Intelligent language assistants such as Amazon's Alexa or Apple's Siri are widespread today and enable many functions to be controlled in one's own home. But apart from that, there are a multitude of fascinating apps that raise the concept of the smart home to a new level. However, many potential users have concerns about the technical requirements and data consumption of these apps. This article provides the essential information on these aspects and also presents a selection of notable apps that are worth a closer look.
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Optimizing room temperature and energy efficiency with Nest, Ecobee & Co.
In view of the significant increase in energy costs in recent times, effective energy management in one's own household is becoming increasingly important. There are now a large number of apps with which it is possible to control the thermostats in your own apartment or house from a smartphone or tablet.
Some of the most popular smart apps of this type include:
- Nest
- Ecobee
- Honeywell
- Lived
- Wink
- Tado
How it works is quite simple: First, a smart thermostat is installed at home and connected to the WiFi network. In the Connection the corresponding app is then downloaded to the smartphone or tablet and simply coupled with the thermostat.
The app can then be used to set the temperature, create schedules for heating and cooling times, make remote settings and even set up automated actions based on the behavior of the residents or the current weather conditions.
The apps often also provide real-time data for energy consumption monitoring, notifications when temperatures deviate from set temperatures, and remote access so that the temperature of the house can be adjusted regardless of the current location. This not only helps to save energy, but is also extremely convenient.
Smart apps are hungry for data: Users fear high data consumption
The data consumption of smart home apps varies depending on the type of app, the functions it contains and how intensively it is used.
In general, however, the amounts of data for most smart home apps are usually relatively small. Routine status updates or running commands typically consume little data. Nevertheless, it is recommended that Monitor data consumption in the first period of useto make sure it stays in frame.
In addition, it is advisable to take a close look at the personal smartphone tariff. This is particularly important as legacy contracts can often incur significant data usage costs.
The current smartphone tariffs of the providers However, they usually contain enough data volume that there should no longer be any concerns about the data consumption of smart home apps.
Access management with Smartlock systems
The management and control of intelligent door locks via smartphone offer an innovative method for securing your own four walls. This is done through wireless connection methods such as Bluetooth or WiFi.
Well-known providers of such systems include August Home, Yale, Schlage and Kwikset. The core product of August Home is the "August Smart Lock". It allows users to lock and unlock their door via smartphone.
The August Smart Lock is attached to the inside of the door and replaces the conventional door cylinder. Installation often requires only basic manual skills and tools. The Smart Lock is then connected via the corresponding app on the smartphone.
With the help of the app, it is not only possible to open and close the lock, access authorizations can also be granted for certain people. These can also be limited in time.
With the help of automation functions, it is also possible to unlock the smart lock automatically when an authorized person approaches the entrance. The app also records all activities and, if desired, sends appropriate notifications when someone opens or closes the door.
Technical requirements for smart apps
The technical requirements of the smart apps vary depending on the function and type of devices that are to be controlled with them. In general, however, there are some basic requirements:
- smartphone or tablet: Most apps require a smartphone or tablet with the latest operating system (iOS or Android) to download and install the app.
- Internet connection: A reliable internet connection is required to enable communication between the app and the smart home devices or systems. This can be done via WiFi or cellular.
- Storage space: The app requires storage space on the device for installation and for any data it collects.
- Compatible devices: The app must be compatible with the smart home devices to be controlled. These devices should be able to connect wirelessly to the app via WiFi or Bluetooth.
- User account: Many smart home apps require the creation of a user account that can be used to log into the app. This allows the app to link to the desired devices and securely manage the controls.
- permissions: The app may require certain permissions on the smartphone or tablet, such as camera, microphone or location access, to perform certain functions properly.
Before using a particular smart app, it is therefore advisable to check the specific technical requirements in the app descriptions or on the manufacturers' websites to ensure that the devices are compatible.
Smart lighting systems: tailor-made light for every moment
There are various smart lighting systems on the market, including leading brands such as Philips Hue, LIFX, Nanoleaf and Ikea Tradfri. These systems enable wireless control of lighting by adjusting brightness, Color temperature and color via smartphone apps or voice assistants.
Philips Hue, for example, uses special LED bulbs and light strips that are connected to the WLAN via a central bridge. The bridge allows for control via the Hue app and integration with voice assistants.
LIFX uses WiFi-enabled lightbulbs that communicate directly with the app. Nanoleaf relies on modularly arranged LED panels that can be arranged in different shapes and offer creative lighting effects. Ikea Tradfri offers affordable smart light bulbs and lights that can be controlled via the Tradfri App or Tradfri Gateway.
Features may vary by brand, but in general, smart lighting systems offer the ability to set up schedules, automations, and remote access from anywhere in the world.
In principle, it is already possible today to control almost all aspects of your own home using suitable apps. In the years to come Artificial intelligence undoubtedly help to further refine these systems and make them smarter. Used correctly, this can significantly improve the quality of life.