What is a smart home in 2021?

We have all heard of the connected home or home automation. It was a recurring topic a few years ago, when it was still a novelty. Although home automation is discussed less frequently today, it has continued to evolve.

Home automation in 2021

The development of home automation reflects the times we live in. It is a rapidly evolving technology that is playing an increasingly important role in our daily lives.

Before going into greater detail, here is a brief reminder. Home automation encompasses a range of technologies that make it possible to centralise the control of various devices in a home or building.

Today, home automation takes various forms. The most widespread is the Thread protocol, a wireless control protocol first proposed four years ago. However, it was not until 2019–2020 that the first devices appeared. One of the best known is the ‘HomePod Mini’, launched by Apple around 2019.

Other brands, such as Philips and Google, have also launched their own versions of the HomePod.

In 2021, home automation therefore notably relies on voice assistants sold by numerous brands.

But why adopt home automation?

Nevertheless, many people remain sceptical. Most do not want their living space to be modernised too extensively. Many fear that personal information may be recorded, disclosed or even hacked. However, it remains a secure technology whose purpose is to improve everyday comfort.

Indeed, the stated aim of the brands is greater comfort and greater security. Comfort is enhanced through optimised heating and lighting management.
For example: the installation of smart lighting systems that can be controlled remotely and allow you to adjust the light intensity.
From a security perspective, home automation provides you with continuous monitoring (e.g. video surveillance), as well as allowing you to adjust your alarm settings, even remotely.

The connected home in 2021 is therefore a household equipped with a voice assistant and devices linked to it. Indeed, these can be found in a very large number of homes. They interact continuously with the technologies in the building concerned, helping to improve and simplify everyday life.