Streamline and automate your routine with smart home devices that connect to the internet and work together. These include digital voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, as well as smart light bulbs, locks, thermostats and security systems. Some even offer built-in AI to monitor and adjust themselves based on your routine. For the ultimate convenience, you can add a smart hub to your smart home and control many of these devices with just one device.
Most smart devices rely on wireless protocols like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave and Zigbee to communicate with other connected devices and to the outside world. They also rely on sensors to generate data and act on the basis of that data. Some smart devices, such as wearables (like the Apple Watch) and mobile phones, have an internal computer to process the data they receive. Others, such as smart cameras and security systems, rely on the cloud for processing and storage of data.
Most smart devices harvest data about your habits, such as when you turn on the lights, open the fridge or enter your home. This data can help companies refine their products, fix bugs and develop new ones. It can also be used to market other products to you or people like you. To keep your information secure, you should read privacy statements, service agreements and terms of use carefully before buying a smart device. And you should check whether a smart device has been tested for security vulnerabilities by third parties, such as the NCSC.