Look Out South Africa, Smart Homes Are on Their Way

Smartphones, smartwatches and Uber are already here, and the time is coming for self-driven cars, air taxis, and car sharing apps, which will greatly alter our modus operandi. That, however, pales into insignificance in the face of what smart homes will bring to the South African landscape.  Let’s take a brief look at how powerful connectivity solutions, AI (Artificial Intelligence) and the IoT (Internet of Things) are fast-forwarding us into areas once the exclusive domain of science fiction.

Smart Home Gadgetry

The mention of raspberry pie used to have us thinking of dessert menu options, but these days it might just as well refer to an item in the growing range of smart technologies belonging to the IoT. The latter case, Raspberry Pi would be the microcomputer the kids are asking for that operates the movies they stream – in which case, enjoy without cream! We now also have Banana Pi too – yeah, we mentioned it’s a growing state of affairs in smart homes. The fact is that the DIY generation are keen to know just what can be done with SBCs (Single board Computers)

Understandably, the industry is new and few of the many smart technology companies in South Africa have built up consistent track records. Still, that hasn’t stopped the fascination that adding Wi-Fi connectivity to smart devices, not only can information be shared on a whole new level but they can be programmed to sense their environment. Who isn’t fascinated with being able to switch the lights on and off at our smart homes using a mobile device from halfway across the world?

Extrapolate that and we’re now looking at Smart Home technology for real.  With PAs (Personal Assistants) who don’t argue, we already have amazing AI assistants:

• Google’s Assistant
• Cortana (Microsoft)
• Siri (Apple)
• Alexa (Amazon)

Now, at the mere sound of our voice, our trusty AI PAs, having such a close relationship with the IoT can:

• Manage home security system – first on the priority list and possibly the only benefit that can’t be considered a luxury with increasing crime rates leaving no room for complacency.
• Control timers and lights – look out for smart bulbs with white-light and changing colour facility,
• Regulate aircon temperature – so it’s cold and you’re on your way home, so why not ‘ask’ your device to warm our smart homes so long!
• Attend to the geyser – a big plus in the age of power outage.
• Open and close curtains and blinds – no need for house sitters to keep up the ‘occupied’ appearance.

Smart Homes for The Future

Fast forward into the not too distant future and the delights of a totally new generation of smart homes will be the new norm. Take a peek …

• Out of towners – with fewer vehicles, traffic rush hour will hardly exist, so we can live out in the country and still get to work on time.
• Water saving – gone will be the bathtubs, Jacuzzi’s and swimming pools in favour of showering with “Alexa” on standby turn the water off after a few minutes.
• Smart homes rooftop space will morph into:
• Helipads for e-purchases delivered by drones – all seen to by “Alexa” if we can’t be there.
• Refrigeration hatches – for food deliveries.
• Vegetable and herb gardens in the face of skyrocketing costs.
• Smart homes garages will transform into:
• Storage – seeing that we won’t want to own cars with Uber expanding its fleet to include self-driven cars, which will arrive to collect and deliver us anywhere at any time.
• Airbnb – still a great way to offset expenses.
• Guest accommodation.
• Home theatres.
• Games rooms.

We already have smart building in our cities, smart home gadgetry abounds, smart homes have already started to make an appearance so, the next thing will likely be smart cities which will no doubt take the IoT to a whole new level.

Of course, the backbone of this tremendously exciting future lies within connectivity. If any of these products and applications are going to serve us at all, they need to be firmly rooted in an always-on, stable and reliable internet connection.