Guide – Smart Home Geeks https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk Smart Home Thu, 06 Aug 2020 09:03:10 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.4.13 https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/cropped-house-512-237998-32x32.png Guide – Smart Home Geeks https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk 32 32 5 Best Smart Home Hubs 2020 https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk/guide/5-best-smart-home-hubs-2020/ https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk/guide/5-best-smart-home-hubs-2020/?noamp=mobile#respond Tue, 14 Jul 2020 15:48:04 +0000 https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk/?p=2513 What once seemed like science fiction is now a reality: we are building smart homes. However, the more smart devices we buy, the more apps are overloading our mobile phones and tablets – so much clutter! The latest solution is the smart home hub. These smart home hubs are quickly becoming the brains and hearts […]

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What once seemed like science fiction is now a reality: we are building smart homes. However, the more smart devices we buy, the more apps are overloading our mobile phones and tablets – so much clutter!

The latest solution is the smart home hub. These smart home hubs are quickly becoming the brains and hearts of our smart houses, removing digital clutter from our lives.

What is a Smart Home Hub?

Smart home hubs are systems that help you control multiple wireless devices in one spot. If you have smart home features like locks, security cameras, and garage door openers, a smart home hub will put them on the same wavelength. Now, instead of opening up ten different applications for ten different smart home devices, you only need to open up one.

Common Questions About Smart Home Hubs

Unless you’ve owned a smart home hub before, this gadget is worth examining. The last thing you want is an exhaustive trial-and-error with hubs that only “sort of” work for you.

Best Smart Home Hubs 2020

Do I Need a Smart Home Hub?

Just because you have multiple smart home devices doesn’t mean you need to invest in a hub.

If your smart devices use your home’s Wi-Fi, you can download a third-party, multi-tasking app that will bring these apps together without a hub. IFTTT and Yonomi are great examples.

If you’re using smart home devices manufactured by the same company, you may be able to use their app without having to buy a physical hub, like the Amazon Alexa and Honeywell Home apps.

However, if you are using smart devices from different manufacturers or that connect wirelessly using different methods – Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, etc. – look into a smart home hub that connects most, if not all, of them.

Product Recommendations: The Best Smart Home Hubs

Our suggestions for the best smart home hubs balance practicality with modern wants and needs. Keep in mind that, generally speaking, smart home hubs are never “best.” Even the top choices have some major cons.

Samsung SmartThings Hub (V3) – Buy here

If I personally needed a smart home hub, this is what I would go for. SmartThings Hub’s sleek, compact design makes a great addition to the home and can handle a wide variety of technology: Ring doorbell; Ecobee; Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistants; Samsung TV; Bose speakers, and more. It works on Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi protocols. It does come in a little high on price at £159, but for what you’re getting, it’s a worthy investment.

Pros:

  • iOS, Android, and Windows compatible
  • Easy-to-read app user interface
  • App automation features allow communication between devices

Cons:

  • Works for UK- and US-based technology only
  • Possibly pose some limitations for programmers and Alexa users
  • USB port on the back of the device is virtually useless

Amazon Echo Dot (v3) – Buy Here

Amazon Echo Dot is technically a smart speaker first, smart home hub second. Still, because of Amazon Echo’s versatility, it can give Alexa and smart home users all the control they want. With Wi-Fi and Zigbee connectivity, you can connect Philips Hue, Sonos, Hive, and Arlo smart home products. This Echo Dot runs at £49.99, making it a good mid-price choice. It would certainly be worth my money!

Pros:

  • When you purchase Echo Dot, you are purchasing a reliable and trustworthy brand
  • Strong voice assistant features
  • Compatible with Fire OS, iOS, and Android

Cons:

  • Although it uses Wi-Fi, not all Wi-Fi protocol smart home devices can be connected
  • Not as powerful as other smart home hubs

Tuya Zigbee Smart Gateway HubBuy here

The Tuya Zigbee hub is an affordable option that will get your technology working together in harmony. (Now if only we could get the kids working together in harmony!) At only £29.97, the features and ratings are impressive.

It operates on both Zigbee and Wi-Fi protocols, can connect up to 50 devices, and is completely wireless. The hub works strictly with ZigBee 3.0 and Tuya products. Therefore, this is the hub to consider if you are planning on making the switch from a basic home to a smart home. Take a look at ZigBee and Tuya smart home devices, first.

Pros:

  • Works with Alexa and Google Home assistants
  • Tuya Smart Hub app works as a remote control for all your linked products
  • Compact and wire-free

Cons:

  • Only works with ZigBee and Tuya 3.0 products
  • Zigbee protocol may be slower than other available protocols

Broadlink RM Pro+Buy here

At £41.99, it looks like a spaceship, but it’s really one of the better smart home hubs you can buy. Using IR and RF protocols, it supports 80,000+ different products. This means you can control the dishwasher, A/C, and TV all in the same place at the same time! Broadlink’s app will easily turn your smartphone into a remote control for everything in your house. You just have to make sure these products also use IR/RF protocol – not Bluetooth®.

Pros:

  • The app works for iOS and Android devices, smartphone and tablet
  • Connected by Wi-Fi so you can control your smart devices from anywhere
  • Works with Amazon Alexa and Google assistants – but with limited functionality

Cons:

  • Limited protocol support
  • Will not work around obstructions

LaJao WiFi Smart Plug SocketBuy here

This smart home “hub” is quite affordable at £13.99. Plug it in any socket and connect to Wi-Fi. You’ll be able to sync Amazon Alexa and your Google Home and use the eFamily Cloud app to control the devices on your smartphone. There are special Wi-Fi requirements that you have to follow and it will only control household appliances, but it’s a great alternative to the larger-than-life smart home hubs out there.

Pros:

  • Small and out-of-the-way
  • Fireproof and built with overload protection
  • Easy, reliable set up

Cons:

  • Specific Wi-Fi requirements for both plug and smartphone
  • Works only with household appliances

Conclusion

Take a look at your smart home devices first, buy the smart home hub second. While appealing, the Echo Dot won’t do you much good if you can’t pair it with anything. Sure, the Tuya Zigbee hub is an affordable choice, but do you own any of their products? Your home is smart, but you’ll have to be a little bit smarter to get everything on the same channel.

But… What is Smart Home Hub Protocol?

When looking for your smart home hub you will see a lot of protocol talk. Protocol simply refers to how a device sends data to another device on a particular network. Knowing the protocol your devices use will help you find a compatible smart home hub.

Zigbee & Z-Wave: These protocols are similar enough to pair together. Z-Wave is generally the faster option and is compatible with more devices, but both operate on radio frequencies that won’t interrupt your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® connections. This makes them popular protocol choices for smart home devices and hubs.

Bluetooth®: This wireless protocol is found in almost every wireless technology and wonderfully suited to smart home devices. It generally has a limited range of connectivity, so you’ll have to keep distance into consideration.

Wi-Fi: This one is straightforward and familiar. If your device can connect to the internet wirelessly, it’s using Wi-Fi.

There are other protocols, but these four are the ones you’re most likely to come across.

What Should I Look For in a Smart Home Hub?

Unless it’s a proven piece of junk, it’s hard to pick the best smart home hub for your needs. It’s easy to give you some direction while searching, though.

Protocol: Think about the protocol your smart home devices use and the smart home hub supports. If you can check off most of your devices on the smart home hub, then already you’ve found a worthy option.

Smart Speaker Compatibility and Voice Control: If you want to control your devices using voice commands or connect your smart speaker to the hub, find a smart home hub that explicitly states it responds to voice commands and is compatible with Amazon Echo, Google, or Apple.

Smart Home Devices: Instead of searching for a third-party hub, buy a hub made by the manufacturer of your smart devices. This will reduce compatibility issues. Also, if you are just controlling house functions, look for a hub that is made to do this well. If you want to include music and TV, you need to make sure the hub is capable of taking those things on.

Windows: Sadly, hubs will most likely support iOS and Android, but very few support Windows products.

The Bottom Line

Look for wireless hubs that are compatible with a wide range of protocols and can support your smart devices. You need to match the hub to the device, not the other way around. So don’t buy a hub strictly for thermostats if you want to connect your smart speaker, too.

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Top Tips when buying a Robot Vacuum Cleaner https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk/guide/top-tips-when-buying-a-robot-vacuum-cleaner/ https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk/guide/top-tips-when-buying-a-robot-vacuum-cleaner/?noamp=mobile#respond Thu, 25 Oct 2018 12:05:29 +0000 https://smarthomegeeks.co.uk/?p=1987 Today’s vacuum cleaners perform specialized jobs such as cleaning hard floors, vacuuming deep carpets and mopping hard and smooth surfaces. These particular gadgets share a lot of similar features since they operate using smart technology. It is undoubtedly true that today’s robot cleaners are reliable and they can automatically perform cleaning tasks well. These devices […]

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Today’s vacuum cleaners perform specialized jobs such as cleaning hard floors, vacuuming deep carpets and mopping hard and smooth surfaces. These particular gadgets share a lot of similar features since they operate using smart technology.

It is undoubtedly true that today’s robot cleaners are reliable and they can automatically perform cleaning tasks well. These devices consist of multiple sensors and rollers that enable them to map and clean a specific room in your home. However, robot cleaners still have some minor issues though there is a significant improvement compared to earlier gadgets.

When you want to buy a robot vacuum cleaner, you need to understand that there are many types of robot vacuum cleaners on the market. Therefore, you should know the proper functions of each device. There are common mistakes outlined below that you should avoid when you shop for a vacuum cleaner either online or in store.

Avoid a robotic vacuum cleaner without programmable cleaning time

Robotic vacuum cleaners use smart technology, and they operate without supervision. These devices can also run while you are away. All the same, your house needs regular cleaning whether you are away or around.

It is therefore essential to choose a robotic vacuum cleaner that has a specific function to program its cleaning time. It is possible to schedule your gadget to clean at a particular time of the day and can be programmable for more than a week.

Such a device is very convenient since you do not need to worry yourself about turning it on to start cleaning your work. You can also program it to clean the place when you are away in case your pets and kids are scared of it. You should make sure that you buy a device that you can program to do the work while you are not around. If you are not sure, read Robot Hoover reviews.

A Robot Vacuum Cleaner Does Not Think

No matter what amount of smart technology robot vacuum cleaners use, you need always to remember that these gadgets cannot think like human beings. Indeed, vacuums are smart and can perform intelligent moves like returning to the dock for recharging.  Robot vacuums work unattended, and you do not need to be around to plug the device to a source of power.

Their operations depend on the programs they run on. As such, a robot vacuum cleaner cannot be a permanent substitute of a maid. In one way or the other, human effort is necessary for cleaning the house. You must avoid a mistake of thinking that you can give your robot vacuum cleaner orders like what you can do to your maid. It cannot listen to you; it only performs tasks that you program it to do.

A vacuum cleaner is not perfect

Do not fool yourself to believe that a robot vacuum cleaner is excellent. Its cleaning cycle in a room in known by the manufacturer and it may not be perfect in some places. Some robotic vacuum cleaners are useful for cleaning small places like apartments.

Other vacuum cleaners function well in large rooms. For instance, it is easier for the robot cleaner to correctly clean the passage in your home because it is straightforward. The other mistake you should avoid is to believe that all robot cleaners are similar in all features.

Many people are often swayed by commercial messages in choosing their robotic vacuum cleaners. Each manufacturer emphasises some “unique features” on their product, but the truth is that such features may not be outstanding.

Almost all robot vacuums have sensors that prevent them from falling from steps. When you decide to buy a robot cleaner, look for other special features apart from these common ones. Almost all robot cleaners have a return function to the base station for recharging except for a few models.

You need to focus on the basic factors that make robot cleaners smart. For example, you should try to establish its ability to identify and clean stubborn stains on the floor. The main idea is to get a device that leaves your floor spotless clean even if you do not perform any work.

You should avoid cheaper robotic vacuum cleaners

While your budget determines the kind of robotic cleaner that you will buy, you also need to be careful in choosing a better device. Some cheap models lack some features that make robotic vacuum cleaners smart. For instance, other models of vacuum cleaners have poor navigation functions, and at times they get stuck in wires.

The other issue is that other cheap robotic vacuum cleaners cannot return to the base station for recharging when they run out of power. These devices cease to be smart as suggested by their name since you need to monitor them while they clean your place closely.

Other forms of cheap robotic vacuum cleaners have no side and central brushes. Such devices are not thorough in their cleaning. Other competitive models have low suction power meaning that they cannot do a perfect job in your house.

Some people confuse wet cleaning with washing the floor

Many people often make a mistake of thinking that wet cleaning and floor washing are the same. Floor mopping robots have an option of wet cleaning and suitable for places like the kitchen. A special container drips on the mop, and the robovac sucks then sweep the dirt.

The robovac then wipes the floor at the same time. The microfiber mops can clean the tiniest dust particles on the floor. The process of spraying water on the floor and then wiping it by the robot vacuum is not floor washing. It is known as a simple wiping of the floor. You need to wash the microfiber mop regularly.

Do not think robot cleaners have the same design and construction

Some people believe that all robotic vacuum cleaners have the same structure and composition, but that is not true. The majority of robot cleaners have a plastic dustbin and others release dust into a paper bin found at the charging base.

The sizes of dustbins differ depending on the model of the cleaner. Other models do not have a central cleaning brush, and some have suction provisions on their sides. The suction power of different models of robotic vacuum cleaners also differs significantly.

While most of the robotic vacuums can perform the same functions, most expensive ones are complicated than the others. Their navigation system is complicated, and they carefully build a room map for effective cleaning. Costly devises do not move randomly around the room, and they also use their batteries efficiently.

Avoid ignoring the height and shape of a robotic vacuum cleaner

A robovac’s height is critical since it determines its ability to move under furniture like sofas freely. The thinnest models have a height of about seven to eight centimetres. A robot cleaner needs to leave a gap of about 0,5 cm to make sure that it does not hit furniture with low clearance gap.

The issue of the height of the robotic vacuum cleaner goes along with the aspect of its shape. Many people tend to make a mistake of thinking that a round shaped vacuum cleaner is better than a square shaped one. However, a square-shaped robotic vacuum cleans the corners better than a round one.

The cleaner with a square shape has round corners, therefore, cleans better than the round one. However, the suction power of the robot cleaner and the length of the brushes determine its cleaning power. If you want to make the corners of your home perfectly clean, you better do it yourself with a regular mop.

Likewise, the shape of a robotic vacuum cleaner does not necessarily spell its effectiveness. These devices have their shortfalls, and they are not perfect in their functions. You need to perform the task of manual cleaning of your home regularly to maintain it in a good state.

Robotic vacuum cleaners are reliable, but you should never make a mistake of thinking that they are better than human beings. It is tiresome to clean the floor manually, but you also need to complement the work of the robotic vacuum cleaners.

Choosing a robot vacuum with a UV lamp

A UV lamp is believed to kill bacteria and microorganisms on the floor, but the process takes a very long time. The primary challenge of this device is that it discharges the battery the battery quickly and it may be problematic to operate. It may also be wise to turn off the light to save power.

In other words, a UV lamp is just another additional feature on the robotic vacuum cleaner that however does not make it so special. You need to avoid this mistake when you decide to buy a robot cleaner.

Robotic vacuum cleaners are smart in that they do not need supervision when they perform their cleaning tasks. They share many similar features and also achieve the same functions. However, the vacuum cleaners significantly differ. You need to be careful when buying a robot vacuum to avoid some common mistakes highlighted above. Visit here to find the latest reviews about the best robot vacuum cleaner.


Author Bio: As the Sr. Researcher & Writer for RobotsInMyHome.com, Vicky spends most of her time covering the real-world impact of the latest technologies on consumers’ lives around the world. She writes full-time for a number of leading review and editorial publications around the web.

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Smart Home Systems for the Elderly https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk/guide/smart-home-systems-for-the-elderly/ https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk/guide/smart-home-systems-for-the-elderly/?noamp=mobile#comments Fri, 03 Aug 2018 12:51:28 +0000 https://smarthomegeeks.co.uk/?p=1813 Smart technology has become a staple in most homes. Thanks to its ability to automate a variety of everyday household tasks. However its use extends far beyond turning your lights off at night — they can be invaluable if you care for an elderly loved one. Smart home systems integrate with CCTV systems, motion sensors […]

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Smart technology has become a staple in most homes. Thanks to its ability to automate a variety of everyday household tasks. However its use extends far beyond turning your lights off at night — they can be invaluable if you care for an elderly loved one.

Smart home systems integrate with CCTV systems, motion sensors and alarms, alerting you of emergency situations. Also when people come onto or enter premises. It’s become easier than ever to take care of your loved ones, but how do you choose the right system?

We look at the benefits of installing a smart home system, along with what’s available on the market.
Smart Home Elderly

Why Choose a Smart Home System?

Smart home systems have come a long way in recent years. They are now easy to install and even easier to use.  Smart home systems allow you to control your lighting, heating and locks, regardless of where you are. Aside from providing convenience, they also offer safety, with measures in place to alert you of changes in or suspicious activity.

This becomes even more important if you care for an elderly friend or relative. It’s unrealistic to think you will be able to be at the home all the time. Likewise your loved one will want their own independence too.  But should the worst happen, such as a trip or fall, a smart home system could allow the individual to alert a carer or family member. To get the help they need.

Smart home systems are exactly that — smart!

After installation, they intelligently learn routines and can adapt accordingly.  For example supporting the user by turning off lights when they go to sleep or adjusting the heating on cooler nights. Sensors can also be set to trigger a warning to a trusted neighbour, friend or family member should the system detect unusual behaviour, such as inactivity.

Using a Smart Home System with a Personal Assistant

Many smart home systems can now integrate with thousands of appliances and devices, from thermostats to blinds and sound systems.  They can also connect to the personal assistants found on many smartphones, for example; Google Assistant and Siri.

Supporting an elderly relative isn’t just about ensuring their safety; it’s also about enabling them to live as easily and with as much independence as possible. Using a personal assistant device allows users to order products and find information using only their voice.  In addition to assisting them to make life easier, such as by automatically pouring a cup of coffee when they rise out of bed.

There are a number of personal assistant devices available, but the most popular are:

  • Apple HomeKit
  • Google Home
  • Amazon Alexa
  • Apple HomeKit

Apple Homekit allows you to customise the environment for the elderly, without them needing to travel from room to room. With the touch of a button, users can control lights, temperature and windows.  This makes it particularly suited to users with mobility-limiting conditions.

HomeKit comes with the added comfort blanket of home CCTV, allowing you to monitor your loved one’s movements in real time. It also connects seamlessly to Apple’s wide range of products. This allows you to use your iPhone or iPad to change the environment and monitor settings, without having to physically be there. Apple’s HomeKit also comes with Siri, its voice-activated assistant, however it does take some time to get used too working with Siri.

Smart Home UK

Google Home

Google Home is Google’s entry in the smart home market. Again featuring voice-activated technology, Google also draws on its huge store of data to make personalised recommendations. If you shop for your loved one online, you can create a shopping list, which can be ordered with a simple voice command. This allows your elderly relative to exercise their own independence in a way that’s easy and convenient.

Amazon’s Alexa

Alexa is the third big name in virtual assistants. As you’d expect, Alexa makes ordering items from Amazon a breeze, but it’s not the only thing it can do. With a simple voice command, Alexa can make voice and video calls, which can benefit elderly users with limited mobility or who simply get tired easily. 

Safety doesn’t just mean protecting a home from unexpected guests or looking out for suspicious activity — our home appliances can also pose a significant risk. With the right technology set up, personal assistants can interact with ovens and other kitchen appliances. If you’re ever concerned a loved one might have forgotten to turn off the cooker, you can do it for them. Likewise, if you’re worried a loved one might need to venture outside at night to turn off an outdoor light or sprinkler, you, or they, can do so quickly, easily and without any risk.

Smart Home Systems Designed Specifically for the Elderly

Smart home technology has grown massively in recent years. As systems become more sophisticated, system designers and engineers are finding new and innovative ways to provide a tailored service to customers. Based on this idea, more and more smart home system providers are offering installation of systems designed specifically for elderly residents. Wireless sensors can be placed around the home, which then learn a user’s behaviour by analysing patterns and speed of movement. They can also monitor pauses in activity.

After monitoring the user for two weeks and collecting data, it can then identify unusual behaviour, such as not getting out of bed, skipping meals or prolonged periods of inactivity. Some systems also have an awareness of time and can detect deterioration in how long an activity takes. If the system detects something unusual, it will send an alert to an elected caretaker or family member.

CCTV and Sensors

Smart home systems don’t always come with home CCTV as standard, meaning, while you can control the environment and be alerted to any danger, you won’t be able to physically see what’s happening. If this is a concern, you have two options: install a separate CCTV system or find a provider who can design and install a smart home system to suit your loved one’s needs.

Most CCTV systems can be fully controlled from a smartphone or tablet using a downloadable app. These smart systems go beyond simply monitoring the home, like traditional, poor-quality CCTV systems. The latest cameras deliver high-definition video and work with window and door sensors, which can be set up to send alerts, trigger alarms or turn on lights. These devices can also pick up changes in motion and temperature and may feature a built-in speaker, allowing your elderly relative to communicate with you easily. Like any traditional alarm, sensors can also be configured to ignore certain areas of the home, for example, if there are any pets.

Respecting the Elderly’s Right to and Desire of Privacy

There’s no doubt that smart home systems are capable of saving lives, especially when used to safeguard the elderly. However, there’s a delicate balance that needs to be achieved between safely monitoring the person you care about and invading their privacy. With CCTV on 24/7 and sensors monitoring an individual’s every move, it can be easy for them to gradually feel like a prisoner in their own home. So as a person with a loved one’s wellbeing in mind, how can you ensure you don’t throw that balance?

Limit the extent of surveillance

You don’t need a camera in every room to safely monitor someone at risk of a trip, fall or other accident. Instead, consider a camera in the front hallway or outside the front door to protect vulnerable individuals from potential issues such as theft and burglary and to safeguard against unauthorised access.

Provide opportunities for independence

As we get older, we all understand that we won’t be able to move as well as we used to and that certain tasks will become more difficult. This is especially true if we develop a mobility condition that affects freedom of movement. Understandably, it can be disheartening. A smart home system can be a huge assist, but it’s important that an elderly individual doesn’t feel that smart technology is hindering them by taking away the opportunity to do certain things themselves. Of course, just because technology exists and is installed, doesn’t mean that a person needs to use it. However, if lights are going off automatically or heating is being adjusted based on a routine that the hardware has learned, it could make individuals feel that they’ve lost the option of doing it themselves. Support your loved one to work with the technology, not against it. Adjust the settings where possible — or have a bespoke home system designed based on certain needs and requirements — to provide the maximum amount of independence.

Communicate the benefits of smart home systems

Ultimately, smart home systems are here to help us. They’ve already transformed many lives, but that doesn’t stop people from being uncertain about the technology. If smart technology is installed in a home to give you peace of mind and keep another person safe while you’re not there, you should communicate this for a variety of reasons.

If there’s a chance your loved one might feel like you’re keeping them under constant surveillance, they may start to resent the technology. It’s important that you carefully explain why this technology exists and, more specifically, why it exists in their home. It’s for their safety and benefit.

You should also show your loved one how to interact and use this technology. Allowing them to get answers to queries, turn off lights and order shopping all with the press of a button.  The use of their voice can be empowering for elderly individuals.  

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Smart Smoke Dector https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk/guide/smart-smoke-dector/ https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk/guide/smart-smoke-dector/?noamp=mobile#respond Thu, 31 May 2018 09:23:05 +0000 https://smarthomegeeks.co.uk/?p=1571 When talking about home automation the main things that come up are smart LED lights, doorbells, vacuum cleaners to switches and locks. In safety we usually think about burglar alarms and smart doorbells but what about fire? One major necessity of any building are smoke detectors. You might be wondering what the difference is between […]

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When talking about home automation the main things that come up are smart LED lights, doorbells, vacuum cleaners to switches and locks. In safety we usually think about burglar alarms and smart doorbells but what about fire? One major necessity of any building are smoke detectors.

You might be wondering what the difference is between the usual smoke detector and a smart one. Is investing in one going to benefit you?

Smart home device are meant to make our life easier as well as serve as efficient customizable devices making you feel safe and save you money too. In the past home products were independent of each other and with no remote control. Now you can manage your devices even when you are not home and different devices can talk to each other. For example your smoke alarm making your lights flash when there is a fire.


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Google Nest Protect 2nd Generation Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Check the Price on Amazon UK Check the Price on Amazon US

Imagine you are in the basement and something goes wrong in the kitchen, the smart smoke detector will automatically alert you so you can take immediate action. Previously you would only know before it was too late!
Another Smart example is night time, if a fire is detected at night it can turn on the lights so you can see your way out and not stumble around.

When buying a smoke detector there are several things to consider. First and the most obvious is the ability to detect carbon monoxide and smoke. Next comes the sensitivity and accuracy that help avoid false alarms for which one needs to consider the science used. An example would be the photoelectric split spectrum method which is more accurate than the old ionization method.

Smart smoke detectors not only alert you the traditional way but will also send you notification on your phone (some device also support multiple receivers). The notification not only tells you about the problem but also gives instructions. Another attractive feature that some devices offer is light coding for different type of issue detected in an accident. Also if one device goes off all the other devices will go off too.

There a three main types of smart smoke detector.

Listener alarm

One of the options is to simply plug in a device which will send notifications when your smoke alarm sounds. These are called listeners.

Smart Battery

Next is the smart battery, designed like a standard battery with intelligence added due to its capability to connect to Wi-Fi. Low battery and smoke alert are sent by this battery to your phone. The smoke alarms can be silenced using the app itself. Smart batteries can be cost effective but it has its drawbacks. You would need to replace the batteries in each device which makes it less efficient. Also its a very basic integration and cannot connect to the rest of your smart home. Finally this is not an option if your dumb smoke alarms are hard wired.

Smart Smoke Alarm

The last option is to replace the whole device with a smart smoke detector which already comes with Wi-Fi connectivity and easily operated through the app.

The most full featured smoke detector on the market at the moment is the Nest Protect. Which costs £99. Though it is the most expensive when compared to the other devices it does not compromise with the quality and features it comes with.

Equipped with multiple sensors the most exciting one is the Split Spectrum photoelectric which provides you with accurate fire alerts. This device will not only identify a fire but message you all the details, like what is the nature of the problem and which room it is coming from – if you have multiple alarms. It not only supports NEST but other services like IFFFT as well which will allow you to control other devices at the same time.

A match for Nest protect would be OneLinks Safe & Sound which is double the price just because it has a built in speaker with Alexa and google assistant. This device has wired only option. For a more detailed review on this we have to wait till its launch in May.

If Nest Protect is too expensive a good budget option for existing detectors are smart batteries. Replace the old batteries of your device with smart batteries. The Roost battery is a popular one in this category. Adding Wi-Fi capabilities to a battery was a clever way of getting into the market. The battery will cost you £25 which is like a third of the NEST protect. Like all smart device it operated through the app installed on your phone. The only difference is the smoke detecting technology which will depend on the detector you are using.

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Video Doorbells https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk/guide/video-doorbells/ https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk/guide/video-doorbells/?noamp=mobile#respond Fri, 25 May 2018 08:49:43 +0000 https://smarthomegeeks.co.uk/?p=1568 A door bell is a very simple part of nearly every home and no longer does it need to be just a doorbell – now it can be a video doorbell. Big household names like Amazon and Nest are now battling for a share of this ever growing market, not to mention the smaller manufacturers […]

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A door bell is a very simple part of nearly every home and no longer does it need to be just a doorbell – now it can be a video doorbell.

Big household names like Amazon and Nest are now battling for a share of this ever growing market, not to mention the smaller manufacturers like Skybell and VueBel.

In this guide we talk you through the biggest of the market and help you choose which smart doorbell is right for you!

What is the point in a Video Doorbell?

The doorbell was invented back in 1831, believe it or not, since then it has came a long way. However the most common form of doorbell is still a simple button that makes a sound inside the house. The doorbell at first was a simple bit of tech to tell you someone is at your door. It worked perfectly for many years until criminals realised they could take advantage of the homeowner not knowing who was at the door. This sparked the invention of the intercom doorbell, initially only audio but then video allowing you to see and communicate with the person on the other side of the door.

But there is a big drawback, what if you are not home?

This is why Video Doorbells were invented, allowing you to answer your door, see who is there and communicate with them wherever you are via your smartphone!

What do I need to think about?

Smart doorbells come packed with features which will definitely tempt you to get one. Install one in your home and eliminate the need to get to the door to open it. Simply get live footage of the person on your doorstep on your smartphone as well as voice interaction. From there on if you need to open the door some devices will even do that for you with a simple command from your phone. Also the video doorbell is multipurpose, you have the camera for surveillance not just in the day but with night vision technology even in the darkness.

There are various devices on the market now and some even have voice recognition intelligence, but first there is one main thing to consider, installation. If you are already using a wired doorbell then installing the smart doorbell will be an easy task. However if you are using a wireless doorbell which is battery operated, you would have less options to choose from.

Once you have the basic requirement right we still have one more thing to consider, storage.

Cloud storage is vital for a smooth smart device experience as you need a place to store the ‘missed rings’ as well as having a look at who has been at your door.

This storage feature costs around £20 per year with most brands.

Ring Video Doorbell

Check the Price on Amazon UK Check the Price on Amazon US

Ring, or Ring 2 if looking at the latest model was formerly known as Doorbot.They first came to market back in 2013 and appeared on the USA hit show Shark Tank.

Ring has a HD camera and offers a 160 degree view.  The design of the Ring 2 is not as sleek as other devices out in the market. The device is battery operated (rechargeable) which justifies the bulky look. However if you had wired doorbell you can attach the wires to Ring avoiding the need to recharge.  Unlike traditional doorbells Ring Wi-Fi doorbell does not make a sound inside your house. The notification is all via their app installed on your phone. If you would like to sound in your home you need to purchase a separate Ring Chime. They also have a range of Chimes that include Wi-Fi extenders, designed for large houses with Wi-Fi issues.

For more details read of Ring Doorbell review.

SkyBell

SkyBell Wi-Fi Video Doorbell
Check the Price on Amazon UK Check the Price on Amazon US

Priced same as Ring 2 at £149 we have its competitor SkyBell. It offers the same video quality but with an additional option to zoom in as well as take pictures. Security wise if someone lures around your door for more than 10 seconds it will record it. SkyBell has free storage and intelligent security system.  Design wise it is round and looks a little dated. The main problem with Skybell is it only works with a hard wired connection, meaning you need a professional and it can be expensive.

August Doorbell Camera

August Home AB-R1 Silver August Doorbell
Check the Price on Amazon UK Check the Price on Amazon US

Another Competitor at the same price is August Doorbell camera. Like the other two devices it has two way audio option and motion sensing feature. What sets it apart is the floodlights which will aid night vision of the camera. When integrated with August Smart Lock you can open or close your door using the app from your sofa.  This doorbell is also wired and its battery is only for backup.

Nest Hello

The most expensive option at the moment is Nest Hello priced at £229 slightly higher than its rivals. The price is justified by higher resolution offered by the camera but depends on the user if they really need it. Even though the field view is the same as Ring there are a few more interesting features. Not only is it sleek and slim it will sense human presence by body heat and start recording It also comes a wireless chime which you have to purchase separately for Ring.

What is the best Wirelss Doorbell?

Overall Ring and Hello seem to be a tie when comparing features and price. Personally Ring is our favourite due to the Amazon integrations.

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