A smart home is a place where you can customize everything based on your needs and routine. However, it is more challenging to set up than it sounds, but if you can put all the right gadgets together correctly, it can make your life much easier and more convenient.
With a mountain of smart devices available in the market from different vendors, it is hard to pick the right combination. But, the internet connection is the main thing you need to sort out. We recommend getting a fast, reliable, and secure network so you and your smart home don’t face interruptions or power outages. For that, consider Spectrum internet service, as it has just about everything you’ll need to set up your smart home, and for everything else just call Spectrum customer service(https://www.buytvinternetphone.com/spectrum/phone-number).
Now, the real work starts after that. Still, don’t worry; we have written this brief guide to help you set up your home with the right amount of smartness.
Choose Your Favorite
The first thing you should clear out of the way is choosing an ecosystem for your home. For this, you have three choices as follows:
Google Nest: The main highlight of the Nest ecosystem is Google Assistant. It can respond to voice, follow commands, and is the smartest of all assistants with the ability to follow conversational style and complicated terms. Moreover, it runs best with android devices and has multiple quick access and smart shortcuts.
Amazon Alexa: The next one is the smart assistant from Amazon that has the widest compatibility of them all. Although it may not be as accurate as Google assistant, it gets the job done. Moreover, it supports a range of third-party apps, and its smart accessories, like speakers and displays, are also affordable. However, you need to have the Alexa app to control the assistant or issue a voice command.
Apple HomeKit: The HomeKit is designed with Apple users in mind and with all the restrictive settings that Apple has on its other devices. You won’t find many supported devices as with others, but the major brands are covered. Moreover, the Apple certification and policies ensure the smooth working of all devices, from an elegant and easy-to-use Home app. The last and major thing, Apple HomeKit is the securest of them all. However, Apple assistant Siri is weak but is slowly getting better with many improvements.
One thing that you should know here is that every smart assistant collects data. So, it is better to get a device with good security measures, encryptions, and privacy policies.
Build an Ecosystem
Every smart device is controllable via an app or voice. You can issue commands to the respective assistant or select the app or smart displays. However, if you have a big home, then it’s possible your smart device won’t be able to hear you (unless you shout).
So, it is better to build a network in your home consisting of smart speakers and displays. It will help you issue commands and get appropriate results even at longer distances. Moreover, not everyone is familiar with smart gadgets, like other family members or relatives. So, you have to consider them too, and install gadgets so controlling your light or fan is not hard for them.
Decide on Connectivity
Almost every smart device runs on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a smart hub, but mostly works well on Wi-Fi (both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands). However, you have to carefully assign the network if you have many smart devices to avoid congestion.
Furthermore, some devices have an option for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a smart hub. Wi-Fi is the fastest and is supported by most devices, Bluetooth is the slowest, but less demanding devices will work just fine. Lastly, a smart hub connects multiple devices, reduces congestion, and provides stability to the connection. Although modern routers and connections can handle many devices simultaneously, it is better to organize things, which will also help you in managing them easily.
Smart-Home Support
Before purchasing a cart full of smart devices, make sure your ecosystem supports each one. For that, see the logo of the supported assistant appearing with the device, i.e., Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit. These logos indicate that the mentioned brands are supported in the respective ecosystem, and you can control them with voice or commands.
Moreover, you will find the list of commands with the product or check reviews to get the complete picture. Some third-party devices also have these features, and some even support multiple assistants.
Set Up Smart Devices
Most smart devices are easy to set up with smart systems like Google Home or Apple Home. However, not every device is like that, and you may have to configure and set the device settings manually or use third-party apps. Also, some devices will want you to download the respective app, but it will come with all the basic guidelines on how to set them up.
After the initial setup, you have to link the devices to your ecosystem (you may have to do it manually in some cases). After a successful link, you can control the smart device according to its instructions.
Save Profiles and Routines
You can set up your smart home ecosystem based on each room or person. This is especially necessary if you have many devices. You can assign the same names for a single room to differentiate it from others.
Another cool feature of a smart home is that you can automate it according to sleep-wake timings or proper schedules. For example, the lights will automatically turn off if the house or room is empty and will switch back on once you get in. You can do this with many devices, like cleaning robots, window blinds, cameras, lights, fans, etc.
Final Takeaway
Smart devices offer great convenience and comfort. These are also gaining more ground because of the advancement in technology, and who knows what tomorrow will bring. Until then, you should take your time with these devices, set up each according to your needs, and see your home come to life.
