If you're like us, you probably can't help but be fascinated by all the smart home automation technology out there.
The idea of having a house that's aware and can respond to users' preferences and needs is really appealing. The latest advancement in technology has made these once-utopian homes not only possible for everyone to enjoy - they're easier to operate too!
But wait... isn't the hassle and expense of completely renovating your home a bit too much?
Turns out, there's a simpler way. With retrofit automation such as Wozart, you can automate your existing house using just a few simple devices and make your connected home come alive within moments.
All of this, while making zero changes to the home's electrical wiring or breaking of walls.
Doesn't that just sound great?
Contents:
“Hey Siri, What Is A Smart Home?”
Smart homes are intelligent spaces where various devices are connected to the internet and are available to be controlled from anywhere in the world. Connected spaces allow greater flexibility, control and efficiency.
Home automation could be implemented in the form of something as simple as turning on light through your smartphone, or something more complex like automatically changing the AC settings according to the outside temperature to the preference of the person occupying the room.
Smart Home Features
The list of things smart homes can accomplish grows by the day, and so does the number of possibilities. This makes planning home automation a somewhat daunting experience.
We've tried to keep it simple here by focusing on five key elements of a connected home:
Smart Energy Consumption: An automated system that monitors and optimizes energy usage goes a long way in promoting sustainability. It also helps cut down on energy costs, benefitting you and the environment.
Remote Access: The convenience and peace of mind fostered by remote home control is unparalleled. No more worrying about the appliances you forgot to turn off in a rush when leaving home.
Advanced Security: Features like proximity sensing, smart cameras and make-believe occupancy are a few of the many ways in which you can add layers of security to your home.
Automated Appliances: All connected devices can be set to run according to schedules with no daily inputs from your side. They can even be automated to turn on detecting your presence and turn off when you leave.
Personalisation: Everyone's lifestyle is different and there can't be a one size fits all smart solution. Employing a system without room for customization destroys the purpose of having a smart home.
Turning Your Home Smart
You don't need to have a lot of knowledge about the Internet of Things in order to take baby steps into home automation. You can start where you are and lay the foundations for a solid system that can be expanded over time.
Requirements:
A good WiFi router that can reach all corners of your home.
Smartphones, smart speakers or other smart gadgets for controlling the devices.
Devices that are compatible with each other.
Devices that are compatible with major smart ecosystems viz., Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, etc.
Pick Your Assistant
AI-enabled virtual assistants make it easy to control smart home devices using simple voice commands. You can ask assistants to turn on lights, open window coverings, activate the security system or switch on the Air Conditioner on your way back from work.
The most popular voice assistants are:
Amazon Alexa
Apple Siri
Google Assistant
Apple, Google, Amazon and Samsung have launched smart speakers with their AI voice assistants embedded in them to support their smart home platforms. The smart speakers act as a hub for smart devices, allowing control of all compatible devices.
As the smart home industry is fragmented and devices are not interoperable across the ecosystems, choosing the smart voice assistant that matches your requirement should be the first step in your home automation journey.
Amazon Alexa
Alexa is currently the most widely used smart home assistant due to the popularity of Amazon's Echo range of devices and its integration capabilities with a wide array of home automation products.
Pros:
Amazon's Echo devices are simple to set up and connect in any location where you need to call upon Alexa.
The Echo Dot is one of the most affordable smart home controllers on the market, coming in at INR 3,999.
Alexa has 10,000+ skills, which is the most of any smart home hub.
Echo devices can be controlled with smartphones or tablets running both iOS or Android software.
Cons:
The Amazon Alexa app for iPhones and Android phones, which is necessary for configuring some smart home devices, can be somewhat inconvenient.
The speakers on Echo devices are typically subpar.
You can't interact with Alexa by using a phone, you must give commands directly to the speaker.
Amazon is not responsible for third-party Alexa-enabled devices. In other words, you are responsible for finding out what third-party home add-on firms can do with the information they collect from you.
Major Compatible Devices: Echo Dot, Echo and Echo Show.
Apple Siri
The Apple HomeKit smart home ecosystem is by far the most sophisticated, as it provides a much more holistic experience than the competition.
Pros:
In terms of data security and privacy, Apple sweeps away all the competition. The data from smart home devices (even security camera recordings) is encrypted and stored on your iCloud account without access to any third-party individual or company.
Smart home devices can be accessed from iPhone to Macbook, Apple Watch to Apple TV, AirPods to HomePod.
It features a seamless connection with all compatible gadgets. The integration of Apple's HomeKit into its mobile devices makes it much easier to link Siri with home equipment.
Cons:
Due to Apple's strict privacy guidelines, there aren’t many connected devices that work with Siri but quality products are being added to the list every year.
Siri is only available on Apple devices.
Major Compatible Devices: iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, HomePod Mini, AirPods, etc.
Google Assistant
Google Assistant powers the Google Home platform, another major contender to be your smart home ecosystem of choice.
Pros:
Google home brings the users, the complete Google Search experience that is unmatched by other smart home assistants.
It is proven to be the most accurate voice assistant in terms of understanding and answering queries.
Google Assistant is built into all smartphones running newer versions of Android.
Cons:
Google’s privacy policy and data collection terms with Google Assistant are vague and loosely phrased.
The audio quality of Google Home is rather poor.
There are far more Alexa-friendly smart home gadgets than there are with Google Assistant.
Major Compatible Devices: Google Home, Google Home Mini, Google Nest Hub, Android Smartphones, etc.
Fun fact: Wozart is India’s only home automation product manufacturer that works with all these major smart home ecosystems.
Choose Your Hardware
Once you have decided on the virtual assistant you want to go with, you can start hunting for products that are compatible with your assistant of choice.
We have classified that seemingly never-ending list of home automation devices into the following 5 major categories.
Smart Switch Controllers
Smart Lighting
Smart Security
Smart Plugs
Smart Curtains
These should be sufficient to cover a huge chunk of your requirements.
Smart Switch Controllers
With smart switch controllers, you can convert your basic electrical devices into smart devices in a matter of minutes. Isn't that fantastic?
The Wozart Switch Controllers are connected to existing switchboards and allow you to operate appliances and lights using smartphones, speakers, televisions, computers, and refrigerators. They may be used to turn on/off appliances, control fan speed and light brightness, etc.
The main features of these devices include:
Can be installed in existing and new homes without any wiring changes.
Quick installation and easy to use.
Schedule your devices to turn on/off automatically at pre-fixed times.
Geo-location-based automation reduces energy wastage.
Smart Lighting
The right lighting not only adds to the appearance of a home but also improves its inhabitants' well-being. You can adjust the ambience of the room to match your mood and ensure that it is well-lit without being too bright or gloomy by using human-centric and adaptable lighting.
The Wozart LED Orchestrator allows you to control your lights conveniently. With a single tap on your smartphone, you can choose from 16 million colours and shades of white to set the perfect ambience for your room. By using voice commands, you may easily change your house into a spectacular party space or create the setting for a wonderful movie night.
Smart Security
Home security is a critical concern for many homeowners.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of smart home security systems on the market. These systems offer a number of advantages over traditional security models.
For one, they can be easily integrated into existing homes. Additionally, smart security systems provide homeowners with more control over their security.
They can be used to monitor activity in the home and to set up alerts that notify homeowners of potential threats.
Finally, smart security systems are typically more affordable than traditional systems. As a result, they are an excellent option for homeowners who are looking for a way to improve their home security.
August door lock and Logitech Circle Video doorbell give you complete control over your front door. Knowing who is at the door and allowing visitors in remotely is as easy as it gets. You wouldn't have to leave keys under the doormat anymore.
Smart Plugs
Smart plugs convert regular sockets into smart outlets.
Smart plugs are easy-to-use gadgets. Simply connect it to a power source and then set it up via the mobile app. You'll now be able to manage the linked appliance from your phone or using voice commands.
Using the Wozart Smart Plug, you can access your ACs, geysers, coffee makers, etc from your smartphone. You can schedule the devices to turn on when required and configure them to turn off after a pre-set time, thereby reducing energy bills.
Smart Curtains
Wouldn't it be fantastic if your window blinds opened automatically every morning, waking you up to the sun?
Using schedules, the Wozart Motor Controller allows you to open or close your curtains and blinds at specific times of the day.
You may control your curtains with simple voice commands or by simply tapping on the mobile. Combine the smart curtains with the smart lights, and you can create amazing scenes for every moment.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to make your life easier, more convenient and reduce your energy bills, consider investing in some smart home devices.
These days there are plenty of great options to choose from that will cover all the bases when it comes to automating your home.
And if you’re worried about compatibility or want the best bang for your buck, Wozart has got you covered. Our devices are integrated with all the major smart home ecosystems and connect directly to your home Wi-Fi.
So why not leave your contact details here and we can get started on turning your home into a smart one?