Devices
these smart devices can detect motion, temperature, or light throughout your home.
What are sensors?
This common wireless technology connects most smart home devices to the internet and your phone.
What is Wi-Fi?
This Amazon voice assistant can control smart lights, locks, and thermostats with verbal commands.
Who is Alexa?
This feature allows you to schedule your smart lights to turn on automatically at sunset every day.
What is scheduling?
According to Tyler Lacoma's CNET article, this is the minimum price point for entry-level smart home devices.
What is $10?
This type of smart device replaces traditional bulbs and can be controlled remotely or scheduled to turn on/off.
What are smart light bulbs?
This central device acts as a "brain" to connect and manage multiple smart devices that use different communication protocols.
What is a smart hub?
This Apple platform integrates with iPhones and iPads to control smart home devices through the Home app and Siri.
What is HomeKit?
A pre-programmed routine like "Good Morning" that turns on lights, adjusts the thermostat, and starts the coffee maker is called this.
What is a scene?
This budget-friendly smart device plugs into traditional outlets to make any lamp or appliance "smart" without rewiring.
What is a smart plug?
these smart devices range from $10 to very expensive, making them accessible for any budget.
What are smart home devices?
These three wireless protocols (Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Thread) are alternatives to Wi-Fi for connecting smart devices in a mesh network.
What are mesh network protocols?
This Google smart speaker and assistant can answer questions and control compatible smart devices throughout your home.
What is Google Home (or Google Assistant)?
This automation feature sends you notifications when motion is detected or a door is opened while you're away from home.
What are security alerts?
Starting small with just one or two of these devices, such as smart bulbs or plugs, is the recommended approach for smart home beginners.
What are affordable/entry-level devices?
This specific smart device can alert you when a package arrives at your front door and if it's later removed.
What is a smart security camera?
This technology standard, developed by Amazon, Apple, Google, and others, ensures smart devices from different brands work together seamlessly.
What is Matter?
This mobile application on your smartphone serves as a primary control interface for monitoring and managing smart devices remotely.
What is a smart home app?
This advanced automation capability uses AI to differentiate between meaningful activity (like a person delivering a package) and meaningless movement (like leaves blowing).
What is behavior recognition?
This strategy involves gradually adding smart devices over time rather than outfitting your entire home at once to manage costs.
What is scaling up?
These unique smart additions work alongside traditional electronics to enhance convenience without replacing existing appliances.
What are smart plugs?
This network architecture allows smart devices to relay signals through each other, extending range without relying solely on a central router.
What is a mesh network?
This type of interface allows you to create "scenes" or "routines" that activate multiple smart devices with a single command like "Good Morning."
What is automation control?
This automation type allows smart devices to trigger each other without manual input, such as a motion sensor turning on a hallway light.
What is device-triggered automation?
This free resource, available through manufacturer apps, allows you to control your smart devices without purchasing an additional hub when starting out.
What is a smartphone app (or Wi-Fi direct control)?