Smart Home Planning Tips 2023: How to Choose a Smart Home Solution?
The definition of smart homes is quite broad, and people have different interpretations of what smart homes entail. Even among smart home brands, there can be variations in their approach. Selecting a smart home solution can be a complex process that requires thorough research. If you're struggling to choose a smart home solution, this article from Moorgenzine can help you quickly understand the different options available in the market and make a choice that suits your needs.
Table of Contents:
What is a Smart Home Solution?
Types of Smart Home Solutions
Decentralized Smart Home Solutions
DIY Integrated Smart Home Solutions
One-stop Smart Home Solutions
How to Choose the Right Smart Home Solution for Your Home?
What is a Smart Home Solution?
To understand what a smart home solution is, it's essential to comprehend what a smart home system is. A smart home system refers to the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology to connect various appliances and smart devices via Wi-Fi or a network, enabling centralized control and coordination. Ideally, a smart home system can control all the appliances, lighting, or other devices in a home. However, in reality, due to the multitude of smart home vendors, many smart home systems on the market are highly decentralized and often require multiple systems to form a complete smart home solution.
So, what types of smart home systems are there? Smart home systems can be categorized into various types, including smart lighting systems, smart temperature systems, smart sensor systems, motorized curtain systems, smart voice control systems, security alarm systems, and more.
Types of Smart Home Solutions
Since there are many smart home systems available, how do you go about creating a smart home solution? There are primarily three approaches: decentralized smart home solutions, DIY integrated smart home solutions, and one-top smart home solutions.
Decentralized Smart Home Solutions
As the name suggests, decentralized smart home solutions involve using different smart home systems based on your specific needs. For example, if you need a smart lighting system, you select a system specialized in lighting control. If you have children or pets at home and want to know if they've ventured onto the balcony or entered the kitchen, you choose a motion-sensing smart system.
The goal of decentralized smart home solutions is not to integrate different systems but rather to employ specialized smart systems for different needs, each controlled separately, often using different smartphone apps. While these setups are still considered smart homes, the lack of integration into a central control platform may reduce convenience.
DIY Integrated Smart Home Solutions
DIY integrated smart home solutions primarily involve using integrated smart home platforms from major tech companies, such as Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Schneider Wiser, and others. Many gadget, appliance, or smart device brands connect their control functions to these platforms, allowing you to control and use their products through these major tech company platforms.
The "DIY" aspect means you can choose different appliances or devices to create your personalized smart home solution. However, note that DIY implies "Do it Yourself" in terms of installation and connection!
The advantage of DIY integrated smart home solutions is that you can control various appliances and devices throughout your home using a single smartphone app or a central platform like a voice assistant. However, the drawback is that due to resource constraints or conflicts of interest, many smart platforms may have limited compatibility with gadgets, appliances, or smart devices. If you've already selected a smart home platform, you might find restrictions when combining gadgets, appliances, or smart devices. Some brands you want to use may not be compatible with your chosen smart home platform, or the platform's control may not fully utilize the functions of your smart devices.
One-stop Smart Home Solutions
One-stop smart home solutions are known for their high compatibility and the ability to create a smart home solution that perfectly suits your needs. The term “one-stop” typically includes design, installation, and compatibility with various smart home systems, all seamlessly controllable through a single smart panel or smartphone app. Since all systems and devices are interconnected from a holistic perspective, the user experience in terms of smoothness, stability, and security is generally superior to the other two types of solutions.
For example, Moorgen's smart home solution can incorporate up to 23 different smart home systems and is compatible with major appliance and smart device brands, including high-end brands like Bose speakers. Regardless of how many systems or devices you choose, you can control them all uniformly on a smart panel or smartphone app, offering a truly smart home experience.
How to Choose the Right Smart Home Solution for Your Home?
Choosing the right smart home solution for your home largely depends on your personal and family needs, as well as your personality or preferences.
In decentralized smart home solutions, since all systems are more specialized, if you don't mind using multiple systems daily to address your needs, this approach may be suitable.
If you enjoy assembling your own smart home and want to avoid the feeling of using multiple separate smart home systems, a DIY integrated smart home solution might be the right choice. However, remember that smart home platforms have limitations, such as limited choices of gadgets, appliances, or smart devices, and potential compromises in functionality. If you can accept these limitations or they adequately address your needs, a DIY integrated smart home solution may be suitable for you.
In general, upgrading your home to a smart home is all about enhancing your quality of life, even if it involves some trade-offs or inconvenience. If you want a relatively stable, secure, and seamless smart home experience without hassles, you can opt for a one-stop smart home solution. You can visit Moorgen's showroom for a free tour to experience a true smart home. If you want to learn more about Moorgen's one-stop smart home solution, you can contact Moorgen via WhatsApp for a free consultation to discover the smart home solution that suits your home and needs.