Hello everyone,
I am generally knowledgeable and open-minded when it comes to IT, but I’m not really comfortable with "Smart Home" technology. That’s why I’m asking the community why you decided to go for it, especially in light of my concerns.
Overall, I don’t see much value in the typical smart home features. This is partly due to my way of living, but also largely because of the functions offered. For example, I don’t feel the need to control lighting via smartphone. Each room has appropriate light switches or motion sensors. Controlling blinds/shutters is unnecessary for me since I deliberately opted not to install shutters, except for two large south-facing windows. The same applies to a ventilation system, which I don’t have nor need. Turning devices on and off via an app strikes me as unnecessary.
What bothers me in particular is the multitude of protocols, the proprietary technology, and manufacturer-dependent software. I simply do not want to buy and install an expensive system from a manufacturer when I don’t know if they will still exist in five years or whether and how the software will be further developed.
Devices that can actually be usefully controlled via app now come with Wi-Fi capability and a matching app, so I don’t need a complex smart home system for that. For example, heating systems/heat pumps, photovoltaic systems, charging stations, video intercoms, robot vacuum cleaners, etc. Whether you really need an app for a washing machine, refrigerator, or dishwasher is debatable, but even these appliances have become "smart" nowadays.
Maybe I’m missing a significant advantage of smart home technology—if so, please feel free to fill in my knowledge gap!
I am generally knowledgeable and open-minded when it comes to IT, but I’m not really comfortable with "Smart Home" technology. That’s why I’m asking the community why you decided to go for it, especially in light of my concerns.
Overall, I don’t see much value in the typical smart home features. This is partly due to my way of living, but also largely because of the functions offered. For example, I don’t feel the need to control lighting via smartphone. Each room has appropriate light switches or motion sensors. Controlling blinds/shutters is unnecessary for me since I deliberately opted not to install shutters, except for two large south-facing windows. The same applies to a ventilation system, which I don’t have nor need. Turning devices on and off via an app strikes me as unnecessary.
What bothers me in particular is the multitude of protocols, the proprietary technology, and manufacturer-dependent software. I simply do not want to buy and install an expensive system from a manufacturer when I don’t know if they will still exist in five years or whether and how the software will be further developed.
Devices that can actually be usefully controlled via app now come with Wi-Fi capability and a matching app, so I don’t need a complex smart home system for that. For example, heating systems/heat pumps, photovoltaic systems, charging stations, video intercoms, robot vacuum cleaners, etc. Whether you really need an app for a washing machine, refrigerator, or dishwasher is debatable, but even these appliances have become "smart" nowadays.
Maybe I’m missing a significant advantage of smart home technology—if so, please feel free to fill in my knowledge gap!
Mycraft schrieb:
Cars are also pioneers in this area, as they have long been learning independently how the driver operates them.A computer consultant of mine created an office keyboard lock that learns how you use the keyboard and locks when someone else tries to tamper with it. The key—if I understood correctly—was the timing and rhythm between keystrokes, which differ by milliseconds for each user and cannot be deliberately replicated.
We have motorized locks in the family that are 15 years old and still work without any issues. They are also used daily. After that period, a conventional lock should be replaced since the patent protection has expired and there are better security features available in keys. If everything in the house operates manually, automation is not necessary. In larger properties, however, it provides a tremendous increase in comfort. Otherwise, you would always be searching for the switch, turning valves, and so on.
@manohara
Yes, exactly. Nowadays, devices can independently recognize what is happening by identifying recurring patterns. This works the same way in homes, and the possibilities are now accessible to everyone.
Based on behavior, it’s possible to determine who is currently in the house and trigger actions (these can be anything—just use a bit of imagination) without relying on intrusive technologies like facial recognition.
Yes, exactly. Nowadays, devices can independently recognize what is happening by identifying recurring patterns. This works the same way in homes, and the possibilities are now accessible to everyone.
Based on behavior, it’s possible to determine who is currently in the house and trigger actions (these can be anything—just use a bit of imagination) without relying on intrusive technologies like facial recognition.
We have external venetian blinds that need to operate automatically anyway for storm protection. Comfortable lighting is very important to us, which means everything must be dimmable. Dimming is not cheap even with conventional systems but can be easily implemented through smart components. Then, just a few occupancy sensors (with humidity or VOC measurement depending on the location) are needed, and the basics of a smart home are in place. Add a few switchable outlets and power monitoring at selected points, and you’re already quite advanced in terms of automation. Of course, if you want even more fun, you can expand this as much as you like, but it’s not necessary.
Schimi179114 Aug 2021 08:49Mycraft schrieb:
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which monitors everything up to the seating test.… and then even ‘smartly’ calls the general practitioner to schedule an appointment if the values are bad. However, this would require the Outlook calendar to be well maintained. Alternatively, the house could first modify the shopping list to correct minor deviations from the norm through diet – or wait for the doctor’s diagnosis before removing the ‘chocolate’ from the shopping list.