Smart homes have risen in popularity in recent years thanks to their convenience, more variety in products, and more awareness around how to automate things around your house. However, if a smart home still seems like an abstract concept from a sci-fi movie, you might be interested in some of the benefits of setting up your own. Here are several benefits to having a smart home…
1. Control at your fingertips
One of the major benefits of smart home devices is the ability to control and monitor them from your smartphone or a smart home hub.
A smart home device is essentially a household device that’s connected to the internet — so it can range from high-tech devices such as security cameras to something as simple as lightbulbs or thermostats.
However, the main benefit is that you can control these various devices without having to interact with each one individually. You can check cameras, monitor appliances, and even remotely start some devices from your phone.
You can usually control all these elements from a central app that lets you add each device to your smart home profile.
2. Increased security
While many of us already have security solutions in our home, smart devices can take this up a notch by providing real-time surveillance through infrared cameras, movement sensors, or alarms that send mobile notifications.
Knowing what’s going on at home has never been easier or simpler. From watching your pets while you’re out, to receiving a phone notification when a sensor triggers, you don’t have to wait for a call from your neighbours or alarm company to know if something’s going on. This feature is especially for those parents back at work during the lockdown, who perhaps have grown children alone a home during the day. Safety is every parent’s priority, why not consider the V- Kids Watch, this will allow you to be aware of your child’s location at all times and they will be able to send an alert directly to your phone when pressing the SOS button on the watch.
Depending on the device you choose, you even get cameras that act as an intercom–allowing you to communicate via the camera. Just make sure that you choose secure devices from trusted companies that aren’t vulnerable to hacking.
3. Simplify your life with automation
A smart home can save you a lot of time if you use it the right way. For example, you can set lights to switch off at a certain time, or lock doors remotely. You can also use your phone to open your door or set your kettle to a schedule so that it boils just before you wake up in the morning.
Meanwhile, you can program a bed-time schedule that switches off the lights around your home and checks that all the outer doors and windows are locked. The extent of automation potential depends on how many devices you want to add to your home.
Depending on your hub, you’re also not limited to a single brand when it comes to smart devices. So long as there’s third-party support, you can add a variety of items from different brands. Just make sure to check for compatibility before buying a product or hub.
Get started on your smart home with Vodacom
If you want to be able to monitor your home from your smartphone, especially if you are a parent who is back at work during lockdown, get started on your smart home with Vodacom. The V-Home Safety Starter Kit is easy to set and will ensure your home is smarter and safer.
The kit includes:
The V-Home Hub wirelessly connects a wide range of smart devices and makes them work together. With the V-Home Hub, you are able to automate the connected smart devices in your home and set them to your home’s needs.
A smart camera will allow you to monitor your home day or night. The live video feed displays HD quality and has built-in night vision so you’re always given the clearest view.
The discreet sized multipurpose sensor detects if a window, door, or cabinet is opened, and it also monitors the temperature. The sensor will send alerts to your Smartthings App and with a built-in accelerometer is can also monitor vibration.
The alarm siren is triggered through the sensor and camera. The siren and the warning lights can also be set up to go off when any unexpected activity occurs.
With the V-Home kit, you will be able to monitor your home with ease and will be able to control all your V-Home devices through your Smarthings App.
See an unboxing of the V-Home Safety Starter Kit here. Other V-by-Vodacom smart devices include the V-SIM, V-Kids watch, and the V-Bag. Click here to read more about them.
