Smart home technology refers to connecting devices to enable remote control and monitoring of systems and home appliances like security, lighting, and heating systems.
Examples: door cameras, smart speakers, etc.
Table of Contents
The Early Sparks
The story of smart home technology begins in the past. Not so many years ago; it’s just a few decades ago. Let’s talk about the 1960s. In that trendy environment, the concept of smart home technology began to start.
The first one is the Clapper (1980s)
You heard it right, Clapper. Its name comes from its features and functionality. It was a sound-activated device that allowed it to turn on and turn off your lights by clapping with your hands. Just imagine the scene in the 90s, controlling your home lights and showing them off to your friends.
Second one is X10 Protocol (1970s-1990s)
X10 used existing electrical wires for transmitting signals between devices. You can control your home appliances and lights with a remote.
Arrival of Internet
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Internet was introduced, which became a household staple, and then suddenly, the smartphone industry boomed. The Internet has become so popular because it saves a lot of time and makes your work easy. It plays an important role in smart home technology.
Nest Thermostat
A former Apple engineer, Tony Fadell, founded Nest Labs. It was like saving your time and energy by adjusting your home’s temperature. The thermostat was intuitive and sleek, and it learned your preferences.
Amazon Echo (2014)
The first ever voice assistant technology was introduced to the world, called Alexa. We can ask questions just by saying “Hey Alexa,” play music, and control other smart devices.
The Smart Home Technology
The start of smart devices spread like having bread in everyone’s hand in the 2010s. Day by day, it becomes so cheap that everyone can afford it.
Smart Lighting (Philips Hue, 2012)
Suddenly, Philips Hue bulbs changed the whole game in the bulb industry. It introduced a bulb that sets the mood for Netflix, brings millions of colours, and can be dimmed on command.
Smart Locks (2013)
In 2013, a smart lock was introduced as a new way of locking your doors. There is no need to carry any keys, you can just set a password on your mobile and grant access from your mobile.
Ring Video Doorbell (2013)
Just imagine some guest or delivery boy coming to your house, and certainly, there is no one in your home. Then what to do? Don’t worry, everything is fine with the help of built-in cameras and motion sensors in your Ring Video Doorbell. You can talk, see, and surprise visitors.
The Present and Beyond
AI-powered assistants everywhere
Nowadays, it is common for everyone to use almost every field, such as Siri, and Google Assistant Alexa and etc are an example of an AI voice assistant, and other AI features like drone technology, lights, temperature, coffee makers, security cameras, etc.
Security gets smarter
Nowadays, security measures are getting better and smarter. Using technology like sensors, cameras, and alarms, they work together like a digital neighbourhood to watch. Facial recognition, anti-theft alerts, and double authentication are some of the important security measures.
Conclusion
From the start of the 90s from clapping to converting it in the present with AI, smart homes have come a long way. With the help of the IOT, our homes become safer and smarter. The speed of technology development using voice command, temperature control, and coffee makes it become a part of smart home technology.
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Deepak Yadav, currently pursuing a Bachelor in Information Management at Nepal Commerce Campus. He is a content writer of TechKitab and a dedicated team member of digital marketing department at Tech Bloggers Association of Nepal (TBAN).
He writes about gadgets, automobiles, digital banking, security and tips & tricks of tech industry. His ability to merge technical know-how with captivating narratives makes him different than the crowd.