What are smart devices?

Nearly everyone knows how incredibly intuitive smartphones have become. Now, smart homes and smart cities speak to them in real time, adding convenience and value to people, places, services, and things by pooling resources. And, they’re here to stay with room to grow.

What’s so smart about smart devices?

Smart devices are optimizing homelife, work and leisure activities for more consumers than ever. These gadgets enable highly reliable communication to occur (often seamlessly) between digital and physical things (even living organisms) while enabling us to anticipate and prevent surprises – including the undesirable kinds.

What do more relaxed travels, healthier bodies, safer homes, and lower costs have in common?

These perks are quite likely the result of savvy smart integration afforded by mobile apps, connected devices for smart home security, and even an OBD reader plugged into a car that trims down insurance premiums while promoting safer driving.

This new technology interacts with us more efficiently and relevantly in ways inconceivable even a few years ago. Applying real-time data can prevent future errors and increase energy savings across the entire area it serves.

On a grander scale, such advancements are less evident to most citizens within smart cities. Municipalities use smart devices for things like monitoring traffic or watching over the safety of commuters at bus stops. And, that’s just on the surface.

Home Security Smart Devices List (products now available to consumers):

• door locks
• electric and hybrid vehicles
• electrical outlets, dimmer switches & lighting systems
• flood sensors
• home security panels/hubs
• key chains
• major appliances
• robotic vacuum cleaners
• smartphones
• smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
• sound systems: mics, speakers, etc.
• tablets and phablets
• thermostats & HVAC systems
• video cameras & video doorbells
• watches
• Wi-Fi hubs/routers
• window treatments - i.e.: electric curtains
• wristbands

How do smart devices work?

Smart devices operate interactively and sometimes autonomously by connecting to other devices or networks across wireless protocols like Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, 5G, etc.

Often simultaneously, smart devices communicate directly with each other during any preset time block, depending on the configuration and whoever’s or whatever’s allowing those interactions to occur.

It’s what they learn that makes smart devices even smarter. Analysis of the data generated goes further to inform decision-making by leaps and bounds, finding practical and efficient ways to improve the device’s own performance.

Machine-learning used to be a new concept, but now it’s becoming quite common.

It enables manufacturers to gain valuable insight into the users’ different virtual and physical environments, adding reliability and value to their smart devices as they update the firmware and hardware accordingly.

Some of these devices operate from AC power plugged into a 120V outlet or are hardwired. Many types nowadays are powered by built-in rechargeable batteries or are even solar-powered. In some cases, you can piggyback the power supply from the USB port of another device such as a hub, router or laptop.

Who or what controls a smart device?

That always depends on the type and the system. Generally speaking, smart devices are controlled by:

1. Virtual computing environments grant smart devices access to services wherever and whenever they are needed.
2. Physical items are designed and configured to use embedded smart devices such as sensors, tags, and switches that wirelessly interact with services.
3. Human engagement enlists one or more of our physical senses: sound, sight, touch, haptic touch, and perhaps even scents. User or entire user groups deliver commands from the devices by which they interact unless, of course, the service is executed autonomously by the device itself. Or, even by artificial intelligence.

Entire environments can be created using devices for smart homes such as systems where a smart control panel can sense and control part of the system or all of it. It can activate and manage certain services from one or more devices for a smart home such as a motion sensor though perhaps not the video footage. Or, it may engage with a device only during specific time slots.

Some smart devices won’t ever need to share the same network in order to interact. Smartphones are a great example of this. They can be personalized to simply purchase and play movies or games even though they are hosted in the cloud by another individual’s or organization’s smart devices.

Nonetheless, many devices for smart homes like smart cameras can become vulnerable to hacking attempts, so secure encoding of the data (encryption) is necessary and often mandated by providers. Home security networks are a prime example, and skipping over the encryption step is….let’s just say, anything but smart.

The bottomless benefits of smart home devices —

Some advantages of smart tech we never knew we needed, and others we can’t imagine living without, like how a missing smartphone or tablet can be easily tracked and returned to its rightful owner. Others can quite literally light the way to where we’re headed, so nobody trips or gets lost.

One company developed a tiny smart device that drivers stick on top of their steering wheel columns. As a car moves, it detects and records vibrations, then auto-sends the captured data (which its onboard computer can’t detect) to a smartphone app — and if they choose to a mechanic or automaker.

Onboard computers weren’t available on older vehicles, but this gadget performs on grandpa’s classic model, too, informing him if the suspension, brakes, etc. should be inspected. Pretty smart, eh?

Back at home, grandpa may also love his new Wired Doorbell Camera that keeps him (or any guests) in view whether coming or going. Entering his living room, a wellness cam will activate, enabling you to watch over him remotely via its sharp 180-degree lens. AAA Smart Home (yes, the same AAA) offers several smart devices for home use that can be monitored from afar any time of day or night.

Perhaps you or other family members already have outdoor security cameras installed. Many also function as smart devices for home security, if they are motion-activated and connect in real time with a mobile app or control panel.

Heard about the new sensors that detect water leaks? Those smart devices can prevent some real headaches, not to mention costly damage and valuable time. You can place them beside your washing machine, hot water heater, old pipes, or basement walls and configure them to trigger an alert sent straight to your smartphone.

Treasured smart device security features include:

• Notifying you when packages arrive. Whether you’re at home or away, video doorbells are always at work. Some are touchless, so if a courier is holding a heavy box they won’t even need to push a button. Just the sight of these devices can also deter thieves and pranksters.
• Locating missing items. Smart tags and keychains can help find your purse, lost baggage, golf clubs, or even your favorite umbrella. Truly one of the most valuable features on the planet since humankind started losing things.
• Hands-free control. With voice integration to most smart speakers, just say the word and let smart tech handle the rest. Haven’t you always wanted to just command your garage door to go up or down? Or say, “Lower window shade” because you’d rather stay on the couch?
• Detecting water leakage from washing machines, pipes, hot tubs, or that 1970s era waterbed you thought was a sweet deal at the estate sale.
• Spotting porch pirates. A motion sensor can tell you when unexpected guests arrive on your landing. So can video doorbells and outdoor cams equipped with motion sensors, providing smart device security through a PowerG-encrypted control panel offered by AAA Smart Home.
• Insurance discounts. In addition to potential savings on auto insurance, your homeowner’s insurance company may offer you significant savings once you set up a smart home security system.

Fun-packed smart devices for home use —

Devices for smart homes can also spruce up routines, entertain and amuse even the most serious souls. Connect and control multiple devices from smart devices for home or practically anywhere. Monitor and control smart connected TVs, AC units, robot vacuums, appliances, etc. — even perhaps that fancy new wine cooler.

With a smart soundbar, you can listen to your favorite tunes in stereo whenever or wherever you go. Tell your voice-activated TV what you wish to watch over dinner. Or, set up the new coffee brewer on your iPhone to prep a fresh pot of java before your next yawn. The smart devices list of features just keeps growing!

Who would’ve thought that one day someone would be able to peek inside their fridge with a quick glance at their TV screen? Samsung knew you might, so they brought that feature to life, thanks to their smart devices home integration. Now that means if your son’s immersed in his AR console and can’t hear you calling at least you could see if he left you some milk for breakfast.

Later in the day, a push-to-talk indoor camera could allow for an enjoyable and convenient way for your mom to check in with her grandkids or that new kitten. Just making a surprise video call from the office to your dog waiting at home is a guaranteed tail wagger, unless of course they’re up to no good.

By 9pm as you enter the bedroom, your smart window shades have shut out the city lights, and LED bulbs have gradually dimmed to a preset warm glow to further optimize your sleep hygiene.

Installing and activating devices for smart homes —

Most smart devices must first be paired with an internet router via a Wi-Fi connection or hardwired to it. Provided there’s a decent signal strength throughout the home, pairing is usually quick and easy even from outdoors on the adjacent porch or driveway.

Now, maybe it’s time to put together your own home’s smart devices list. But first, stop and consider how they will each be installed.

• The DIY Option: Sometimes self-installing devices for smart homes requires zero assembly or installation such as with a self-standing wellness cam. Other times, you will need a few tools, a ladder, and at least a little patience. Basic devices for smart homes don’t usually require an electrician and can be easily relocated to another spot or to a whole new home, as long as the devices are compatible with the new security system. Be sure you first get the blessing of the property owner or management company. Some home security packages include optional monitoring with no contract. AAA Smart Home’s self-install kits include free phone and video installation support from licensed installers.
• Professional Installation: Sophisticated lighting, sound and other smart devices for home security systems may beckon the call of an experienced professional installer, especially for things as critical as your household’s safety and security — indoors or outdoors. First, consult with an expert who can anticipate and troubleshoot any issues.

Note: the more intricate the devices for smart home security systems, the more likely they require professional installation. Smart thermostats and lighting, for instance, require HVAC and electrical wiring know-how. So do many outdoor cameras, video doorbells, etc.

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