Creating a Smart Home

What seemed like pure science fiction just a few years ago is now a reality within reach of our smartphones. We are talking, of course, about turning our home into a smart space.

Today, automating different functions and appliances in your home has become a viable option that does not require a huge investment. Heating, lighting, appliance energy use, smart routines and other functions can all be controlled remotely from your smartphone, tablet or even by voice commands through smart assistants such as Google Home or Alexa, all thanks to wireless systems that require minimal installation.

What features make your home a smart home?

There is a wide variety of systems you can connect to your smartphone to make everyday life easier. It all depends on your needs. These are the most common:

• Control of your home's alarms and surveillance. You can monitor what is happening inside or outside your home at any time, and arm or disarm the system remotely.
• Facial recognition.
• Turning heating and air conditioning on and off.
• Motion sensors.
• Smoke detection.
• Flood detection in the home, with the option to shut off or open water valves wherever you are.
• Opening and closing blinds.
• Turning lights on or off.
• Turning appliances and media equipment on or off.
• Keyless entry to your home.
• Control of light color and brightness.

Internet-connected appliances fall under the definition of the “Internet of Things” or “IoT,” which refers to the digital interconnection of everyday objects, a connectivity that will keep multiplying as new technologies and networks reach the market.

The electronics industry continues to bet on the smart home. Companies such as Amazon and Google are leading the battle for home automation, which affects hundreds of manufacturers. Mobile phone makers have been pioneers in developing apps for their smartphones, creating a range of solutions and expanding the set of tools to optimize these functions.