The Revolution of Smart Homes and Internet of Things (IoT)

 Revolution of Smart Homes

The word "Smart Home" is dream for some of the people, but in past few years it became reality for most of the people. If we talk about 10 year later there no such thing like smart home but nowadays every want their home to be smart. This smart home is possible because of Internet of Things(IoT) devices by which the devices make home smart are connected to internet and automate the repetitive things. In this blog we will try to understand the transformation of home to smart home and how it will change our way of living?

Now let's discuss first this that, What is IoT with reference to the term Smart Home? The Internet of Things(IoT) is network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other objects that are having sensors, software and connectivity, which make them to connect and transfer data over the internet. These device are controlled and monitored via your smartphones, tablets and other internet-connected devices even though you are not in your home, you can control these things from wherever you are. 

IoT device are having different forms, such as smart thermostats(A device which automatically adjust heating and cooling temperature), light bulbs, door locks, cameras, voice assistants, and even refrigerators. These device work together and provide a connected home experience also you can manage your home in different ways. 

The Evolution of Smart Homes

The concept of smart homes has been around since the 1970s, but it was only in the 1990s that the first smart homes were introduced. Those smart homes have simple automation systems like control their lights, thermostat, and security system. Over the years, smart home technology keep growing and todays homes are more smart than before and also more connected. With this IoT technology homeowners can control their home anywhere around the world, by using their smartphones and other internet-connected devices.

Benefits of Smart Homes and IoT

Although, Smart homes and IoT devices provides lot of benefits for home owners. So let's understand some of the benefits of having smart homes:-

1. Convenience : This technology gives you the comfort of easy control and management according to your aspects, from anywhere. You can turn off lights, adjust temperature, and even lock your doors from your smartphone or tablet.

2. Energy Efficiency : In smart homes, with the help of IoT devices you can save money on electricity bills by automatically adjust your thermostat according to you and your usage patterns. 

3. Security : Smart home security systems can help you to keep your home safe and secure, with some of the features like remote monitoring and alert notifications.  

4. Comfort : Smart homes can make your living environment more comfortable by automatically adjusting the temperature and lightning according to your preferences.

5. Accessibility : With this smart home technology particularly disable people are in more relief in managing of home appliances because they can control and manage from their own place they don't need move. 

Challenges of Smart Homes and IoT 

We have seen lot of fascinating things about Smart homes but as every things have their own pros and cons so this technology also have their own challenges. It's time to discuss about the challenges :- 

1. Privacy and Security : IoT devices are connected to internet so it may possible than it is vulnerable to cyberattacks, which can compromise you privacy and security. So, it became very important to protect your devices by using strong passwords and keeping your devices updated with the latest security patches. 

2. Complexity : As we know that smart home need more and more electrical devices and they also need need a good setup so that they work properly. For non-technical person it is very difficult to setup and manage these devices.

3. Compatibility : There are number of devices required so all of them should be compatible with each other that is some where very difficult. If these devices are not compatible then we are not able to feel connected.

4. Cost : Even you can save money on electricity bill but making your home smart, cost you more than that because smart home devices can be expensive. For some of the homeowner it is not easy to adapt this technology.

5. Dependence on Internet : Smart home devices are totally dependent on internet connection to function properly. If internet goes down you are not able to do anything if you home is all smart that will very difficult for ourselves.  

Conclusion

Smart home revolutionised the way we live, by making our home smart means connected with lot and lot IoT of devices. While on the other hand it also has some challenges which we don't have to forget. From now onwards we will see more advancements of this technology that may be reduce the challenges and  make our home more commonplace, feel like in home/integrated, and sustainable world.