different devices and components, and you have to switch between multiple apps for full control of the products. This is where the big difference comes in between do-it-yourself solutions and professionally designed, engineered, installed, and maintained systems. While DIY devices will often grant all of the individual system functionality for a lower price point, a dedicated professional installation will provide advanced integration capabilities that can transcend your home from having individual smart devices to a completely integrated smart system.

What’s Next?

In the upcoming months, we will be delving further into what the internet of things comprises, its shortcomings and advantages, and what there is to look forward to in the near and distant future. If you have any questions or have a particular topic you would like us to discuss, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on our website or social media. And as always, if you would like to know how you can integrate the technology of tomorrow into your home today, give us a call.

If you liked this article, please share on LinkedIn.