Published on October 20th, 2018 | by Sunit Nandi

5 Tips on How to Pick a Smart Hub for Your Home

People who grew up during the 80s might remember that Hollywood produced several movies about robots and computers. Movies like Star Trek as well as Star Wars and the cartoon; Jetsons, were obsessed with how computers and artificial intelligence, as well as robots, have become a part of our daily lives.

The Terminator and Transformer franchises went a step ahead by creating human versus machines storyline. Our scientists took inspiration from those movies and built that technology. Today, we have an entire range of everyday gadgets connected through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

What Is A Smart Hub?

Smart hubs are a software or hardware device installed in the household gadgets and home automation systems. It plays the role of a bridge between them, centralizes, connects and controls them without looking at the software the devices run in. The user can give the instructions or voice command to the smart home hub, and it will do everything one need.

Why Should You Buy A Smart Home Hub?

There was a time when houses used to have housekeepers. They would look after the house; both in owners’ presence, as well as while they were away. In modern times, homes no longer have housekeepers, partly because many people cannot afford them. The advanced technology has helped us with that problem. We can easily buy the technology and trust it to keep our belongings intact and our house safe.

Smart home hubs are a relief for people who live alone and are concerned about the security of their belongings. These devices’ features allow the consumers to monitor their homes by tracking the locks in the house, their electricity, and heating system, etc. through their smartphones, without being there.

Points To Consider Before Buying A Smart Hub

The basic idea of the Hub is that it connects intelligent devices at your home, by creating a communication network between them.

However, engineers feel that there can be other features added to it. The question is what facts a regular consumer should consider before buying this technology.

We mention some of these considerations below.

1. Voice Control

The common perspective is that the voice controls smart devices. However, this is not true for all of them. Most intelligent devices are connected through an app, which you will have to install on your smartphone. You can monitor all your devices through the app without requiring voice command. However, if you need to use the voice command option by some reason, then make sure your smart hub is capable of it.

But take in consideration, the voice commands can confuse the users. For it often happens that the smart hub does not recognize the consumer’s voice because of some unforeseen reason. Such situation results typically in inconvenience for the consumer.

2. Wireless Protocols

There are all types of smart devices in the market. And far not all of them use the same protocols. Some smart devices are connected via Bluetooth, some via Wi-Fi and some through other options.

It is essential that you make sure that all the devices have the same connectivity option, to avoid any inconvenience later on.

3. Security

The fact that smart home hubs can connect with the internet can be considered more of a threat than a blessing. For they can be hacked by anyone online. Hence, the consumer must make sure that they buy a smart hub that has a high-security level.

They should also avoid connecting their hubs with public Wi-Fi. Another thing is that hubs should have an antivirus installed. You can find out the proper device by using the reviewing site Robotbox.net.

4. Adaptability

Initial advertisements of a smart home showed consumers managing electronic equipment, like cameras and lights, fans, etc. However, this is not entirely what they can do. Smartphones which are available on the market these days, allow consumers to program all their needs. Smart hubs can control the type of music played at different times of the day, turn on the television, and give news updates.

The interesting part is the features mentioned above are the bare minimum. It is because these gadgets can do far more than that. They can vacuum your house, run the washing machine and run the dishwasher. You can even turn off your stove in case you forgot to, manage the heater and also turn on/off the tap for you. In essence, with a smart home, you may not need a servant to control your house.

5. Operating System Compatibility And Integration

The majority of smart home hubs require iOS or Android smartphones, for you to manage them. However, the majority of the smart hubs are not compatible with Windows phones.

In case you use a Windows phone or tablet, you would have to check for compatibility requirements first.

Every smart home hub has a unique set of features. Some smart hubs offer more integration than others while others do not. When you buy a smart hub, make sure that it provides more integration, so that you can connect easily with more devices. There is no point in spending much money if you cannot connect all your preferred devices with the system.

Conclusion

Living in the 21st century is a lot funnier than most people think. Today, we can easily control our surroundings through technology, without actually being there. Think about ourselves as the Harry Potters of our time.

Technology has given us what our forefathers used to consider magic a century ago. The smart home hub is one such technology. Already, within a couple of years, it has revolutionized the art of living.

Tags: home, how to, pick, smart hub, tips

About the Author

Sunit Nandi I'm the leader of Techno FAQ. Also an engineering college student with immense interest in science and technology. Other interests include literature, coin collecting, gardening and photography. Always wish to live life like there's no tomorrow.