Homes Set To Get Smarter This Year
The much heralded ‘Smart Home’ concept crept slowly closer to the mainstream last year and 2015 is likely to see a greater upsurge in take-up as well as stiffer competition as new developments emerge.
Remote security monitoring appears to be the primary focus in this market at present, with modern security alarm panels offering broader functionality.
A GSM or WiFi card in your intruder detection system can tell you via your alarm mobile of any alarm condition wherever you may be and your system can be set remotely if you forgot to do it when leaving the house.
There is no longer any need to use timer switches to leave lights and radios on while you are away either.
The Home Easy, Wifi Plug and Belkin WeMo product ranges are examples of solutions that can switch appliances under the control of a phone or tablet instead. They include devices for wifi enabling three pin wall sockets and lampholders, which then provide full remote control over when items are switched on and off.
These brands also include motion detecting and CCTC equipment, which can alert you when movement in unexpected places is detected, for instance in your back garden when the house is empty, and allow you to check out the scene via your phone screen.
However, home automation products are about more than security. Some folk are using them to switch on heaters as frost protection on colder nights when they are away from the house. Others are firing up pre-filled kettles or coffee makers as they drive home. Some are even using them to switch wall sockets in awkward places such as behind a bed.
