CONNECTED LIVING – WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Connected living suggests smart home environments with internet-enabled devices and appliances that can be monitored, controlled, optimized and automated from anywhere. It offers integrated systems for higher convenience, efficiency, security and peace of mind.

The foundational technology enabling connected living ecosystems is the Internet of Things (IoT) – the expanding universe of physical objects embedded with sensors, processing power and internet connectivity to collect and exchange data. In the home environment, IoT allows virtually any device from light bulbs to locks to appliances to tap into WiFi and smart hubs to optimize functionality.

By way of illustration, connected lighting solutions like Philips Hue allow homeowners to customize lighting schedules and scenes from a smartphone to match their lifestyle. Thermostats like Nest learning a resident’s temperature preferences help lower energy bills. Garage doors, blinds, and cameras can activate on presence detection thanks to connected motion sensors to ease arrivals.

Smart speakers use voice interfaces like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to control other integrated smart devices throughout the home using voice commands for an immersive, hands-free experience. Home assistants can answer questions, set reminders, play music, or cue up a connected coffeemaker in the morning to help start your day.

Connected sensors also enable predictive capabilities – tagging food expirations in the refrigerator, alerting before pipes freeze, or noticing unusual energy usage patterns indicating trouble. Advanced analytics inform preventative maintenance to avoid disasters. AI-driven smart hubs analyze usage data for ever-improving automation.

As more IoT devices enter homes promising security, efficiency and personalization benefits, they work in concert to learn patterns and anticipate needs for ambient assisted living environments that especially benefit seniors and busy households. With 5G and new connectivity protocols expanding device integration flexibility, the home of the connected future aims for maximum comfort through minimal effort.