Within the last five years, the world has seen an exponential influx of connected devices entering the tech world and many American homes. As a result, you can better connect with your home, family, and schedules. When contemplating how to streamline the technological efficiencies in your home, which smart home automations or connected home components have you considered? Although some may use the terms “smart” and “connected” interchangeably when discussing technology, there are a few striking contrasts between their applications. Here’s our take on the connected home vs smart home debate.
Defining Connected and Smart Home Technology
Connected Home Technology
Connected home technology refers to any devices with connectivity ports, antennae, Bluetooth enabling, or other programmed protocols that connect the technology to another operating environment.
For example, a Google Chromecast plugin can transmit what appears on your phone and screen-share it onto your TV screen. Another example would include a baby audio/visual monitor that allows you to see and hear what’s happening in the nursery. At the same time, you prepare dinner or fold a load of laundry.
You could consider your home as a connected home if you incorporate at least two technology devices that are controlled by their own individual apps.
Other connected home technology components may include:
- Smart kitchen appliances
- Thermostat apps
- Security system apps including SimpliSafe or Ring
- Smart sleep assistants such as the Hatch Restore
Smart Home Technology
Also called intelligent home automation, smart home technology refers to either the components or the entirety of a home’s automation monitored by a single, integrated control system. As a result, you can control multiple aspects of your home’s technology with the single push of a button from one digital control panel. However, to push the envelope further, an intelligent home will collect data to learn more about your household habits and then begin catering to them.
For example, smart home technology could include:
- Wi-fi networks
- Home wiring
- Integrated security systems
- Incorporated music speakers
- Outdoors (sprinklers, retractable awnings, etc.)
- Automated lighting
- Garage door automation
- Motorized shading
- Video systems
- Media rooms
If your smart home system recognized what time you woke up each day, that you typically begin your day with opening the curtains, turning on music, and taking a shower, it could build a routine and help automate those processes for you. As a result, if you woke up each workday at 7 a.m., your intelligent home could gradually open the curtains, play some calming music, and make sure that the water heater is ready for you to take a shower.
Connected Home vs Smart Home: Installation and Integration
When differentiating smart from connected homes, a grand component that sets the two apart is the installation process. As connected homes primarily complete a particular function or a defined series of functions, the technology operates mainly with sensors and microprocessors. As a result, the installation process has fewer boxes to check off and calibrate. The only caveat of connected home integration is that you’ll have to keep searching through your app drawers to find the right application instead of having a single control panel.
Alternatively, smart homes operate with data storage, microprocessors, controls, software and provide an enhanced user experience. You might need to spend some extra time and resources to configure everything to your preference; however, once you are set up and configured, there is minimal maintenance to keep things up and running! Smart home systems fuse together connectivity with technological automation, helping you save your most valuable asset: your time.
Comparing Streamlined Results: Which Is Best for You?
Although both connected homes and smart homes work to streamline your daily life with technology, it ultimately depends on your unique lifestyle and needs. If you only need a few items connected and streamlined to create a more efficient household workflow, you’ll be in great hands either way!
However, if your home could use an effective smart home upgrade, configuring a smart house will better organize all your programs, protocols, and timers with the touch of a button from a single control panel. As a result, you won’t have to remember where the app for your security system is on your phone and if you have your thermostat app on your table or not. Forget the frustration and embrace the life brought by effective smart home automation!
Smart Home Installation Made Easy with The Loop Technologies
Beginning your journey with smart home improvement doesn’t have to be cumbersome. So why not find the one-stop-shop to service all your smart home needs?
At The Loop Technologies, we design, sell and install audio, video, and control systems. As our guarantee to deliver top-notch products and services, we only sell products that were successfully tested in our lab or used in our own homes to ensure a premium end-user experience.
By utilizing a custom-built computer design system, we guarantee our clients get the absolute best value possible by specifying only those products that deliver an exact match to the client’s needs. Our team is dedicated to delivering the best customer experience possible.
Are you looking to get started on your smart home today? We are ready to help! Contact us at (208) 938-2302 or via our new project form online to get started.
