If you ever hear or read anything pertaining to smart devices and smart technology, you automatically tend to think about how brilliant these devices are because of the easy automation that they bring about to your homes. While that is true, that smart devices are great and a comparatively inexpensive way to automate your homes, they are also good for two other major factors: energy efficiency and security.
When it’s about energy efficiency, it is the features that bring about the automation which essentially contribute to that – and of course some unique features of the devices themselves. Take smart thermostats for instance. The fact that we have control over these devices from our phones means we can switch our thermostats on or off pretty much from wherever we are.
And if we were to talk about the unique features of the devices themselves, then the Google Nest Learning Thermostat is the best example. The device can turn itself down automatically when it notices nobody’s around, and also learns preferred temperature settings over time.
But let’s bring our focus towards the other factor which is security. And since most smart devices cater to the domestic user, let us explain how specific smart devices contribute towards home security.
Smart Devices & Home Security
The automation feature, which smart devices are mostly lauded for, is the reason for contributing towards home security, just as they are responsible for promoting energy efficiency features. Here are the best smart devices which are great for home security.
1. Smart Locks
To identify which type of lock is the best smart lock, you need to thoroughly check out its features, and decide what suits your needs. A general description of smart locks can be explained like this:
- They feature mobile apps whereby the device is configured and controlled from. That means remote access to the smart lock even if you’re miles away from home.
- Some smart locks are also compatible with voice assistants if you wish to enable voice-enabled control.
- Users can unlock their doors depending on the smart lock type: some smart locks use geo-fencing technology in order to lock and unlock the doors, some require passcodes, while some can be locked and unlocked with the tap of a button on our phones.
- All smart locks connect to the home Wi-Fi.
- Instant mobile alerts on door activity.
- Alerts on if the door is left unlocked.
2. Smart Cameras
We would suggest that if you already have a camera surveillance system in place, you might as well just replace it with smart cams instead. Smart cams are the new deal when it comes to home security, and are far better than regular security cameras. Here’s why.
- Smart cameras are smaller in size and come in wireless options too. It makes them easier to be placed anywhere.
- They are usually weatherproof so safe to be kept outdoors.
- These cams connect to the Wi-Fi in order to deliver real-time video.
- Video quality is in HD, with clear, bright images, and these cameras also feature night vision as well.
- The video of smart cams is accessible on their associated apps on our smartphones, tablets, and even laptops. There is no need to set up a screen in some corner of your home, and instead, you can watch over your home wherever you are, whatever you’re doing.
- Smart cams feature built-in motion detectors in order to send instant, real-time alerts to your devices upon detecting any movement.
- These cameras feature built-in microphones and speakers to facilitate two-way audio so that it’s easier to communicate from both ends of the camera.
3. Video Doorbells
The evolution of the doorbell has definitely made it safer for homeowners. Now you can answer the door without having to actually open it first. But evolution is ever-evolving and now is the era of smart video doorbells. How are these any different from those video intercoms that we have in place? These are the general features of video doorbells which explain well as to how they provide security for domestic households.
- Video doorbells are accessible from their associated mobile apps, on our smartphones and tablets alike.
- Notifications are sent to these connected devices, instantly allowing you to speak to whoever is at the door. Even if that means you’re standing in the produce section at the grocery store. No one has to know you’re not home.
- The video quality is almost always in HD, with a wide angled, head-to-toe view of whoever is outside.
- These devices are smart enough to send alerts even when any movement is detected despite the doorbell not having been rung.
- Video doorbells are available in wired and wireless variants both. But the bottom line is that they are easy to install by yourselves.
Do These Smart Devices Guarantee Safety Though?
Nothing really can provide a 100% guarantee of safety, and the same goes for the three devices we mentioned above. Your home security alarm systems can do the job, and so can your smart cameras, but it also depends on how quick you are to respond.
However, these devices are still great for managing your home’s security on a daily basis, especially when you’re away. That is because they give you control and connect you to the devices even if you’re in another country – it’s all about the smart technology that they feature. With ordinary devices in place of these, your home’s safety would still be more questionable.
