Walking into a contemporary home, you’ll find everything technically advanced and intelligent so that it classifies the criteria of Smart. You will find every other appliance possessing a degree of control over the home. Unlike the previous days, the appliances these days need minimal human involvement. A mere command is sufficient to bring them to life and function on their own. But how? What are these appliances, and how do they make a home Smart? Well, in today’s perplexing era, many answers remain confined to the Internet. But, we are going to hunt them and present all these hidden answers, right here for you. So, keep reading and unraveling!
Table of Contents
Concept of Home Automation
There was a time when an automatic toaster surprised people. The masses fantasized about the possibility of being able to sit on their sofas and have the light switched on or off. Back in that time, ideas of remotely controlling things and getting domestic chores done with minimal movements were often associated with Roald Dahl’s Matilda. And thus, considered a matter of fiction.
Today, we stand in a time where the term Home Automation is not only an idea but an existing reality. It refers to the electronic or digital control of your household activities. Now, homes need not stay still and motionless when vacated.
The silence will no more allure any potential robbers or troubles. That’s because this technology enables you to monitor the activities and control what’s going on in your house (such as the locking and unlocking of doors and windows) through your mobile device. From anywhere in the world, you remain completely connected and in control of your house digitally.
And if you’re wondering how then continue reading to learn about the smart appliances that make it possible.
Primary Smart Appliances
The smart appliances that make up a digital home get categorized as primary and secondary. These primary devices play an integral part in today’s modernized lives to fulfill necessities. Let’s evaluate each device individually.
· Smart TVs
Do you remember those times when watching TV meant switching a few locals channels and enjoying the displayed content for the sake of entertainment? Well, at that time, thinking about doing something else on the TV, other than watching the local channels, seemed impossible. But, today, the presence of Smart TVs enables one to stream videos, shows, play games, make a video call, browse the web, and so much more. It is similar to a laptop but much enlarged and advanced. With Internet connectivity, one can download applications and use them for multiple purposes. A majority of Smart TVs are compatible with other smart devices too. Hence, one can use any smartphone or the TV functionality itself to operate the other appliances. Currently, the price of Smart TVs in Pakistan is between 100,000PKR to 150,000PKR. It may rise to 200,000PKR in the year 2020.
· Smart Refrigerators
The refrigerators used to preserve food only until the era of modernization came and transform them into marvelous scientific devices that could play music, videos, and assist you in groceries. Today, the smart refrigerators found in everyone’s home come with voice assistants, streaming services, interior cameras, touchscreen panels, and much more. They can also adjust each fridge compartment’s temperature according to the food item stored. Although the Smart refrigerator price varies considerably with the brand and model, the current price is between 200,000-300,000PKR. The price may rise in the coming year, with top brands being the most expensive. The Dawlance fridge price in Pakistan 2020 would be around 300,000-315,000PKR.
· Smart Air Conditioners
Similar to other Smart devices, the Smart air conditioners have Internet connectivity and can automatically adjust temperatures according to the needs. Often, the appliances come with touchscreen panels and voice assistants. The current price range for Smart air conditioners is between 100,000-150,000PKR.
Secondary Smart Appliances
Apart from the primary Smart devices, numerous secondary ones augment the digital home. You can fulfill your necessities without these devices but may not be able to experience the ultimate digital home connectivity. These secondary appliances include smart speakers, smart doorbells, and smartwatch.
A Digital Eco-System
By collective and combined working, the primary and secondary smart appliances bring into existence a digitally smart home. Apart from the appliances, this digital ecosystem comprises of three elements, namely:
- Sensors
- Controllers
- Actuators
The sensors, such as that of temperature and motion, detect changes and makes adjustments by itself. Controllers that are your phones, tablets, and laptops, keep you updated with the status and activities of these smart appliances. Motorized valves, switches, or other such control that need physical movement to make the machine function are called actuators. You can control these via remote controls, as well.
The internet, however, powers this entire system. Without it, all of your expensive smart devices remain lifeless and incapable of converting your home into a digitally smart one. For connection, each device must first connect to the internet. Using the Internet of Things (IoT), the appliances connect with the web and enable a smooth functioning and completion of chores in the house.
Apart from remote access, a Digital Smart Home ensures a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. You can preprogram devices for future functions and switch on or off things without having to move an inch, for example, thermostat control and remote lighting control. Furthermore, it also ensures increased safety as you can monitor everything through your phone, such as monitoring fire and carbon monoxide levels, live video surveillance of the house, and alarm systems Smart homes also reduce your electricity bills substantially as most of the smart appliances are highly energy efficient.
