How to set up your smart home
From smart speakers and lighting to smart locks and thermostats, there are a number of unique gadgets on the market now that were developed to help make your life smarter and easier.
Setting up your home with smart technology can feel overwhelming – where do you start and what gadgets do you really need?
If you’re ready to begin your smart home journey, keep reading below for our top tips.
What is smart home technology?
Firstly, you might be wondering what exactly is smart home technology? Smart home technology refers to any internet-connected device, appliance or system that can be controlled remotely and used to make the functions of your home more efficient, convenient, and comfortable.
Generally speaking, smart home technology can be controlled via devices like your smartphone, tablet, or computer so you can control and monitor these functions from anywhere in your home, and beyond – setting the heater to be ready just before you arrive home, yes please!
Smart technology could include lighting systems that you can control from your phone, locks that can be locked, unlocked and monitored from any device and even blinds that you can open with the click of a button on your phone!
Make sure you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection
Before your smart home journey can really begin, you’re going to need a fast and reliable internet connection. This will ensure all of your smart devices and systems can connect and operate seamlessly. With our speedy rural broadband plans, slow and lagging internet won’t hold you or your smart home back!
Decide what you want to make ‘smart’
Once you have a reliable internet connection sorted, it’s time to decide what smart home features you need or want at your place. Think about your family’s day-to-day life and how technology could make it easier – do you want to turn the heater on before you arrive home, set the dishwasher to run from the office or switch the lights off when you’re already in bed?
Almost any electronic device, appliance or system in your house can be smart – so the options really are endless.
An easy place to start is with your TV, if you don’t already own a smart TV you can hook it up to a dongle like Google Chromecast or a smart streaming box such as Apple TV to take full advantage of the smart features without having to purchase a brand new TV.
Say hello to your new smart assistant
Any smart home, needs a smart assistant – this is a simple way to control smart devices and appliances in your home with voice control.
The most common virtual or digital assistants in New Zealand are Siri (Apple), Google Home or Alexa. While there are slight differences, they all operate in a similar way, so it will come down to preference as to which you choose. Each assistant can be paired with most smart items, so you don’t need to worry about choosing the wrong type for your existing devices.
Protect your smart technology
The benefits of setting up smart home technology are endless – we’re talking convenience, energy efficiency and security but make sure you consider protecting your home network from hackers and other digital security threats as well. With more devices and technology at your place the risk increase slightly, but the good news is there are simple measures you can take to protect your home.
Have a chat with our team about the best wireless internet set-up for your smart home
At Wireless Dynamics we have plans to suit a variety of requirements and budgets. Our team of rural connection specialists are locally based and are always up for a chat to learn more about how you use the internet; whether you a gamer, love a Netflix binge or just want to send the odd email – getting to know you a little better will help us recommend the right plan for you.
If you have a home, business or farm in the King Country, we would love to help you get connected. Get in touch today with our local team today to chat more about our services and plans.
