The way consumers interact with the objects in their lives is changing at a pace that once seemed impossible. Connectivity that was recently unimaginable will soon be the standard for all technological devices. The Internet of Things (IoT) goes far beyond industrial applications; consumers will be able to receive updates and information about nearly every aspect of their lives with wirelessly connected smart devices. The push for IoT technology is a push for control. Users will have control over their homes, cars, and even their own bodies through wearables. Even though it may seem intimidating to have technology take such an invasive role in consumer life, the benefits created by connectivity outweigh the perceived intrusive nature of smart devices.
The internet-connected devices that are being implemented as a means to create the ultimate smart home are changing the way individuals interact with their environment. IoT devices allow users to establish a network of smart devices, giving the user the flexibility to build an environment optimized for their needs. Smart home connectivity is enabled through powerful software such as the innovative Apple HomeKit, which gives users complete control over a variety of smart devices. Having the ability to control and monitor different aspects of a home gives the user endless possibilities in terms of setting up a custom, optimized environment.
The ability to control a connected network of devices will help save the user a significant amount of money. The most direct application in terms of money being saved is simply having the ability to reduce power usage. IoT devices give the consumer the convenience of being able to operate different devices on timers and manually control devices with their mobile phones. If a thermostat is being controlled, the user can set the air conditioning to only be on when people will be present in that environment. If various lights are left on when the user leaves their home, they have the ability to turn them off remotely. A washing machine can be set to run its wash cycle during electrical quiet periods. These are just a few of the many ways a smart home can be managed to reduce electricity usage and save the consumer money.
The smart home is still in its infancy. Even though the potential for the IoT to continue to improve human life is easily observable, extremely advanced solutions are still on the horizon. This does not mean that there are not functional and efficient devices on the market today, it simply means that there needs to be more hardware available to develop a true network of connected devices. It is essential to begin to create a personalized smart home as the cost of connectivity continues to plummet and smart home solutions become more sophisticated.