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Smart home vs connected home: What’s the difference?

Smart VS connected homes

The availability of smart technology for the home has increased rapidly over the past decade, with many appliances – from lights to fridges – able to connect to your home Wi-Fi. This has led to an assumption that smart homes and connected homes are the same thing. However, there are a few key differences in their applications. Let’s take a look at these now.

What is a connected home?

If you have a connected home, it means you have several devices that feature:

  • Connectivity ports
  • Bluetooth
  • Wi-Fi
  • Other connectivity protocols

These devices might include anything that is controlled via an app, such as a thermostat, robotic vacuum cleaner, or video doorbell system. You would typically use individual apps to control each appliance or system, with minimal or no integration between them.

What is a smart home?

A smart home, on the other hand, is a home that is fully automated, and controlled by one integrated system, such as Control4. A single interface or app enables you to operate various elements of your system, such as lighting, audio, security, and media.

In addition, a smart home can learn about your habits, meaning they are catered for without you lifting a finger. Your blinds, for example, may open at a particular time in the morning when you usually get up, or the heating might come on at the time you typically get home from work.

Installing a connected or smart home

When it comes to smart home installation in Kent and the South East, it’s advisable to use a reputable professional. That’s because smart homes require a much more comprehensive setup, with data storage, software and microprocessors that deliver an enhanced experience. Not only will your Wi-Fi need to be able to cope with the demands placed on it, your preferences will need to be configured and the system monitored and periodically upgraded.

A connected home, however, is less complex and many people set up each connected device or appliance themselves using the app provided. You might control your TV and lighting using Amazon Alexa, for example, then have a separate app for heating, and another for your video doorbell.

The advantage of a connected home is that it makes life more convenient, and enables you to automate certain things such as the schedule for your heating. With a smart home, the level of convenience is increased dramatically, as all the technologies are integrated and can be controlled by a single interface.

Which is best for you?

Ultimately, the best solution for you depends on your needs and budget. If you’re happy to have a low level of connectivity and convenience in your home, connected technologies are fine. If, however, you want a more holistic approach to controlling a range of devices and systems, a smart home is more appropriate. If you choose the latter option, be sure to speak to a qualified smart home installer, so that everything is designed and fitted correctly.

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