The Smart Homes

11-Dec-2024

Share Blog

The Smart Home

Security and comfort! These are the foundation of a smart home, and they can only be achieved by installing artificial intelligence tools within all parts of the house. The idea of a smart home has evolved to become a source of comfort and security for those seeking a home that aligns with the demands of modern life and the fast-paced lifestyle.

What is the idea of a smart home?

A smart home is a system of interconnected devices that can be controlled via smartphones or voice commands. The smart systems inside the home are chosen based on the life requirements that provide security and comfort. In short, a smart home is an Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

Smart Home Systems

Companies are competing to produce the most important systems that operate smart homes, in addition to innovating and manufacturing the smart tools that contribute to achieving comfort. The most common smart systems currently are:

Google: Offered a smart assistant system called Google Home, which is used to control a smart home via voice commands.
Lenovo: Introduced a smart tablet Smart Display that controls the home via voice commands.
Apple: Offered Apple HomeKit, a system for controlling smart home devices through various Apple devices.
Amazon: Offered Amazon Alexa, which controls the home via voice commands.

Companies continue to compete with each other to develop smart systems, making them the foundation upon which smart homes are built.

What devices can be installed in a smart home?

What if we told you that you could install any type of device in your smart home? All you need to do is identify what you need to meet the requirements of you and your family in the home, then choose the devices that will turn your house from an ordinary one into a smart home, allowing you to feel comfort and security. Some of these devices include:

Surveillance devices
Smart locks
Smart lighting control panels
Smart entertainment devices, like home theaters
Smart kitchen appliances, like multi-cooking units

What is the cost of a smart home?

Words like artificial intelligence or smart systems are often associated with high costs. Well, this might seem logical, but the cost can be controlled by selecting the smart systems and devices based on your needs for a smart home.

Today, Amman is witnessing massive and continuous urban developments, not only to meet the need for housing but also as real estate developers are incorporating the latest smart systems and innovative designs into their investments. This is especially true as Amman is witnessing significant urban expansion, leading to the creation of new modern areas targeting people who are looking for a modern lifestyle that offers comfort and security. Thus, more options are available for people searching for residential homes.

Components of a Smart Home

When we talk about a smart home, it means establishing an infrastructure compatible with the home appliances to be installed, considering what will be installed later. The components of a smart home are as follows:

Sensors: These are devices that gather data from the surrounding environment, such as motion, temperature, humidity, and lighting.
Controllers: These receive data from the sensors, process it, make decisions based on it, and then send instructions to the actuators. These controllers include lighting controls, climate controls, and security controls.
Actuators: These receive instructions from controllers to control the equipment and devices, such as motors, valves, and lights.
Communication Software: This connects the system components and provides the user interface for control, including apps, control panels, and websites.
Communication Infrastructure: It ensures secure communication between system components and includes Wi-Fi networks, mobile networks, and cables.
Artificial Intelligence: This component analyzes the data from the sensors, learns from it, and improves system performance over time.
Cybersecurity: This protects smart home systems from cyber threats and ensures the safety of data and user privacy. It includes firewalls, encryption, and antivirus software.
Standards: These ensure system component compatibility and facilitate data exchange. These include object control standards, building control standards, and cybersecurity standards.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Homes in Jordan

Will smart homes eventually replace traditional homes in Jordan?

At this point, there is no clear indication that this will happen. Although many homeowners are introducing smart systems into their homes, it's limited to essential requirements such as surveillance, lighting, and locking systems.
Will we have to introduce smart systems into our homes in the future?

Yes, even if it's just one system! This is because life requirements change with the passage of time and technological advancement.
Is a smart home a form of artificial intelligence?

Yes! Artificial intelligence is one of the components of smart home systems, responsible for analyzing data and improving system performance over time.
Can my home be hacked if it becomes a smart home?

It’s recommended that when establishing a smart home, do not compromise on selecting strong cybersecurity systems! Otherwise, you expose yourself and your home to security vulnerabilities, making it easier to be hacked.
I'm looking for a home; should I choose a smart home or a traditional one?

Choosing a home depends on several factors, the most important of which are your needs and your budget, which will determine the type of home. In Jordan, you generally cannot search for a fully smart home, but you can look for a home that provides the infrastructure for later installation of smart systems.
Is there a risk in owning or living in a smart home?

It’s not a risk in the literal sense, but it could be a downside and quite annoying. While comfort is the main purpose of a smart home, it might cause complete lethargy and laziness in the homeowner. Additionally, if there’s a security breach for any reason, the homeowner's privacy could be significantly affected.