Internet of Things Archives https://www.unifiedinfotech.net/blog/tag/internet-of-things/ Fri, 06 Sep 2024 14:47:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.unifiedinfotech.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/uipl-logo-150x150.png Internet of Things Archives https://www.unifiedinfotech.net/blog/tag/internet-of-things/ 32 32 10 Smart Home Apps That You Should Use in this Digital Age https://www.unifiedinfotech.net/blog/top-smart-home-apps/ Thu, 18 May 2023 14:23:29 +0000 https://www.unifiedinfotec.wpenginepowered.com/blog/?p=10491 Once, we had to get up, stand in front of the TV, and rotate the dials to change the channel we were watching. Then came remote controls, and we thought, it can’t get better than this. As it turns out, it can with a smart home app! Now we don’t even have to move to […]

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Once, we had to get up, stand in front of the TV, and rotate the dials to change the channel we were watching. Then came remote controls, and we thought, it can’t get better than this.

As it turns out, it can with a smart home app!

Now we don’t even have to move to grab the remote and change the channel. All we have to do is talk to our TV, and it will change the channel itself. It’s not only limited to the television system! Thanks to smart mobile app development, you can control everything from kitchen appliances to the garage door, from the lights to the curtains. Smart home technology has made people’s lives easier.

Available for Android and iOS, a home automation system enables you to control every aspect of your home with a tap on your phone, even when you are not there. In this scenario, the smart-home mobile automation apps turn the smartphone into a remote. And that’s how you can begin your smart home automation journey.

Smart Home Competitor Analysis: Why Is It Necessary?

The global smart home automation market is already overly crowded. And to find or build a successful application, you NEED to conduct a complete examination.

An in-depth analysis of the best smart home app market will give you a comprehensive insight into how the successful applications out there deal with the dynamic requirements of users and the unique value they provide. This information will help you make better decisions about the smart home mobile app development journey.

Smart Home Apps – Few Things You Should Know

You should know a few things before we start talking about the best smart-home apps to watch out for.

If you want to develop a smart home app, you should check this out!

A home automation mobile application can be of two types- single and multitasking apps. Single-tasking apps are only made for one specific device, for instance, a particular home security system. With these applications, you cannot operate any other IoT system you might have in your home. They will only deal with systems that are compatible with them.

smart home app development partner

Then we have a multi-tasking app – these apps can help you to control the entire IoT system you have installed in your home. You can operate every smart home device you might have through such applications.

The choice of the app will depend on the consumer’s preferences. Some prefer single-tasking apps, thinking they will provide better safety and security, while others prefer the ease and convenience of multi-tasking apps. And that’s why we have included both types of apps in our list of 10 smart-home apps you need to check out.

10 Best Smart Home Apps To Watch Out For

No matter what area of the house you are considering, there are numerous smart-home devices and apps. But you can’t just pick a random one out of all those devices. No, you need the best one for a superb smart-home experience. And that’s why we have compiled this list so you can easily choose the right smart application for your home.

1. Amazon’s Alexa

If you are researching on smart-home automation systems, then you are definitely familiar with the Amazon Alexa.

Amazon Alexa App
Source: App Store

You are definitely familiar with Amazon Alexa, one of the best smart home automation systems. And if you are familiar with Alexa, then you must know about the Alexa app for controlling all the Alexa devices and many other smart home devices.

With this app, you can unlock a world of possibilities. Considered one of the best home control apps, it will help you set up your Amazon-enabled devices, create shopping lists, and listen to music. The Alexa app is not only for Amazon devices, but there are also many other devices compatible with this app, such as Philips Hue Smart Bulbs, Wemo smart plug, Lutron Caseta, Nest learning thermostat, iRobot Roomba 690, and many more.

It is known for intuitive voice controls and fantastic automation power through the Alexa app. Setting up the application on your smartphone is very simple due to its easy smart home interface. To wake up Alexa, all you must do is call her name. The voice control feature lets users control all the smart devices connected to Alexa through verbal commands.

The Alexa speakers can be carried anywhere. The best home automation app from the house of Amazon will be the perfect first choice for your smart home. Alexa is available on different Amazon devices. For instance, Fire TV devices and Echo speakers. It functions through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and, more recently, Matter.

The alternative control system is one of the best features of Alexa home automation. Those afraid of using the voice control system due to the many past mishaps can use the alternative Alexa interface. This serves as a bonus factor behind Alexa’s success.

Expert Thought: Besides being safe, the application also makes the smart home system much more accessible for speech-impaired people. And this is why it is necessary to keep the accessibility issue in mind while developing the smart home app!

2. SmartThings

South Korean tech giant Samsung has quickly caught up with this smart home automation trend. Their SmartThings hub lets the user control all the aspects of their IoT-enabled home, like refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, etc. And with the SmartThings hub, you also get the SmartThings app.

Samsung smart home
Source: App Store

The SmartThings app can help users to access multiple devices faster than ever. With this, you can control home IoT devices seamlessly.

One of the main key features of this app is the ability to control and check the status of devices remotely, group and control them simultaneously, configure the device settings, and get notifications about different devices. Additionally, one can cast videos from their phone to a Samsung TV. You can even create scheduled cycles of washing machines and listen to music. These are some of the top highlights of this application.

Many smart home devices today are supported by Samsung SmartThings devices. These devices include- Ecobee smart thermostat, Netgear Arlo wire-free Pro security camera, Yale Assure Lock home security system, and after 2020, Google Nest devices. It means that once you have the Samsung SmartThings hub in your home and the Samsung smart home app on your phone, you don’t have to use multiple apps for different devices.

The success of the SmartThings app depends on the multi-operability and efficient design of the new and improved application. However, being completely cloud-connected, it does fail to send essential notifications in case of an outage. So whether you are looking for a perfect app or considering building one, keep the matter of connectivity in mind.

3. Google Home

The Google Home app is from the tech giant itself. If you have chosen the Google Home app then this home automation system will be your one-stop solution.

Google Assistant
Source: App Store

Popular as a smart home app for Android and iOS, the application enables you to set up Google Home and Chromecast devices, along with many other connected home devices like lights, cameras, and many more. The third-party devices compatible with Google Home apps are Nest thermostat, Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, Honeywell Home, WeMo, etc.

The Google Home app lets you control, organize, and manage compatible lights and speakers with one or two taps only. The app offers shortcuts for most actions like turning the lights on, checking the weather, getting news highlights, and more actions, all with a simple command. This ease and efficiency of the application get personalized over time. Because of its versatility, the Google Home app is one of the best smart home automation apps on the market.

4. Apple Home

The Apple Home kit is one of the complete smart-home automation systems in the market, and the iOS home automation app makes a perfect companion for it. It is designed to work with both Apple and other smart home devices.

You can use the application on any Apple device, whether iPhone, iPad, or MacBook. The app has a dashboard that makes handling every aspect of your smart home easier.

Apple Home
Source: App Store

The app enables the users to create ‘scenes’, which lets them perform multiple actions with just one tap on their smartphone. Just like the leaving home scene- while leaving home, all you have to do is tap once on your smartphone to make sure that the curtains are closed throughout the house, lights are turned off, and the thermostat is set to be energy efficient. Currently, there are over a hundred brands with devices supported by HomeKit.

The additional success factors of this app are security and efficiency. Adding new devices is possible right from the home screen, eliminating the need to navigate the app. It is also the most secure smart home application, ensuring complete safety for users.

Bonus Read: Turn the oblivious UX of your platform into an intuitive one right now with Mental Models!

5. Danalock Bluetooth Z-lock

Danalock is definitely one of the best smart home control panel app you came across when looking for IoT based home security system. 

Danalock
Source: App Store

Danalock V3 is definitely one of the best smart home control apps that you will come across when looking for an IoT based home security system.

Users get a guide after installing the application, making setting up the Danalock app easy. The Danalock V3 Smart Lock comes with a user-friendly layout and features, such as-

  1. Automatic and manual calibration for your Danalock home security system.
  2. Average battery life of 12 months.
  3. Intriguing Danish design.
  4. Compatible with any standard door.
  5. Robust security system.

Danalock has taken the IoT-enabled home security system to the next level, and the V3 Smart Lock lets users leverage the best of this. The ease and efficiency of the user interface and the simplicity of function make the Danalock app one of the best in the market.

6. MyQ Garage & Access Control

Opening up a garage door can be a problem for anyone. However, with MyQ Garage & Access Control, you can easily open the garage door with the help of your smartphone. 

MyQ Garage smart home app
Source: App Store

Opening up a garage door can be a problem for anyone. However, with MyQ Garage & Access Control, you can easily do this with the help of your smartphone

Additionally, you can open, close, and check the status of other doors in the house. Using this app, you can –

  1. Set up alerts for any activity.
  2. Create schedules to close or open your garage doors and turn your lights on or off.
  3. Grant access to MyQ guest.

The MyQ Garage & Access Control app is the right choice for managing garage doors and lights. As a smart door lock application, the app’s brilliance lies in its unique features. With real-time notifications, scheduling, and remote lock, it provides users peace of mind and outshines similar apps.

7. Ecobee

The smart-home automation system has advanced significantly. Now, you can control the temperature setting of your entire home with apps like Ecobee and perform the following actions – 

Ecobee smart home application
Source: App Store

With the ecobee app, you can control the temperature of the house, as well as the light settings anytime anywhere. With the ecobee app, you can perform the following actions-

  1. Easily install the device with the help of videos and diagrams.
  2. Set your preferences depending on the month, season, or weather.
  3. Check whether you have left the lights on, even when you are not in the house.
  4. Save significant energy by switching the Ecobee thermostat to “Away” mode.
  5. Adjust the thermostat setting as you like.

Ecobee is the perfect solution to make your home more comfortable. It is a classic example of how consumer-focused design and development can make home automation apps successful.

Expert Thought: Despite the popularity, there may be a chance that most of the user base will be first-time smart home users. Therefore, your application onboarding process must be as simple as possible.

8. Honeywell Home

Honeywell has a range of devices, including thermostats, security cameras, and freezing prevention systems. And the Honeywell home app lets you control all of them from one place. You can even control and modify the devices’ settings. Additionally, you can receive notifications from home IoT devices, letting you know what’s happening around your house. As one of the best apps to control smart homes, Honeywell Home is the perfect choice for you.

smart home app Honeywell Home
Source: App Store

Additionally, the geofencing feature is one of the most efficient features of the Honeywell home application. You can use it to set up a smart perimeter around the house. The automation system switches to the default settings once they cross that perimeter (whether they are going away or returning home). Features like these have made Honeywell Home a complete success.

9. Philips Hue

With Philips Hue smart bulbs and apps, you can manage the lighting system of your house with just your smartphone. The Hue app comes with even more unique features. Besides being able to control the lights, you can also perform these actions with the app –

smart home app Philips Hue
Source: App Store
  1. Change the color of the lights 
  2. Modify the lights based on your mood or time of the day
  3. Turn your favorite picture into the Philips Hue scene
  4. Set up lighting schedules around the clock
  5. The app’s location awareness system automatically turns the lights on when you return home
  6. With the voice control function, you don’t even have to use your smartphone. All you have to do is speak out your command, and the lights will turn on themselves.

The smart lighting system by Philips is one of the best of its kind, and its companion app is something you need for your home. Philips Hue succeeds due to its range of functionalities, providing users with added value and making their lives easier.

10. Wemo: Bringing home automation to the fingertips of the users

With the Wemo app, you can perform the following actions-

smaty home app like Wemo
Source: App Store

With the Wemo app, you can perform the following actions-

  1. Control all the lights and appliances of your home without lifting a finger.
  2. Turn the lights on automatically when you return home after a long day
  3. Protect your home even when you’re away with the ‘Away Mode’
  4. Integrate with ‘If This Then That’, a popular web-based service that gives you access to many features for your Wemo smart home automation devices.

The app can be your one-stop solution with its unique features and smooth functionality. This makes Wemo one of the best apps to pay attention to in the smart home industry.

These are some applications that you can look forward to. Read on to learn about the process of building a smart home application.

Smart Home Apps_CTA

How Do We Build a Smart Home App from Scratch?

Our smart home app development is a comprehensive process involving seven steps. Check them out below:

Step 1: Discovery

We begin by understanding your smart home application concept, market analysis, identifying project requirements, and obtaining your input. The discovery phase includes identifying your competitors and building the UI prototype.

Step 2: Planning

Next, our development team performs a comprehensive analysis that serves as the foundation for your smart home automation app project. The planning phase includes identifying your USP, wireframing, technical feasibility analysis, and sprint planning.

Step 3: Design

We then design the smart home app based on the approved wireframes, using low and high-fidelity ones for mobile and tablet-specific designs. Our team emphasizes human-centric designs that delight users and hook them.

Step 4: Development

We start coding based on the functionalities, assumptions, and screen designs. Our expert development team ensures a smart home app that delivers a delightful and stunning user experience.

Step 5: Testing, QA & Launch

We conduct every form of testing – from functional to smoke testing – to ensure the smart home app is bug-free and ready for launch. We perform quality testing rigorously early in the development cycle to ensure a final robust product.

Step 6: Maintenance

We continue our work even post-launch. Maintenance is crucial to the smart home app’s performance. We believe in this and stay in constant touch with you to evaluate the application’s performance, gather feedback, and understand if any updates are required.

Should you Invest in Smart Home Apps?

People hardly focus on investing for the future during volatile market conditions. However, one shouldn’t necessarily be conservative during these uncertain times. Those who invest well through these periods focusing on long-term growth, tend to come out on top once things start improving.

Many are looking to cut costs to protect profitability. However, it can backfire. Instead, you should devise ways to become more efficient. Investing in smart home apps, a cutting-edge automation technology, is a great way to do so. As per Businesswire, the US smart home market will grow to $78.7 billion by 2027. This shows the market potential of smart home technology.

Usually, there is a high demand for well-maintained properties with top amenities. You can improve your property with smart home technology and make it more comfortable. This can be a major deciding factor when renting it once the economy improves. E.g., tenants love properties with appliances included as these make their life much easier and more enjoyable.

Invest in Smart Home Automation Apps

Energy efficiency is another big reason you should adopt smart home technology. Everyone wants an energy-efficient home, especially during a recession. You can have total control over the heating and cooling of your home with smart thermostats. Additionally, you can program the systems with preferred temperature settings and schedules.

You can even program sensor-controlled lights and motorized shades to adjust to the daylight. They can even turn on or off automatically when people enter a room. Thus, turbulent economic conditions can also be a good time for homeowners and businesses to increase their smart home app usage.

FAQs

How to Make Home Automation System Faster?

Let’s start with firmware – a software component that facilitates communication between physical parts of smart home appliances. You will face no challenges if there is well-performing firmware. 

There can be bugs, but fixing them will not be difficult. The development team at Reeshatech can do it seamlessly. Remember, simultaneously working on both the app and firmware development processes can make identifying and resolving bugs challenging. It deboosts the process, and you will even find it difficult to test the app variants. You must thus work on the firmware part first.

How to Connect Multiple Smart Home Devices in 1 App?

You can only use an app for multiple devices when they use the same protocol. Thus, you can buy devices with the same protocol. However, it can sometimes be inconvenient as various protocols suit different use cases better.

Instead, you can choose a smart home automation hub. Simply speaking, it is a translator between protocols. Even if you face varied protocols for all your devices, the hub will make them “sound” similar. 

How to Enable Top-Level Security for a Smart Home App?

You can include multiple access levels to ensure less exposure to data leaking. For instance, an administrator can be authorized to extract data, manage security, access settings, etc. The administrator can then add users and provide them with particular access levels.

Choose Us as Your Smart Home App Development Partner

There are numerous smart-home automation systems in the market, and choosing one can be confusing. Today, many entrepreneurs are coming up with innovative ideas to create smart home applications that stand out and solve different pain points of people.

Each home automation system may have the same function, but they are wildly different and have different features. Choosing one will be a matter of understanding your requirements. Once you understand that, you can choose the best home automation system. You can also get one built with Reeshatech. Have a smart home app idea that you would want to bring to life? Let us know.

smart home app CTA

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Investing in Smart Home App Development? Here’s Your Guide https://www.unifiedinfotech.net/blog/smart-home-app-development-guide/ Mon, 28 Oct 2019 07:24:51 +0000 https://www.unifiedinfotec.wpenginepowered.com/blog/?p=11109 It is a fast-paced life we are living, and this high-speed life can often be lonely. But imagine coming back to your house, and already having the lights on, your evening tea brewing, and your favorite song being played on the speaker.  Life doesn’t seem that lonely anymore, does it? The emergence of IoT came […]

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It is a fast-paced life we are living, and this high-speed life can often be lonely. But imagine coming back to your house, and already having the lights on, your evening tea brewing, and your favorite song being played on the speaker. 

Life doesn’t seem that lonely anymore, does it?

smart home app visualization
Source: Royston

The emergence of IoT came with the promise of endless possibilities, and smart homes are one of them. The ability to control different aspects of our homes remotely has made our lives easier to live. 

The multifaceted use of smart home apps and system are helping us to advance our lifestyle by leaps and bounds every day. 

With this article, we are going to talk about smart home systems, what they are, how the market scope looks like and ultimately, how we approach smart home app development. So without further ado, let’s get started.

Smart Home App Development: How to Develop One?

Developing a smart home system is different than developing a normal smartphone app. Here are the steps involved:

  1. Learning How Smart Home Automation Works
  2. How’s the market? Your Idea Validation
  3. Choose the Type of App
  4. Decide the Core Features
  5. Understand the Security Implementation
  6. Choose the Right Data Storage Type
  7. The Smart Home Components to Know About

Lets’s talk about these in detail.

1. Smart Home Automation: What It Is And How It Works

The theory of smart home technology has been around for a long while, though the practical concept has been in practice since early 2000. During this time smart home devices became more affordable thanks to the emerging technology. Due to affordability, wide adaptation became possible, paving the way for better enhancement in the technology.  

The first-ever fully automated smart home was created by Emin Mathias in Jackson, Michigan in the USA. his home came to be known as the Push Button Manor. At this house, everything from the curtains to the dressing table lights was controlled by remotes. It was the only home in 1950 that reached a complete state of automation. Sadly though, Mathias never put his system up for sale in the market. 

The only mention-worthy attempt among them is the Microsoft home in 1990. It might not have been perfect, but with a home barcode scanner, and a time-shift TV, it came close to the development of smart homes. 

But how is the market doing now? 

Is it worth developing smart home automation app? 

Let’s look at the market before we get to talking about smart home system development. 

2. The Expected Growth – Is Your Smart Home App Development Idea Valid?

The increasing affordability and availability have helped the smart home market to grow exponentially. But how much has this market grown? And what is the expected growth for smart home technology?

According to the below chart, all smart home market segment except for video entertainment is going to see a double increase in worldwide shipment during 2018. It goes without saying that such growth means that the technology is only going to get more advanced.  And hence, startups are looking for iOS app development company or someone who specializes in both Android and iOS to create smart home apps.

growth of smart home app development
Source: Statista

It is estimated that by the year 2022 the consumer spending on smart home devices is going to amount to $62.5 billion in North America alone. Currently, in the Asia-Pacific region, Japan is leading the smart home market thanks to its technologically advanced infrastructure. Europe is not far behind, with the popularity of smart home technology in UK growing to be 23.9% in the first quarter of 2019. 

smart home app popularity area wise
Source: Statista

As technology advances throughout the years, it is going to become more beneficial to invest in it. And that’s why knowing about smart home development can help you a lot more than you think. 

So what does it take to develop a smart home system? Let’s start the discussion.

3. Two Types Of Smart Home App That You Can Go For

First things first, for the successful smart home app development, you need to develop a smart home dashboard app which will enable the users to control their home automation system. 

Whether you are choosing android home automation app development or iOS smart home app development, When it comes to smart home apps, there are two kinds – single-tasking, and multitasking. 

a. Single-tasking Smart Home App 

A single-tasking smart home app is designed to control only one IoT device for smart home automation. With these apps, users can control only one smart home device. 

smart home app screen for single tasking
Home Automation App Design by Reeshatech

However, there is one problem with this solution- the users are not going to install more than one smart home devices at their home, creating a complex IoT environment. A single-tasking app would be able to control only one of the IoT devices. This means the users would have to install multiple apps, making things more complicated for them.

Still, there is one advantage, that is- developing a single-tasking app is easier than developing a multitasking app. It takes less time and resources, giving you a quick solution for your smart home system development.

b. Multitasking  Smart Home App 

Multitasking or universal smart home apps work with multiple smart home devices. Users can handle many smart devices simultaneously without any problems. Multitasking smart home apps offer perfect ease and efficiency to the users making them more popular. 

smart home app development for multi tasking
Multi-tasking Smart Home App visualization by Reeshatech

However, this approach needs more time, patience and resources to come to fruition. Want to check out the top smart home app for 2020 in both the category

4. Let’s Talk About Core Features That You Can’t-Miss

While some of these features can be a bit common, most are unique to smart home apps. Without these core features in your home automation app development, you can’t make your app work seamlessly with all your smart home devices. 

a. Easy User Registration

In an ordinary app, you will be encouraged to give the users a chance to log in and sign up using social media sites like Facebook or Google account. But in the case of a smart home IoT app, you need to make sure that the data security of the user is not compromised at all. 

And that’s why when integrating the feature of user registration in your smart home system app, do not include social media sign up feature. Make sure that the customer creates their own unique username and password to sign up for the system. 

b. Creating A User Profile

After the user has logged in, they need to be able to create their own profile. With this profile, they would be able to control all the systems, as well as be able to create specific schedules for home automation. Make the smart home interface seamless.

c. Access Configuration

After creating a profile comes access configuration. This feature will help the users to create two kinds of profile for the home automation system – the admin profile with unlimited access to the device network and devices all around the house.

smart home watch app with loaded features

And then there is a limited user profile with limited access to all the features of the home automation system. 

d. Onboarding Process

IoT apps can be a little complicated to handle. And that’s why you should add the feature of the on-boarding process. With this feature, users can learn their way through the app easily. Remember to keep the directions easy and quick, because the users want to get on with the app as soon as possible. 

e. Device & Sensor Page

After the users have set up their profiles, they need to access the device & sensor page to start controlling the smart devices around their house.

This is going to be a page with a list of all the devices and sensors that are ready to be used. Through this page, the user would be able to turn smart home devices on and off along with controlling their settings as well. 

f. Room Selection

This feature enables users to select one specific room, like smart home bedroom technology or for the smart home living room. And all the devices in that room to control it. This way rather than having to control specific devices one by one, they can easily control the smart home set up of one room simultaneously. 

g. Push Notification

Push notification is not a mere feature for smart home applications, it is a must-have. This feature will enable users to know all about the happenings with their smart home systems. Notifications about any changes in temperature or device settings would be sent to the users, and they can take actions based on it. This feature is going to help the user control every aspect of their home life with smart home automation. 

h. Groups And Scenes Creation

Consider this example – the user can create a scene for the morning. And when they wake up in the morning, they turn on the scene with a voice command, and the curtains open, lights turn off and the coffee maker starts to make coffee. This way they can make the most of home automation technology. 

How to make an app

With the groups and scenes feature, the user would be able to group together certain devices, so that they can be controlled together. The user can also create different scenes specific to the time of the day. 

5. Should You Care About Security Implementation?

There is an ongoing joke about IoT security. And that is-

The S in IoT stands for security. 

Truly, the industry of IoT does lack security, and this can be especially dangerous for smart home devices. There are just too many unique threats a smart home system faces.

results of smart home app development
Source: Joyoftech

If you want to avoid being the butt of the security joke in the smart home IoT system, then you have to think about implementing security. And when you are thinking about integrating security, you need to follow the below directives-

a. Authenticate All Services And Endpoints

Any person or the device must be authenticated by the admin before being able to interact with the smart home network. This way you can prevent hackers with malicious intents from hacking into the network and taking control of the system. In case you are wondering how to make android app for home automation, you just cannot miss this feature.

b. Encrypt All Transmission Data

Smart home IoT deals with a lot of data and this data need to be protected. And that’s why you need to make sure that the data collected and transmitted by your smart home system is being encrypted.

smart home app development and its dashboard
IoT Smart Home Application Dashboard by Reeshatech

Otherwise, the plaintext data would be vulnerable and would be open to hackers with malicious intent. 

c. Continuous Updates For The Apps

Providing updates for smart home devices are hard since there is no way for the users to update the devices manually. And that’s why you need to create an over the air automatic update system, through which the devices will be updated automatically. 

d. Update Open Source IoT Libraries

If you are using open source IoT libraries for smart home app development, then you must know they are susceptible to vulnerabilities. And that’s why you need to create a plan for the open-source library updates and continue it. Keep an eye on any published vulnerabilities in the open-source elements you might have used and keep on publishing security updates for any security issues. 

e. Integrate Security From The Beginning

When building a smart home system, security has to be integrated from the beginning. It can not be a secondary choice. As a developer, you must understand the security concerns of the user and the various threats they are facing to implement the solutions to those problems in the system from the beginning. 

6. What Should be Your Data Storage Type? Cloud or local

A home automation system functions by collecting and processing data. Your smart home system needs to store this data somewhere, and for that, you have two options. 

a. Cloud storage 

with cloud storage, the data are stored in a cloud storage system, which can be accessed from anywhere anytime if the user has an internet connection. Another advantage of this system would be the ability to recover data even in the case of hardware/software failure. 

b. Local storage 

in this case, the collected data is going to be stored on an FTP server or built-in memory storage. While this might seem like the safer alternative for data storage, it will also increase power and battery consumption, eventually compromising your device’s health. 

7. What Are The Smart Home Components That You Should Know About?

Since it is being called a smart home system, there are bound to be multiple components to it. 

To function seamlessly, smart home systems need a number of devices, all connected to each other through the home IoT network. These devices can be classified into three categories.

a. The Central Hub 

The central hub is the main device, the brain of the entire system.

Google smart home central hub
Source: Alphr

The central hub is a device that works as a smart home control panel and creates a connection between the smart home app and the rest of the devices. Make sure the mobile app development company in New York you choose is aware of it.

b. Sensors 

The smart home sensors are necessary devices that receive intel about the external conditions, such as the state of humidity and temperature around the house, water leakage features, motion sensors, etc.

Smart Sensors by Amazon for smart home app development
Source: Homestratosphere

These sensors are used to detect problems around the house that needs to be fixed. 

c. Actuators 

The actuators are the devices that are performing the actions you ask them to do. Such as the sprinkler system turning on when there is smoke, as well as the blinds closing themselves when you want them to close.

philips hue for smart homes
Source: Meethue

These three categories of devices together make up a smart home system. But how are they going to stay connected with each other and communicate? For that, they need a connectivity option, and you can choose one from several of them.

d. Wifi

It is probably the best and most popular way of connecting the smart home devices to the gateway. Most devices today come with wifi compatibility, although it might burn too much battery and energy to run the devices on wifi all the time. 

e. Z-Wave 

Developed by Zensys, Z-Wave is a mesh network that helps the home automation devices to connect to each other. With Z-wave, devices use low-energy radio energy, which ultimately saves battery and energy. 

With Z-Wave, users get a large open-air operating range of 90 meters outdoors, and the operating range of more than 24 meters indoors. 

f. Bluetooth

The standard technology for exchanging data with a fixed mobile device, Bluetooth can be considered as one of the connectivity solutions for smart home IoT. with Bluetooth, users can easily control smart home devices from their smartphones and tablets. 

With Bluetooth, users can save batter and energy because it is a low battery consuming connectivity technology. 

g. Zigbee 

Zigbee is one of the most convenient wireless protocols used for smart home automation. Most of the recent smart home devices are compatible with this connectivity protocol. However, Zigbee works at a 2.4GHz frequency, which is similar to WiFi and Bluetooth. Which is why there can be network interferences.

Now that we have discussed the smart home system components and connectivity options, it’s time to come down to the real issue at hand- how to develop a smart home system. 

Bonus: Best Practices That We follow to Develop Smart Home Automation App

To develop a smart home system that will capture the market as well as become a user favorite is not easy, and we at Reeshatech recognize this challenge. And that’s why when it comes to developing a home automation system, we follow a set of best practices.

a. Clarifying The User Case

Smart home technology is still relatively new to the users out there. And that’s why at the very beginning of smart home app development we make sure to clarify the use case of the system we are developing. The app and the device, what their function is going to be and how they are going to help the users at their home setting, clearing out this idea helps us to progress further into the development scenario.

b. Begin With Security

When developing a home automation system, we begin with security. Providing a secure and efficient system for our clients is our main goal and our team of skilled mobile app developers makes sure we achieve it every time. 

c. The Case Of Interoperability

The market is saturated with home IoT devices. And that’s why we consider the matter of interoperability seriously. Choosing a smart home app development process that would work harmoniously with other smart home systems in the market is the key to providing ease of use to the users. 

d. Using The IoT Collected Data

The smart home devices are collecting and transmitting a lot of data. And we make sure to analyze this data to understand how we can improve our smart home solutions for the maximum ease and comfort of our users. 

e. Creating A Scalable Product

When developing, we are not only thinking about the present but also about the future scalability of the product. We make sure to use technology and tech stack that would help us to better our products in the future. 

What’s Your Take

So what’s the end word in smart home system development?

Even though technology is old enough, the implementation is experiencing a serious revolution. There may be many opportunities in the industry, but at the same time, there are many risks and challenges. The development process for home IoT systems is not as simple as developing ordinary smartphone apps. And that’s why you need to be careful going into the development process. 

app-development-cost

However, with enough research and experience, the development process for your smart home system can go smoothly. Make sure to follow the industry standards, and if you stumble upon any problems, feel free to contact us.

The post Investing in Smart Home App Development? Here’s Your Guide appeared first on Reeshatech.

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