What’s So New about Home Automation and Security Systems?

Every now and again we have an opportunity to talk to people who really aren’t familiar with how home security and home automation originated. In some cases individuals have grown up with technology, without any idea of what life was like prior to things like cell phones and the internet. Because they don’t know the history, they also don’t know what it is about modern technology that is so different. They are surprised to learn that the smart home of today is quite different than what was envisioned in the past.

In reality,however, neither home security nor automation are new ideas. Home security systems have been around for decades, and automation technologies existed even before home security companies became mainstream. Back in the early days of the personal computer, it was not at all unusual to find companies using something like a Commodore 64 to automate heating and cooling systems.

So what is so new about the home automation and security systems now on the market? It boils down to three things:

1. Wireless technology
2. Smart home capabilities
3. DIY installation and monitoring.

Wireless Technology

The most important innovation in both home automation and security is building with wireless technology. In the home, going wireless means easy installation of a system without any need for construction. Everything is connected through a wi-fi network. More importantly, wireless technology makes it possible to monitor a system remotely using the internet and cellular signals.

Remote monitoring and control via the internet the primary difference between the modern era of automation and security systems from the past. Customers now have complete control over every piece of equipment by way of smartphones they with them.

Smart Home Capabilities

The concept of the smart home goes well beyond just programming devices to turn on and off. Today’s technology is actually capable of ‘learning’ consumer habits and tendencies and adapting accordingly. With this capability comes the added potential of a smart system modifying what it does in response to changes in daily routine. A GPS enabled smart thermostat is one example. By communicating with the consumer’s smartphone, the thermostat is able to adjust the temperature in relation to the consumer’s proximity to the home.

DIY Installation and Monitoring

The third aspect of modern home security and automation is that which will drive mass adoption of these technologies: DIY installation and monitoring. Consumers willing to take it upon themselves to set up a DIY system will save money in the long term. This reality is bringing prices down while also empowering consumers to build their own scalable systems as they see fit.

A consumer may start with a basic security system that includes first-floor window and door sensors, a video camera, and a central control unit. Later on, motion sensors and a few more cameras could be added to the setup. After that, a homeowner can start looking at a smart thermostat, a smart doorbell, and automated lighting and landscaping.

The greatest advantage of a DIY installation and monitoring is that the homeowner can move at his/her own pace. Doing so is particularly easy when the consumer purchases from a company like ours. Uxari systems are completely scalable as needs change, so there is never a worry about incompatible devices as a system grows.

Although both automation and security systems have been around for decades, they are now coming into their own thanks to wireless technology, smart home capabilities, and the availability of DIY installation and monitoring. All three promise an exciting future for consumers and the industry alike.