The Ultimate Smart Home Guide
No longer a mere buzzword in the market, “Smart” tech has made a name for itself in today’s rapidly evolving tech climate. With the advent of notable smart technology like smartphones, smartwatches, these “Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology” have been generalised to define a group of inanimate objects that can be automated and programmed through an intuitive user interface. With the growth of such smart tech, it is no surprise why smart home technology is now a boon to many in Singapore and around the globe. In this article, we cover the definition of the smart home, what it encompasses, its benefits, and guide you through the many ways to build your very own smart home in Singapore.
Smart Home Beginner’s Guide: What is it?
The Internet of Things has become mainstream and has reached mass adoption amongst homeowners. Synonymous with luxury living, a study by Coldwell Banker revealed that 81% of home buyers were more likely to purchase a house because it had smart devices pre-installed. But what is in these automated spaces that makes it so appealing?
With the integration of multiple smart connected devices, and possible IoT devices, a smart home is automated and future-ready with products that can be remotely controlled from anywhere in Singapore or the world. With a single app or several, you will be able to control and automate lights, temperatures, and more. If you have a wide variety of tech, a smart home automation system must be managed by a core nucleus – the hub. With an initial investment that is required for the installation of hubs, forward-thinking solution providers such as Near, have made advancements to find alternatives to this smart home product. The Near smart remote works cohesively with Near smart lights that do not require any hubs, allowing users to simply “plug and play”. Together with the Near app, the near smart lights and other compatible products can be automated and voice-activated for homeowners using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Watch our video here, and set up your link your Near products with Google Assistant.
Benefits of Owning a Smart Home in Singapore
The biggest plus to establishing a smart home automation system in Singapore is the convenience. Smart home technology streamlines home management, allowing you to schedule things, automate, and interact with your smart devices remotely at all times, from any location. With the ability to control devices efficiently, not only is energy conserved, but security is also increased. By activating the “trigger scene” on the Near app, lights can be switched on while you are away to give the illusion of activity in-house. With smart lights such as the Near smart light bulbs offering a full range of white light capabilities, organic illumination can be created, allowing homeowners to constantly personalise their space that appeals to their aesthetic.
Smart Home Beginner’s Guide: Where to Start?
Building a smart home in Singapore requires thorough research, as it is a big investment to make. With the sheer number of smart home products that are flooding the markets, it may be a challenge to weave through them. The best approach is to start with the basics and slowly build upon that foundation.
Smart Home Products Available in Singapore
Smart TVs tend to be the go-to for most beginners trying to get a taste of smart tech. Voice assistants have also become commonplace. Probably “the” device to have democratised smart homes, in 2019, it was estimated that 3.25 billion voice assistants were being used globally. Connected to smart lights like the Near Ceiling Lights that use voice activation technology, full control is offered with a minimal input. With no additional hubs required, lighting can be controlled remotely, increasing convenience and energy conservation.
Set Up Your Smart Home Automation System with Near Singapore
Once you have decided to build a smart home, there are two ways to go about accomplishing the feat:
- Seek the services of companies that offer end-to-end services
For beginners, having professionals install these devices will ensure that your smart home products are seamlessly integrated into your smart home automation system. Near provides end to end services from product consultation to installation, bridging your stand-alone smart lights with other devices, like for example, the Amazon Alexa.
- DIY
Start with a good foundation by installing the Near Smart Universal Controller that can be linked to most fans and ACs. Take your first leap and embrace the smart home trend by installing smart lights such as the easy to install Near feature lights.
For more tips on how to build a smart home automation system with Near, read our previous blog here.