It feels like tech advances are somehow actually accelerating.
Think about it. Self driving cars, artificial intelligence, robots. It is all happening fast.
Technology for the home is on the same pace. And, it is making life so much easier. You can turn lights on and off from your phone when your away. Or, this can be done automatically based on your pre-programmed instructions. Your central air thermostat can tell when your away and dial down the unit. Your sprinkler system can check weather forecasts and water sensors and adjust watering accordingly. Your security system can text you, automatically start recording video, whatever you want. When you leave, you can launch a program that will turn off your lights, set your alarm and lock your doors. And, when you are home, you can do all these things by telling Alexa (Amazon Echo).
This all takes time and money, but to get started, you need a smart hub to build on. The smart hub is the communication device that accepts and sends signals from the software to the various devices that are part of the system. The smart hub can communicate with devices made by the same manufacturer, but, ideally, can also communicate with the many other devices made by other manufactures. The smart hub and all the devices communicate through wi-fi.
The software is in the cloud and is accessed from an app on your smart phone. On the app, automated routines can be set up, like certain lights going on at a certain time. And, you can make ad hoc requests at any time. And, it all gets even simpler while at home by making voice commands to Alexa (Amazon Echo).
I have selected the SmartThings Hub for a few reasons:
- The network of devices it can communicate with is quite extensive and they continue to integrate with leading brands.
- Communicates and integrates with Amazon Echo (Alexa) and other best of category products we have selected, including Ecobee 3 Thermostat and Rachio Irrigation Controller.
- Has an extensive list of devices made by SmartThings such as motion sensors, electrical switches, etc.
- The company continuously upgrades and improves the system via updates that automatically released to the hub.
- Customer service is quite responsive when there is an issue.
Start your smart home system with SmartThings Hub.
