Nest is at the forefront
Google snapped up Nest for a cool $3.2 billion and so far it's proved to be a very smart investment. The third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat was released just a couple of months ago, enabling users to set schedules and make heating adjustments With an Android app. With an Android- compatible smoke and carbon-monoxide detector, as well as a host of other Nest- compatible devices in the works With Nest store, the home-automation options are proving to be varied and popular.
Make way for Bluetooth mesh networking in your home
Mesh networking technology for Bluetooth remains the hot thing in home automation and 2016 may well see some interesting developments. As you will have no doubt noticed, Bluetooth has a limited range, which is Why Wi-Fi and internet connections can be used for home automation. By getting all of the devices on a secure network to communicate With each Other, the range issue is then overcome. Samsung led the way back in 2014 With its Bluetooth Smart LED light bulbs that needed no bridge for connectivity.
IFTTT is essential
The IF app by IFTTT works With many other home-automated devices ranging from Philips Hue lighting to WeMo switches so you can make it a fundamental part Of your smart home setup. It lets you come up With all sorts of weird and wonderful recipes, many 01 which connect With the wider internet, and it encourages you to play around so you can experiment With a myriad of possibilities.
Home appliances are key
Although they havent yet become standard appliances in our homes, Android-based refrigerators have now been around for a couple of years. Samsung's 19000 carne With a IC-inch screen that enabled users to see the weather and share notes With family members; the downside was being unahle to add your own apps. However, LG is demonstrating that appliences can become more intelligent. Its Smart Diagnosis app is able to automatically diagnose any faults, enabling it to take care of Its product maintenance without any hassle on your part. Brillo sets a new standard
You may want SmartThings
Samsung bought SmartThings in 2014 and now there are loads Of compatible devices ranging motion, presence and moisture sensors to locks, electrical outlets and garage door openers to go With it. SmartThings 2.0 is here andyou can use a free app that lets you add devices in order to control and automate your home on an Android phone or tablet. A good exarnple is beingable to control your electro and lights by setting automatic fixed schedules With the SmartThings Power Outlet. The SmartThings Hub works With Philips Hue lights and Sorws speakers too.
Get hands-on
A Kickstarter project has successfully developed a Wi-Fi Smart Switch, which can be used by those Who know exactly what they're doing when it cornes to electronics to produce their own home-automation devices. It works With an platform to give you free rein and it hooks into the Arduino computer. However, crucially for us, there is an Android app that lets you control the thing from afar, setting up schedules and the ike. It's now been released at shop. armtronix.net for the equivalent of EIO or S13.
Vulnerabilities are being tackled
Security is one of the biggest worries for people when connecting devices online and there's no doubt that vulnerabilities do exist: at the of 2015, found in the Yale Home System (Europe) Android app, which permitted attackers to potential y bypass its protection system. Nevertheless, the Google-led Thread network is secure, based on a mesh network and encrypted, meaning anv security holes should be speedily closed. It will only permit authorised devices to be connected, heading off potentiel threats before they have even had a chance to flourish.
Your home is protected
The Weave home- automation protocol is now in use in a new Yale lock called Linus. It works With Nest and, not only does it automatically lock the door if vou forget to do it, it permits users to create door-opening passwords. Nest hopes more devices will use the Weave communication pro during 2016. It has also released the Nest Cam API, enab Ing developers to connect their products directly to the camera. Nest Cam has proven to be a popular WVFi home-security camera that streams to your Android device and automatically alerts you to any potential problems in your home.Use wearables
If you have lots 01 Tasker plug-ins on one Of your Android devices, AutoApps may have already proved useful Since it creates a central hub. However, it's been shown that it's possible to use AutoApps With Android Wear, enabling you to control your automated home from your wrist. It's a little tricky, which is Why we suggest you check out the Android Wear Channel at ifttt.com/ android wear. Modules can let you use your watch tc turn on lights or power sockets, for instance. The power is nov.' just on the back of your hands.