Home Automation

Home Automation

Home automation or next generation home security refers to either using your smart phone, tablet, or computer to remotely or automatic control the electronics inside your home.

For instance, using your mobile device to remotely control your lights, unlocking your front door as soon as you pull into your driveway, remotely viewing your home security cameras, automated smoke and carbon monoxide detection, and even the ability to program your toilet or set a schedule for your coffee maker. All of these examples are very practical, affordable, and available options today.


 What home automation services are available?

It seems like most home security providers today offer monthly packages that let you schedule, control and monitor your home via a smartphone, computer or tablet. ADT, BellAliant, and Rogers are among many that offer monthly packages giving you the next generation in home security.


What is the next step with this type of technology?

I would say making these existing home security features even smarter. What comes to mind is a home-automated self-learning thermostat controllable from your mobile device called Nest. Just recently acquired by Google for a mere 3.2 billion, the Nest will go well beyond replacing your current thermostat by learning when you are home or away (via motion detection) and setting the temperature accordingly.

The Nest actually programs itself (over the course of a week or so) by watching your home heating and cooling behavior patterns such as when you turn on your AC or adjust your heat in your house. Once the Nest is sufficiently trained it can then automatically control your entire HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system in your house with the hopes of saving you home heating costs every month. You can find more information on the Nest at www.nest.com.


 What concerns are with all this type of home automation technology?

Security for one. Getting to live the Jetsons’ lifestyle has its downsides; as we bring home automation technology in our homes keep in mind that these smart devices keep a connection to the Internet and therefore we run into the same kind of security concerns we have for any connected device: they could get hacked. As long as we are aware of the potential pitfalls I think this type of technology has a new home in our lives.


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