How to Use Voice Assistants in Your Home

In an increasingly interconnected world, voice assistants have emerged as transformative tools for simplifying daily life.

These intelligent digital companions, like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri, have revolutionized the way we interact with our homes.

From controlling smart devices to answering questions and managing schedules, this article explores the myriad ways you can harness voice assistants’ power to enhance convenience and efficiency within your living space.

What are Voice Assistants?

Voice assistants are artificial intelligence (AI) software programs designed to understand and respond to spoken language commands or questions from users. They use natural language processing (NLP) and voice recognition technology to interpret and process human speech.

Voice assistants can perform a wide range of tasks, including answering questions, providing information, setting alarms and reminders, controlling smart home devices, sending messages, making calls, and more.

Popular voice assistants include Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, Google Assistant, Microsoft’s Cortana, and Samsung’s Bixby. These digital assistants are commonly found on smartphones, smart speakers, and other connected devices, offering users a convenient and hands-free way to interact with technology and access information and services.

Voice assistants continue to evolve, becoming increasingly integrated into various aspects of daily life, from entertainment and home automation to productivity and personal assistance.

How to Set Up and Use Voice Assistants in Your Home?

Here are the steps to set up and use voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple’s Siri in your home:

1. Choose a Voice Assistant

Decide which voice assistant ecosystem you want to use. Standard options include Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri.

2. Purchase Compatible Devices

Ensure you have compatible smart devices that your chosen voice assistant can control. This includes smart bulbs, plugs, thermostats, locks, and more. Check for compatibility with your voice assistant of choice.

3. Set Up Your Voice Assistant

Follow the setup instructions for your voice assistant device (e.g., Amazon Echo, Google Home, Apple HomePod). Typically, this involves connecting it to your Wi-Fi network and linking it to your voice assistant account.

4. Connect Smart Devices

Use the voice assistant app on your smartphone or tablet to discover and connect your smart devices. This often involves following on-screen instructions to pair your devices with your voice assistant.

5. Customize and Name Devices

Assign names and labels to your connected devices that are easy to remember. For example, if you have a smart touchless kitchen faucet  in your kitchen, name it “Kitchen Faucet.”

6. Learn Voice Commands

Familiarize yourself with the voice commands your voice assistant understands. For example, you might say, “Hey Alexa, turn off the lights,” or “Hey Google, set the thermostat to 72 degrees.”

7. Control Devices with Voice

Use your voice assistant to control connected devices. Simply say the wake word (e.g., “Alexa,” “Hey Google”) followed by your command. For example:

•   “Hey Siri, play my favorite playlist.”
•   “Hey Google, turn on the coffee maker.”
•   “Alexa, what’s the weather forecast for today?”

8. Set Up Routines and Automations 

Many voice assistants allow you to create routines or automation. For example, you can set up a “Good Morning” routine that turns on the lights, adjusts the thermostat, and provides the weather forecast when you say, “Good morning.”

9. Control Devices Remotely

Use the voice assistant app on your smartphone to control your devices while away from home. This can be useful for adjusting thermostats or checking security cameras.

10. Explore Third-Party Integrations 

Many voice assistants support third-party integrations, allowing you to control various devices and services. For example, you can connect your voice assistant to music streaming services, smart home security systems, and more.

11. Privacy and Security

Be mindful of your privacy and security settings. Review and adjust permissions as needed to protect your data.

12. Regular Updates

Ensure your voice assistant device and its companion app are regularly updated to receive new features and security patches.

Note: Remember that the specific steps and commands may vary depending on the brand and model of your voice assistant and smart devices. Always refer to the user manuals and official documentation for detailed instructions.

Advanced Voice Assistant Capabilities

Advanced voice assistants have evolved significantly in recent years, offering many capabilities extending beyond basic voice recognition and simple commands. Some of the advanced capabilities of voice assistants include:

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Advanced voice assistants can understand and respond to natural, conversational language rather than rigid commands. This makes interactions with the assistant feel more intuitive and human-like.

Multimodal Interaction

Voice assistants can work in tandem with visual interfaces. For instance, they can display information on screens, provide visual feedback, or process commands involving voice and touch inputs, like smartphones or smart displays.

Context Awareness

These assistants can remember previous interactions and use that context to provide more relevant responses. For example, if you ask, “Who is the president?” and then follow up with “How tall is he?” the assistant will understand that you’re still talking about the same person.

Multi-Step Tasks

Advanced voice assistants can perform complex, multi-step tasks. For instance, they can help you plan a trip by booking flights, reserving hotels, and scheduling transportation—all through a single conversation.

Personalization

They can recognize individual users by their voices and tailor responses or recommendations based on the user’s preferences and history. This is especially useful for tasks like music recommendations or calendar management.

Integration with Third-Party Apps and Services

Voice assistants can connect with a wide range of third-party apps and services, allowing users to control smart home devices, order food, make reservations, and perform other tasks through voice commands.

Continuous Learning

These assistants continually improve their understanding and responses through machine learning algorithms, which means they better understand and assist users over time.

Voice Commerce

Users can shop online, place orders, and make payments through voice assistants. This includes adding items to a shopping cart, checking out, and even tracking deliveries.

Voice Search

Advanced search capabilities enable voice assistants to retrieve information from the internet effectively. You can ask them questions, request specific facts, or search for local businesses and services.

Emotional and Sentiment Analysis

Some advanced voice assistants can detect emotional cues in a user’s voice, providing a more empathetic and tailored response. For instance, they might adjust their tone when speaking to a user who sounds upset.

Security and Authentication

They can use voice recognition as a form of biometric authentication to unlock devices or access sensitive information, enhancing security.

Language Support

Advanced voice assistants can understand and respond in multiple languages and dialects, making them accessible to a broader audience.

Privacy and Security Concerns Users Should Be Aware Of

While advanced voice assistants offer numerous benefits and convenience, they also raise significant privacy and security concerns that users should be aware of:

1.  Voice Data Storage 

Voice assistants typically store voice recordings of user interactions, often on remote servers. These recordings may be kept indefinitely, and concerns arise over who has access to these recordings and how they are used.

2. Data Breaches 

If the servers holding voice data are compromised, sensitive information can be exposed. This may include personal conversations, financial information, or other private details.

3. Eavesdropping

There have been instances where voice assistants mistakenly activate and record conversations without user initiation, leading to concerns of inadvertent eavesdropping by tech companies.

4. Data Mining and Profiling 

Companies may use the data collected from voice interactions to create detailed user profiles, which can be used for targeted advertising or even sold to third parties, raising concerns about user privacy.

5. Accidental Activation

Voice assistants can sometimes activate unintentionally, especially if their wake word or phrase is similar to common speech patterns. This can lead to unexpected recordings and privacy breaches.

6. Third-Party Apps

Users who grant third-party apps access to their voice assistant may inadvertently expose their data to additional security risks if those apps have vulnerabilities.

7. Authentication Risks

While voice recognition can be a convenient authentication method, it may not be as secure as other forms of biometric authentication, as voiceprints can be mimicked or recorded without consent.

8. Device Security

Voice assistants are often integrated into various devices, including smartphones and smart speakers. If these devices are compromised, attackers can access the voice assistant’s functionality and potentially sensitive information.

9. User Profiling and Targeting

The information collected by voice assistants can be used to build detailed user profiles, leading to personalized advertising. Still, it also raises concerns about manipulating user behavior and opinions.

10. Children’s Privacy

Voice assistants may not always differentiate between adult and child voices, potentially collecting data from underage users without proper consent or safeguards.

To address these concerns, users need to take steps to protect their privacy and security when using voice assistants:

Review Privacy Settings

Check the privacy settings on your voice assistant and associated accounts to understand what data is being collected and how it’s used. Adjust settings to enhance your privacy.

Use Strong Authentication

If voice recognition is used for authentication, consider using additional authentication methods, such as PINs or passcodes, for sensitive tasks.

Monitor Voice History 

Regularly review and delete voice recordings stored by your voice assistant to minimize the data collected and stored.

Be Cautious with Third-Party Apps

Be selective when granting access to third-party apps and ensure they have reputable privacy policies and security measures in place.

Disable Voice Assistants When Not in Use

Turn off voice assistants or mute the microphone when you’re not actively using them to minimize the risk of accidental activation.

Keep Software Updated

Ensure that all devices and apps connected to your voice assistant are up to date with the latest security patches.

Educate Yourself

Stay informed about the privacy policies and practices of the companies behind voice assistants, and be cautious about sharing sensitive information through them.

Conclusion

Voice assistants have transformed our homes into smart, responsive environments, offering unparalleled convenience and efficiency.

As we’ve explored their myriad possibilities, it’s evident that harnessing their power requires a balance between convenience and privacy.

By understanding their advanced capabilities and implementing security measures, we can make the most of voice assistants while safeguarding our personal information.

Embracing these digital companions opens doors to a future where technology seamlessly enhances our daily lives.

Featured Image Credit: Provided by the Author; Pexels; Thank you!

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The need for cost-saving solutions in the home is becoming more and more apparent as inflation, the aftermath of the pandemic and a war cause utility bills to rise. Because of this, we’re witnessing greater reliance on IoT technology designed to find efficiencies, such as water or energy consumption, in the household.

In the realm of large multifamily developments, the use of IoT has become a widespread solution. In recent years, proptech has revolutionized how these buildings operate, becoming an essential tool for environmental measures, business sustainability and growth. The popularity of IoT technology in this accommodation sector is largely due to its ability to address major operational pain points, such as operating costs, guest satisfaction, and retention.

Commonly, multifamily properties can be subject to maintenance inefficiencies, specifically water leaks. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, up to 10% of US properties have ongoing and unnoticed water leaks, which each waste over 90 gallons a day. On a larger scale, such as in a multifamily operation, these issues can lead to significant losses and a considerable waste of water resources. Every day in the US alone, 14,000 homes are being damaged by water. Not to mention, that the average cost of water-related insurance claims have risen from $6,965 in 2013 to $9,700 in 2020 — that’s a 33% increase.

Luckily, smart home technology has been designed to address these pain points, and reduce the risk of costly bills and damages.

What is a water management solution?

Many property managers have begun to rely on smart water management systems. The technology uses a range of WiFi-connected IoT devices, including leak sensors, shut-off valves, and water monitoring software, that provide feedback to a single management platform, accessible remotely via a mobile app. These devices work collaboratively to prevent leaks from escalating into costly issues, with either the system itself being able to act by shutting off the water supply using smart water valves or by sending alerts to the property manager and maintenance team so the problem can be addressed before it’s too late.

Receiving instant notifications when problems, like small leaks, are flagged by the intelligent IoT system allows property managers to switch their maintenance approach from reactive to proactive, as they’re able to send maintenance personnel to assess leaks as soon as they arise — minimizing water wastage and damage.

A connected maintenance system, such as this, provides property managers with greater control over their properties. They gain complete oversight of water consumption, preventative maintenance issues and insight into cost-saving opportunities.

The benefits of a smart water management solution

A study by Flo in 2020 found a direct correlation between the installation of smart water solutions and fewer low-severity insurance claims, with a 96% decline in water leak claims paid to households with smart water management technology installed. Considering that the national average claim for non-weather-related water damage is $9,700, installing smart tech can lead to huge cost savings.

Despite potential hesitations in the current economic climate, property managers should prioritize installing smart water management systems, even if they currently lack any water management devices. The cost of implementing these solutions is relatively low in comparison to the average cost of a single episode of water damage (nearly $10,000), making it a highly cost-effective investment with a rapid return on investment (ROI). The implementation of smart water technology can lead to substantial savings in costs associated with early leak detection and damage limitation.

As water management solutions minimize property damage through proactive maintenance, this also offers residents a better living experience as they’re less likely to be inconvenienced by long-term maintenance work and damage to their belongings. This in itself can boost property revenue as happy residents are more likely to renew their leases.

Another major benefit of water management solutions is that they reduce water waste. At a time when business owners will be looking closely at their bottom line, a solution such as this can make a considerable difference. What’s more, having a sustainable approach to water management will appeal to residents, with a 2022 study finding that, for 43% of residents, sustainable features were a factor in their choice of multifamily apartments.

How do IoT water devices work?

Currently, many water sensors on the market are being upgraded so that they are more cost-effective. IoT solutions (wireless technologies) now play a central role, meaning these systems no longer need to rely on ‘sensor ropes’ or ‘probes’ to detect regular leaks, though these tools are still required for detecting water leaks in hard-to-reach areas and to gain wider coverage.

Modern contact sensors are equipped with Z-Wave Plus — low-power radio waves that travel through walls, floors and furniture, which communicate with a smart control module that can be installed more quickly and in a wider variety of locations.

Water sensors are designed to work in tandem with smart water valves and meters. These devices identify low and high-volume water leaks throughout a building and monitor overall water use, helping operators and owners reduce the risk of losses from water emergencies, while also improving water conservation efforts at the property and resident level. This means that property managers (and residents) don’t have to worry about coming back to a water-damaged home, with the system taking full control and being able to automatically shut off the water supply at the main water valve. The system can be configured to shut off water supply in a variety of scenarios – in case of small, medium or large water leaks.” A study from PointCentral found that a multifamily operator could save $2,000 each year in insurance fees by fitting smart water management technology to a main serving 30 units.

The system is most efficient when all devices work collaboratively. The IoT meters and valves that are part of this tech family are designed to work in harmony and are intelligent enough to detect anomalies such as extended water flow or when unusually large volumes of water begin flowing through the pipes — all prompting immediate reports on mobile devices. The meters can recognize excessive water usage, dangerous temperature drops that may freeze pipes, dripping faucets and toilets that are running continually.

Yet it’s the smart water sensor that continues to be more popular than the valves and meters. A possible reason for this is that property managers view sensors as a necessity and smart valves and meters as a luxury. While cost considerations are understandable, investing only in sensors can have drawbacks. When issues are detected, the system does not automatically resolve them. Property managers are, instead, at the mercy of maintenance engineers, their availability and response times, which may lead to prolonged downtime and additional costs. Smart water management has already provided a solution to this problem that pays for itself making it a worthwhile investment for any property manager.

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It’s essential to keep all security devices secure and out of the reach of thieves. Homeowners who have security cameras installed in their homes need to be aware that other problems can cause the cameras. Wired security cameras can be hacked, but it is less common for wireless cameras. While it’s possible to hack into the software or hardware of a wired camera, it is much harder to access. We’ll find out if it’s possible.

Can Wired Security Cameras Be Hacked?

It is not impossible to hack a wired security camera, even if they are more secure than a wireless system. However, to hack your system, it is necessary to have actual physical access to the camera to crack the encryption. This is usually done through access to the system router or the recorder you are relying on. The router or the recorder is where the system receives the footage.

There are also some ways to protect your wired camera.

If you’re looking for a state-of-the-art wired camera that is very difficult to hack, take a look at the Anke 8CH on Amazon. It’s GDPR compliant, and you can wire it inside or outdoors.

Many people still believe that security cameras can’t be hacked, but it doesn’t take long to find that those people were either hacked by someone they trusted or just wanted to get a better look at them.

Using a wired camera is much safer than a wireless version

To use a wired camera is much safer than a wireless version — so keep that in mind. The purpose of this article is to make you aware that a wired camera can be hacked, but it is harder to do so — and less likely.

Security cameras that can be accessed through the Internet or mobile devices are a significantly larger problem if you don’t want anyone seeing your activities.

Automated tools will make your system secure and less easy to access. Make your automated authentication secure in the prescribed way (don’t use grandma’s phone number). Automated tools will help stop any hackers from breaking your authentication.

What do you do if your security cameras are not accessible over the Internet?

Security cameras that use wifi connections can be accessed by hackers from anywhere in the world and can also be used to spy on unsuspecting neighbors.

To ensure that hackers do not compromise your DVR or camera, regularly update your DVR or camera firmware. To make your home safer and more secure, you need to find a device to prevent and detect intrusions.

Some manufacturers of CCTV systems later released a patch for their systems to remove the exploit, so many homeowners who were using this vulnerable hardware were no longer. You can explore the best CCTV Cameras prices in Bangladesh.

Has your wired security camera been hacked?

It’s not simple to determine if your system is secure, nor is it easy to tell if your camera system has been hacked. So please keep track of your settings and ensure they haven’t been changed or accessed by a third party.

Here are some of the most frequently used questions and checks:

1. Unable to Access Your System

It is essential to monitor your network and the information flowing through it. Unable to access your wireless gives you an early warning of potential threats to your network. If you have put in strong creds and passwords and the camera is still not working — your camera or system may have been hacked or disabled.

Physical causes should be ruled out before trying other ways to fix the problem. Like an update to the system can cause this problem — which is fine — you just need to unplug and reset your system.

2. The settings have been changed.

Camera owners who use their cameras regularly should look for any changes in settings, unexpected behavior by their security system, and access by other people to see if it is they who were.

It would help if you were sure to look around your home or business and rule out anyone else changing these settings.

Also, make sure you’re not buying a new system by upgrading an old system. Often, firmware upgrades can switch a few settings here and there. That’s not a problem, but usually, an upgrade won’t bother your system.

3. Abnormal movement can happen.

Suppose the security camera position changed. It may be worthwhile to check it to see any abnormalities on the camera itself. Once installed, your camera should always retain the same view. If you see your camera view switching around, or you see a different view than the one you set up — you can be fairly sure that you have been hacked.

A compromised security camera will reveal information about you, your family, and your residence.

Do an Internet search on your surveillance system every few months for safety.

It’s very easy to know whether your security camera systems have been hacked, but the first step is to do an Internet search on your surveillance system. It is much easier to hack into a DVR than a regular TV or cable box because the only way to connect the DVR is through the network.

How will you keep your security cameras safe?

Wi-Fi-enabled security cameras are easier to secure than wired ones because there are a limited number of ways a hacker could be able to access them.

You’re probably wondering how you can secure your digital camera. Here are a few things to check for before buying and setting up a camera.

1. Update Firmware

We update Firmware on everything we own — don’t skip the firmware update on your camera — it is essential for keeping the hardware of the security camera in good working order. In addition, many camera manufacturers release regular updates for their products — when they do, it is an opportunity to check your system.

We can’t guarantee that every reported security vulnerability or flaw will be addressed, but this is the best way to ensure that issue.

2. Remote access should be restricted.

If you need to access your home remotely, you may want to access it from all of your devices. For example, it may be good to only access your system from one computer or phone instead of multiple points, which will have a better chance of hacking your system.

Even if a small number of employees have access to data — such as an IT manager — the company needs to ensure that anyone with a computer or smartphone cannot monitor other spaces. Watch who has access to your office, home, and surroundings.

To prevent someone from gaining access to your security camera, be sure to set up your authentication page before accessing the system. Setting up an authentication method first defends against potential thieves looking for easy grabs.

3. Passwords have to be strong.

People often think that authentication pages are useless, but they are essential. Don’t use words like “hello” or “I’m cool.
How many times do people have to have these instructions before they listen? Having a strong password is like saying, “look both ways before you cross the street.” Those who do not listen to this advice will one day be hit by a car.

And, you will one day be hacked if you don’t have a good, strong password according to the instructions that are always given to you. So, please heed the advice about strong passwords.

The username-password used to access your website is easily hacked by your local or global hackers. Keep in mind that hackers run automated scans of security pages and authentication pages. So don’t be tempted to go the easy way when your family and security are at stake. Instead, use two-factor authentication for any of your camera access points — like your computer and phone.

If there is no rate limit to log-in failures, there is a chance that your device will be hacked. Of course, it’s a total pain if you forget your code — but it’s better to have to keep your information in a safe than to have your safety breached.

Stronger passwords with a mix of upper and lower case characters, numbers, and symbols will help ensure that hackers cannot access your accounts.

4. Set up two-factor security

It’s a bit of a rare thing to see two-factor authentication used in the case of wired devices, but it’s a great way to secure your camera if you can turn it on. Our two-factor on our cameras is easy. From my phone, I access the system; then, when asked for the two-factor, I move to a phone app (an app like “authy” — but there are many selections). That app gives me a one-time, changeable code — back to the previous page, enter the number. Easy-peasy.

It is recommended to have two-factor authentication enabled for all security-conscious websites, but you can do this on your phone too.

You can use a stronger password if your camera doesn’t have two-step verification. And that should be enough to deter most thieves.

5. The Router needs to be secured.

It’s possible to hack into routers and any internet-accessible device, such as a computer or smartphone.

The hacking points are your gateways to access the Internet, and you must keep a security posture with your Internet. If their security posture isn’t maintained, they could also provide access to your camera.

For example, if a hacker can hack a router and gain access to the internal network – they might be able to access the camera just as you do.

To ensure that your network is secure, you must do some security checks such as strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

FAQ about security cameras being hacked.

Here are a few answers to camera security questions.

1. Is it safe to use wired security cameras?

Security cameras that are wired are more secure and reliable than wireless cameras. These cameras are less vulnerable to hackers if you set up the security correctly, in the first place and then check your security to make sure it’s in place. Your wired cameras are not the recording device, so you will want to keep an eye on your DVR and maintain its safety. The camera DVR system can be compromised by being jammed, a disabling attack, or remote hacking.

To stay safe, implement safety by keeping your equipment safe and in a secure location in your home or office, and remember to use your strong passwords and authentications. Even though physical attacks can disable wired cameras — remote hacking is the preferred method by hackers. Remember that these hackers can still be countered by strong authentication.

2. Is it possible that all security cameras can be hacked?

It’s possible to hack all security cameras, wired or wireless. Wireless security cameras are more accessible to hacking due to their network availability, but wired cameras are often configured to access the Internet. As a result, criminals might be able to record footage and monitor your surroundings if your security device is hacked.

If you want to prevent hacking attempts from hackers, ensure you have strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

3. Is it possible to jam the wired CCTV cameras?

As security cameras transmit footage to the DVR, they can be difficult to jam. For example, if the transmission cables are damaged, the camera might be unable to record. On the other hand, wireless cameras are easy to jam because they use the same radio frequencies as the camera itself.

The wires that connect the camera to the recorder should not be visible — make sure they are hidden in the wall. Keeping wires out of the way will make them less prone to being jammed or fiddled with. If a security camera fails to record after a specific time, the camera will alert authorities or homeowners.

Nowadays, hacking a wired security camera is not a rare occurrence. Even security devices need their own security to be protected against illegal attempts. Take care of your camera so it will take care of you.

We explored security cameras in this article, which are the same as before. Do your wired cameras have security? A sound security check is the only thing that can answer this.

Conclusion

Wired security cameras are one of the safest ways to watch your home or business. In the past, hackers have been able to hack into a wireless camera and steal all the data stored. However, they haven’t yet been able to hack in and steal the data from a wired camera.

Image Credit: Provided by the Author; Thank you!

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The Internet of Things (IoT) is bringing about a sea change in our lives. It is nothing but a technological paradigm that uses a wide range of technologies to develop various applications for multiple sectors. IoT in Kitchen helps in several ways from getting menus from restaurants to tracking your micro and macro nutrients.

IoT enabled consumer devices focus on connected devices that can help consumers with their daily lives. These devices can range from simple ones, typically worn on the body, to high-end automation applications for industries.

Among these emerging technologies IoT enabled smart kitchen and kitchen appliances is rising. The success of smart kitchens hinges on the fact that this tech improves nearly every aspect of cooking. As an example, a smart oven connects to apps that provide cooking tips. Moreover, smart kitchens can also bring down waste. 

The Smart kitchen technology also tracks how long items have been in your fridge and notifies you when they’re nearing their expiration date.

These are a few of the many reasons why people are so excited about this technology. Let’s read more about it.

Benefits of IoT in the kitchen

Here’s a list of the key benefits of an IoT enabled smart kitchen: 

Personal Nutritionist

IoT-based connectivity in the kitchen enables people to consume healthy meals. For instance, technology has emerged that serves as a personal nutritionist, helping users to achieve their personalized health goals.

Smartphone IoT apps are capable of providing fully customized dietary programs approved by experienced doctors. Now, there are apps that can identify foods, scan food products for nutritional information and even keep track of your nutrient’s consumption throughout the day.  

Also, by keeping a check on the weight of the jars through sensors, users can be alerted about the food items like lentils, nuts etc. when their quantity is less than a threshold value.

Smart Kitchens ensure safety

Here are some of the safety benefits that an IoT enabled smart kitchen brings:

• Detection of cooking gas level and mass.
• Leakage detection in cooking gas pipe/cylinder.
• Smoke detection and fire.
• Alarm sound and visible LED indicator for gas leakage and smoke detection, and low gas levels.
• Mobile notifications for gas detection, smoke detection and low gas level.

Makes Cooking Less Hectic

Cooking is not a task everybody enjoys doing. Most people find it quite cumbersome and require patience. With the help of smart kitchen appliances, you will be able to save time in the kitchen. These appliances will explain to you the steps of the cooking process, analyze your cooking preferences, and increase the efficiency of food preparation.

As IoT technology grows and matures, it will even be possible to control cooking appliances remotely with an app. 

The smart kitchen helps in making cooking much easier for the average person to cook delicious dishes in less time. More importantly, consuming more nutritious food prepared in a smart kitchen will encourage people to eat healthy homemade dishes, as opposed to unhealthy fast food. 

IoT In Kitchen Helps in Cost and Waste Reduction

If the refrigerators are made smart enough to process what vegetables and fruits are stored in them, and accordingly it could make suggestions of what to cook based on what’s already in your fridge, then food waste can be reduced to a great extent. Smart Fridge can also make suggestions based on what ingredients have the possibility of expiring soon.

Moreover, it would also eliminate the hassle of going to the store to buy additional ingredients.

Use Cases of IoT in the kitchen

There are several use cases of IoT in kitchen appliances, when we talk about AI enabled smart homes.

Advanced Cooktops

Smart kitchen devices like smart cooktops serve as highly useful replacements for the conventional cooktops.  Therefore, there is no need to be concerned about the exact temperature because the app communicates cooking settings directly from the cooktop. 

The scheduling can be done to turn off the flame after a certain time, which can also be suggested by the AI powered app. Also, with smoke detections, chimneys can automatically be turned ON.

Grow Your Own Fresh Herbs

With the help of a smart garden, you can grow your own herbs. Based on the moisture level of the soil, the water sprinklers can be turned ON and OFF.

Also, Nutritive value of the soil can be measured and fertilizers can be added accordingly based on the suggestions of AI Powered Apps, Moreover the system could also suggest what herb can be grown with current soil conditions. Smart Farming is an essential aspect of healthy living and Smart Kitchens.

Make Your Coffee with Just Your Smartphone

Using the smart coffee maker, you can make coffee remotely. By pressing a few icons on your smartphone or tablet, the coffee maker will start brewing.  You hardly need to be concerned about the taste of the coffee as the coffeemaker has been used globally.

How smooth will your day go, if by pressing the stop on the Alarm clock, your Coffee maker is notified to get your coffee ready? IoT in Kitchen can introduce you to an AI empowered new world.

Camera in the Refrigerator

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a smart refrigerator featuring an LCD screen that provides information about its products, expiration dates, and your grocery list and so on?

With the help of a wireless camera added to your refrigerator, you will be able to see exactly what you have inside from any location. It doesn’t matter if you’re at work, a shop, or anywhere else, you’ll be able to see precisely what ingredients you have. This will ensure that you don’t buy what you already have in the fridge.

IoT in the kitchen provides a brain to the kitchen and transforms the most important place of the house – Our Kitchen – into intelligent and remotely accessible.

Image Credit: by Michael Burrows; Pexels; Thank you!

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When people look at green home options to make their abodes more sustainable, they often explore smart thermostat options. They’re accessible, reasonably priced, and can usually help households save money.

According to one source, they can reduce heating bills by up to 12% and cooling expenses by as much as 15%, although the figures vary. That’s one reason why smart thermostats are particularly appealing to cost-conscious consumers.

However, they’re also extremely convenient. A person might be relaxing on the couch and realize they want to change the temperature in their home. A smart thermostat lets them do that without getting up. Instead, they can use an app to adjust the settings. Similarly, having these types of temperature controls allows homeowners to specify the exact temperature they want.

A smart thermostat could also be helpful for people with disabilities. Most of the leading brands have accompanying voice assistant skills. Then, a person could say a command to alter the thermostat rather than using an app or making manual adjustments.

Cutting Emissions and Wasted Heat

Many people want to have a green home, but they’re unsure where to start. Installing a smart thermostat could be a great starting point.

A study in the United Kingdom market by Heating Wise indicated that smart thermostats could reduce household emissions and excessive energy use. They concluded that part of the energy savings come from how smart thermostats keep temperatures consistent in a home. They eliminate the need for the heating system to continually run throughout the day.

Additionally, the study found that having a smart thermostat helps people avoid heating empty homes, which wastes unnecessary energy. Some smart thermostats even have occupancy sensors, so they can detect if people are home or in particular rooms.

Many homes in the United Kingdom use natural gas for heating. However, the study showed that when people have smart thermostats, those devices can help minimize the so-called fugitive greenhouse gases caused by leaks and irregular natural gas emissions. Those reportedly account for approximately 4% of the world’s greenhouse gases.

A person may find that one of the reasons they get good results from a smart thermostat is that it helps them break bad habits they didn’t realize they had. Perhaps that individual frequently leaves the house for hours and doesn’t think about whether the heat’s left on while they’re away. Having a smart thermostat can help them only heat or cool the residence when they’re home. That’s better for the planet and will reduce bills.

Appealing to People Looking for New Places to Live

People consider a wide range of aspects before moving to new places. They often research things like hospitals, schools, crime rates, cultural offerings, and job markets before taking the plunge. However, many individuals are also thinking about the impact that homes have on the environment.

According to one survey about millennials’ home preferences, 83% of respondents felt concerned about the impact of home construction on the environment. However, only 16% of those polled said they’d be willing to pay more for eco-friendly residences. Fortunately, having a smart thermostat is a practical way to promote sustainability without making major investments in green technology. The advertisements for many newly built apartment complexes often mention smart tech as a selling point.

Florida’s iApartments is a Tampa-based company specializing in adding smart thermostats and other connected technologies to multifamily housing complexes. More specifically, people from the business work with property owners  to determine the most appropriate additions for the residences. The company provided data showing that only 2% of apartment buildings have smart home technology. That suggests there’s plenty of room for growth.

However, another study found that Florida is among the U.S. states with the most homes for sale that feature smart technology. Researchers analyzed Zillow listings to gauge the popularity of such amenities. Florida had 2,242 listings mentioning smart home technology. Conversely, there were only eight in Alaska.

However, smart home technology appeals to young renters, too. Research indicated that 62% of the Gen Z segment surveyed considered it a factor in deciding where to live. It’s important to clarify that having a smart thermostat does not necessarily equal having a green home. However, it’s a good starting gadget that can encourage people to start making their homes more sustainable.

Reducing Resource Usage

Reducing resource dependence is a significant part of living in a green home. It’s not feasible for most people to live off the grid or take other massive steps to cut their usage. However, installing a smart thermostat is a much more accessible option that most people find they’re willing to do.

At the utility provider level, decision-makers support investments in renewable energy sources. Solar power is one of the most popular options. It has had an annual growth rate of more than 42% since 2000. Efforts are even underway to turn roadways into solar power generators.

However, smart thermostats can help people reduce how much electricity they use, even if the power sources are non-renewable. One study investigated the benefits of using a smart thermostat with zone-based occupancy sensors to minimize electricity usage. In such cases, a household could keep certain parts of the home warmer or cooler to maximize comfort without wasting energy.

More specifically, the investigation concluded that the setup enabled energy savings of 37.9%, equalling 496 kilowatt-hours during the study period. Researchers also calculated the estimated annual kilowatt-hours saved as 5,208 kilowatt-hours, or 43.6% better than before having the smart thermostat.

Some smart thermostats learn households’ energy habits. The gadgets then recommend an energy-efficient temperature setting based on those trends. That way, people can save energy without guesswork.

Increasing Energy Usage Consciousness

Many people can probably recall having their parents remind them to turn off the lights before leaving a room. However, without that ongoing feedback, it’s often difficult for adults to get in the habit of doing things to curb their energy usage.

A handy feature of many smart thermostats is a graph or dashboard showing how someone’s energy usage changes over time. Some models also give people helpful recommendations for sparking positive trends.

Fannie Mae conducted a two-year study of people with very-low, low, and moderate incomes who had received mortgages. Some of the participants received smart thermostats since the goal of the investigation was to see what changes, if any, those gadgets caused in people’s behaviors.

One of the questions posed to people who installed smart thermostats was whether doing so made them more aware of their energy usage. Approximately one-quarter of the respondents reported that they were previously only aware of it occasionally, but the smart thermostat made them always pay attention to their energy consumption.

The research also showed that nearly 70% of those polled changed their habits to save more energy. It’s often hard to know which behaviors will have the biggest impact on energy savings without data. Fortunately, smart thermostats often provide the details needed to help people make actionable and beneficial shifts in how they live.

Offering a Potential Decarbonization Strategy

Government leaders worldwide have released ambitious decarbonization plans, and they have various ideas about how to reach the proposed goals. Smart thermostats alone won’t enable approaching the milestones, but a study suggests they could help.

It examined how the gadgets could contribute to the European Union’s goal of getting a 55% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. The research took data from more than 1 million smart thermostats in European homes. The results indicated they caused an average of 22% in energy savings per residence.

The study also indicated that, if all homes in Europe had smart thermostats, the gadgets would collectively cause a 4.75% reduction in total carbon emissions. Another takeaway from the research was that this approach would cost €40 billion, or 6.67% of the budget for the European Green Deal to help reach the climate targets. However, it would cost substantially more to get comparable emissions reductions through other infrastructure improvements.

The next most economical change was to install heat pumps, but that would cost €432 billion. The researchers confirmed that smart thermostats were unique among all the options studied in that they provided people with consistent money-saving returns while reducing their carbon footprints.

Of course, there would need to be a significant and coordinated effort to encourage all property owners in the European Union to switch to smart thermostats. Offering discounts or similar perks could be enough to convince some people who are still on the fence.

Making Smart Thermostats More Attractive to Europeans

A different study surveyed people from five European nations to determine which factors would make them more willing to switch to smart thermostats. One of the study observations showed that public or private subsidies would compel people to adopt them. However, another finding was that people have privacy concerns, including how their data gets processed and what happens to it.

The researchers admitted that the data privacy fear was an irrational barrier to adoption, given how readily people download smartphone apps that collect and use data about them. Nonetheless, they suggested that manufacturers increase transparency about why their smart thermostats collect data.

Another finding was that smart thermostat credibility rises among the public when energy experts and purchasing advisors recommend using them. That suggests the previous trust in an entity about other matters could influence people to buy smart thermostats, too.

These conclusions are reminders that even when an individual is eager to live in a green home, some hesitations may remain. When decision-makers know more about those, it’s easier to dispel those obstacles and provide helpful clarifications.

Showing the Possible Payoffs of Other Energy-Saving Methods

Researchers also learned that studying smart thermostat data could help homeowners see how much money they could save by upgrading their insulation. They created a graph to track how well a house held heat and the rate at which it cooled down when the heat was off.

They used data from a smart thermostat’s accompanying sensors in particular rooms of the home. The information associated with how quickly a house cools with the heat off and how substantially it warms up with the heater running allows calculating a metric for the home’s acceptable heat loss rate. Cooling down too quickly due to colder outdoor temperatures could indicate there’s insufficient insulation or weak seals on windows and doors.

The research team clarified that people would get the most valuable results if they compared the data from their homes with how well those residences should hold heat based on things like their sizes and the local climate. Homeowners could also use the data to learn how quickly a home will cool based on every one-degree difference between its interior and outside temperature.

Bringing Energy-Efficient Enhancements to Older Homes

The results of a German study focusing on older residences indicated that smart thermostat usage could bring gains in those cases, too. The team explored the effects of smart thermostats in single-family homes of approximately 1,367 square feet built between 1949 and 1978. The data indicated that if those abodes got energy savings of  5.7%, they would recoup the thermostat investment within a decade.

The payback timeframe was similar for 688-square-foot apartments built in the same period. However, those units could achieve energy savings of 7.7%.

The research also showed other circumstances that helped people in older homes maximize their energy savings. More specifically, in poorly insulated residences, the energy-saving potential was higher than in locations with better insulation.

Additionally, anyone away from home for large parts of the day could get the best energy savings. They can lower the temperature when leaving and set up an automation to raise it when they return home.

A Smart Thermostat Is a Practical Part of a Green Home

There’s no guaranteed path to a greener lifestyle. However, these examples show why a smart thermostat could be a fantastic starting point for business leaders and eco-conscious homeowners.

The post How Are Smart Thermostats Making Homes Greener? appeared first on ReadWrite.

Winter has arrived, and here’s how to make the most of it. Check out this list of useful and innovative gadgets designed for winter comfort.

So winter has arrived, and you may not be prepared. Snow is falling across the country. Temperatures are dropping, and — don’t look now — your kids are in for some snow days. Even the most ardent skiers would admit that there are some unpleasant aspects of the winter season. No one likes things such as dry skin or freezing toes. Nor does anyone like dirty snow tracked through their living room by the dog. Here is a list of six ingenious gadgets for winter to help you get through the colder months of the year.
They may not solve all your winter woes, but they will certainly help.

1. The Lyric WiFi by Honeywell is a water leak detector to keep pipes from freezing.

Don’t allow your winter to be ruined by frozen pipes. The Lyric WiFi is one of the best gadgets for winter. Your plumbing is at risk when the temperature drops below freezing. A single leak or too much time without water might cause your pipes to freeze. Therefore, it’s important to take precautions.
You won’t even realize it’s occurring until the water in your home stops flowing. However, once the damage has been done, discovering and repairing the frozen pipes may be costly. Furthermore, the process can be very time-consuming and aggravating. This is especially true if you are without a hot shower while the repairs are being made.
These useful tools keep an eye on your pipes and send you an alert if anything goes wrong. The Honeywell Lyric WiFi  have been widely tested. It comes highly recommended because it’s simple to set up. In addition, it works without a hub. Further, it communicates through WiFi, and can last up to three years before requiring a battery change.

• On Amazon, you can get the Honeywell Lyric WiFi Water Leak and Freeze Detector for $59.85.

2. The Ember Mug 2 stays the temperature you want.

Never again will you drink cold coffee thanks to this cool, hot gadget.
On a chilly winter day, there’s nothing like a hot beverage to provide some warmth. However, cold conditions cause our drinks to chill far faster than we’d want. Even if you buy all of the heated mugs available, the majority of them do not stay warm very long.
All mugs will go cold except the Ember Travel Mug 2. This mug provides insulation from the cold. However, it also has a built-in heating mechanism. It ensures that your preferred coffee temperature is kept until the very last drop. It does this no matter what the outside weather happens to be.
The Ember smart mug claims up to three hours of continuous heating. Therefore, it doesn’t matter how many distractions you have in your morning. From now on, your coffee will still be hot when you return to it.

• Amazon has the Ember Travel Mug 2 for $179.95.

3. The Sensi Touch WiFi Thermostat. Thanks to this gadget, there’s no more guesswork to heating your home.

Consider what would happen if your thermostat recognized when you were at home. In addition, what if it changed the temperature accordingly? What about one that can heat up a room simply by speaking a command? This is all made possible by smart thermostats.
Geofencing is in beta testing to recognize when your phone is at home. In addition, they are working on compatibility with different smart assistants. This smart thermostat hopes to accomplish both.
The Emerson Sensi Touch WiFi Thermostat is easy to set up. In addition, it allows you to adjust the temperatures in your house using voice commands. Additionally, you can use a smartphone app, or a continuous schedule that suits your needs.
The possibilities are endless. Being able to stay warm in your own home is invaluable. Furthermore, the energy savings from this kind of control can be significant.

• Get the Emerson Sensi Touch WiFi Thermostat on Amazon for $124.31.

4. For cozy dinners, use the Instant Pot Smart Wifi.

This instapot is a smart device with a lot of capabilities. Perhaps you feel like your days are getting shorter. It may seem so as you juggle work, shoveling snow, and just trying to stay warm. That may have something to do with the shorter days of winter. However, that doesn’t mean you should forego spending time with your family over a delicious meal.
This cooker has the capacity to act as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, and more. The Instant Pot Smart WiFi is one of the best multicookers around. It actually wants to replace all of your favorite kitchen appliances.
This gadget is compatible with Amazon Alexa. In addition, it comes with over 1,000 scripted recipes and mobile alerts. This allows you to quickly prepare meals. These meals will keep you and your family nourished, warm, and happy.

• Amazon has the Instant Pot Smart WiFi for $135.80.

5. The Nest Protect Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm: The most crucial of gadgets for winter.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the winter months are peak indoor fire season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the worst month for carbon monoxide poisoning is January. More than ever, you must ensure that your home is equipped to alert you to each of these threats.
One of the best gadgets for winter is a smoke detector. Furthermore, the best carbon monoxide detector is the Nest Protect Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm. This gadget can aid by monitoring for fires. Additionally, it sends push notifications for smoke and carbon monoxide to your phone. This is in addition to the alarm that has already gone off in your house, of course.
You’ll also get alerts for low-battery warnings. In addition, the monitor will test itself once a month. However, one of the best parts of this gadget is that it takes only five minutes to set up.

• On Amazon, you can get the Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm for $159

6. The Pura Smart diffuser fills your home with delightful scents.

In the winter, there are some scents that just make us feel at ease. The smell of cookies baking in the oven, a Christmas tree, cinnamon, and vanilla, are a few of these scents. It isn’t the holidays unless you smell some of these scents. You want to have them flowing through your house.
However, candles can cause fires. In addition, plug-ins must be changed too frequently.
One of the reasons the Pura smart diffuser is so good is because of its ease of use. You can switch between two different scents from morning to afternoon. However, in addition, you can also alter the level of the scent. Furthermore, it doesn’t run all day. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about excessive aromas. On top of that, there’s even a subscription option. As a result, you’ll never run out of these scents that keep your home smelling pleasant and fresh.

• Pura Diffuser Starter Kit is $63 at Anthropologie.

The post Gadgets for Winter Comfort and Control appeared first on ReadWrite.

As an increasing number of companies aim for comprehensive digital transformation, the need for increased connectivity and the adoption of IoT are matched only by the proliferation of cybercriminals – both the masterminds and the crime-as-a-service purchasers, whose main target is exploiting IoT devices, with their ultimate goal being attacking the entire organization. IoT devices can be compromised to leak data, harm operations, deny service, or infiltrate the organization’s IT network.

Their ever-growing numbers – current stats range from 27.5 billion devices to 75 billion in only a few more years – means that secure communications and the adoption of IoT security solutions is crucial.

A recent survey revealed that an average of 61 percent of businesses are using IoT to bolster operations. At the same time, 28 percent of companies experienced a cyberattack due to the use of IoT infrastructure, as threats on IoT devices tripled compared to the same period in the previous year.  

The data and findings are based on extensive research done in cooperation with Infiniti Research, a premier provider of market intelligence solutions for leading players across industries.

As IoT devices, networks and uses are an evolving domain, organizations must keep abreast of developments in the ecosystem to take advantage of the operational and cost benefits ahead of the competition.

Cyber security is a pillar in the enablement of IoT deployment, and, in many cases, an inhibitor to large scale remote operations, if not taken into account at the design level. Both the hardware and the software must be protected.

For other IT networks, and other connected devices such as laptops, servers, mobile phones and others, security is often an afterthought, added on to close security gaps on the go.

However, the simplicity of IoT devices in terms of software and hardware, and the possibility of large-scale data sharing among applications and systems, are advantages that may bring an organization’s downfall.

We’ll dive into some of the factors that make IoT device security is a top concern and drive the criticality to address it.

•  Increasing dependence on IoT devices – Growing reliance on IoT devices is borne out of their efficiency, user-friendliness, automation capacity, and time- and money-saving features. Moreover, the IoT world opens new business models for organizations, monetizing on data-as-a-service, product-as-a-service, and process-as-a-service.These new business models lean on digital transformation that has resulted in the need for increased connectivity and technologies – such as 5G, AI, and machine learning – and the increased adoption of IoT especially in communications, finance, hospitality, and healthcare.Furthermore, the global telecom industry depends on IoT adoption to monetize 4G and accelerate 5G adoption to realize business goals, while the automotive sector relies on IoT to advance connected vehicles operation and capabilities.

• Increasing incidences of data breaches – The proliferation of connected devices has created a security blind spot where cybercriminals can launch zero-day attacks to compromise devices such as webcams, smart TVs, routers, printers, and smart homes. The ramifications of such attacks span from inconvenience to day-to-day privacy to disastrous shutdowns. This doesn’t even consider brand damage, legal liability issues, and regulatory fines.Remember the December 2019 lawsuit filed against home security products provider Ring for reports of multiple hacking incidents on its security cameras? The good news is this incident increased market awareness of IoT device security and a demand for more effective security software.
  A 2020 Thales Data Threat report indicated the following top IoT security concerns:

• Privacy violations related by IoT device-generated data-26 percent
• Attacks on IoT devices that may impact critical operations-33 percent
• Loss or theft of IoT devices-27 percent
  
• Lack of product updates provided by manufacturers – To accelerate time to market, manufacturers are spending less time testing and securing their devices. Lack of IoT industry standardization also means manufacturers have had to base programming protocols on their hosts’ ecosystems – losing synchronization across platforms, limiting developers’ ability to create a universal security protocol, and offering hackers multiple platforms from which they can breach the devices and steal data.
• Built-in vulnerabilities in IoT device security – IoT vulnerabilities are broad and wide thanks to default or hardcoded passwords and fewer manufacturer updates. Furthermore, the broad range of transmission technologies make following standard protocols difficult, resulting in unsecured networks with IoT devices remaining exposed and defenseless.

There has also been an increase in the number of attacks on blockchain-based applications, where social engineering is being used to extract usernames and passwords.

While some IoT device security firms are taking steps to identify threat intelligence data and match them with endpoint security solutions to minimize vulnerabilities, they cannot offer complete security against hackers, as the technology requires regular testing, patching, and updating.

 Market Trends Pointing to An Optimistic Future

 IoT security is being addressed with a variety of approaches and technologies.

• The growth of blockchain – This decentralized, distributed ledger-based technology enables direct information-sharing among connected devices. It monitors the information collected by the sensors, without causing them to be duplicated, and enables sensors to transfer data, eliminating the need for a trusted third party.For instance, IBM introduced a new supply chain service based on its blockchain platform, which helps developers combine data onto the distributed ledger with the help of an API. This allows end-users to securely integrate the data from IoT sensor systems onto the hyperledger.

• Increase in the use of AI for IoT security – AI helps safeguard assets, reduce fraud, support analytics, and enable automated decision making in IoT applications. Machine learning can be used to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic in IoT devices to create a profile that determines the normal behavior of the IoT ecosystem – helping detect threats via unusual behavior patterns.Moreover, using AI to collect data from smart homes and organizations, web cameras, and other IoT devices helps provide data security and strengthen privacy, reducing the chances of cyberattacks.For example, organizations are using AI to determine employees access patterns, get insights for future office layouts, and detect suspicious activities. Aerospace and defense companies are combining IoT, AI, and cloud infrastructure to discover DoS or DDoS attacks. 
• Taking a network-based approach to IoT security –IoT security is critical to all aspects of enterprise and personal security. However, due to the volume of devices and the range of manufacturers who may end up in the same environment, it’s next to impossible to ensure the highest level of security in each one. Therefore, securing everything at the network level ensures that threats never have the opportunity to reach the devices. In addition, if manufacturers use virtual SIMs, they can easily be upgraded with security applets from the network itself with minimal hassle.

There is an abundance of approaches for dealing with the cybersecurity gaps that exist in IoT deployments. As the market is set for hyper-growth, we can expect to see a growing ecosystem of companies offering solutions for IoT cyber security, at the hardware, software, communication, and network levels.

We are already seeing cybersecurity companies expanding their offering to address the specificalities of IoT, as well as leading device and software manufactures taking a stance on security and aiming to integrate it into their products.

National bills and regulations, as have been recently passed in the United States and Australia define basic guidelines, but do not give organizations the tools they need to comprehensively protect themselves.

Moreover, as in most cases, vendors are playing a cat and mouse game with threat actors, covering one entry point, while leaving others exposed. Organizations that methodologically take a security-first, network-based approach to their networks and IoT deployments have the advantage of scalability, flexibility and being device agnostic, thus increasing their security posture in this ever-evolving threat landscape.

The right approach to security will ensure that IoT devices make it easy for all of us – except threat actors.

The full FirstPoint Mobile Guard-Infiniti Research report, which will include IoT security market size and trends, will be available in mid-September from FirstPoint Mobile Guard.

Adam Weinberg, Founder & CTO, FirstPoint Mobile Guard (www.firstpoint-mg.com), applies his extensive executive R&D experience in communications intelligence and cyber technologies in shaping FirstPoint solutions, which secure any SIM device, anywhere, against cellular network-specific attacks, app-free and without user intervention.

The post IoT – It Just Isn’t Safe – But it Can Be appeared first on ReadWrite.

From motion-detecting power strips to smart light bulbs, having a green home is a big part of the tech mania currently sweeping the world.

Saving electricity and water is challenging. However, now there are several devices on the market that help. Here are some cool possibilities to upgrade your green home, including budget-friendly options, to help you save money.

Start your green home journey with LED light bulbs.

The typical light bulb needs improvement. However, the biggest energy-saving advancements are in LED light bulbs. LED bulbs consume up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs. In addition, they live up to 25 times longer, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
LEDs save energy on par with CFLs. However, they now come with “smart” capabilities that help you save even more by using less light. Its brightness adjusts depending on the time of day or the room’s brightness.
In addition, they have the ability to change based on whether or not someone is home. Its creators claim it learns users’ habits and adapts to them. The Philips Hue is a similar LED lamp. An app also controls it. It’s even possible to send an SMS to turn off your lights!
Instead of smart bulbs, you have the option to choose motion sensors or smart light switches that operate with both CFLs and LEDs. Belkin WeMo offers both choices and lets you control your lights via an app. Lights are controlled by setting timers or by using Siri on your iPhone to turn them off.

Install a smart thermostat in your home.

Nationally, only 6% of residential energy is used for air conditioning. 40% is used for space heating. However, this varies greatly by region. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in Arizona, 25% of energy is utilized for cooling and just 15% for heating.
The Nest Thermostat is the #1 best-selling thermostat on Amazon. In addition, it has rave reviews on CNET. The thermostat learns your behaviors. It allows you to adjust it remotely via smartphone or computer. In addition, it tracks your energy use. The Environmental Defense Fund deemed Nest “promising.” Furthermore, it noted that it reduces peak energy use while saving money.
Aros Smart AC Quirky+GE is ideal for those without central air. This window air conditioner is controlled remotely via an app, just like the thermostat. Tado sells products that turn your “dumb” air conditioner or heating system into a smart one. Both Tado and Aros let you control your system from your phone while you’re away.

New smart powerstrips enhance energy savings.

Some equipment in your home requires energy continuously. For example, plugged-in TVs, DVD players, and gaming consoles use power even when not being used. Additionally, computers and other devices do the same.
Smart power strips cut off energy to these “energy vampires” while not in use. This reduces energy loss.
Simple alternatives include timers, motion sensors, and remote controllers. In addition, there are power strips that disconnect power. They cut off power to your cable box, gaming console, and DVD player when, for example, the TV is switched off. Some unplug the power when all plugged-in devices are turned off. This prevents standby power consumption.
In addition, it’s possible to use a smartphone to regulate outlets. For example, the Belkin WeMo Insight outlet enables you to turn off devices, track energy use, create alerts, and more.

Get going on your green home with a new showerhead.

We’ve discussed energy conservation. Now let’s think about water. Showers use only 16% of home water. However, they are something we use daily.
Many digital advances have focused on saving water and time in the shower. For example, some have a showerhead that changes color after a while. In user testing, it reduced shower time by 13%.
The Oxiget aerating showerhead, for example, cuts water use by half without affecting water pressure. The Evolve showerhead or adapter stops running water as soon as it gets hot. This saves water.
Install a water-flow restrictor in your shower if you don’t already have one. This reduces the flow of water from your showerhead. In addition, conserve water and energy by installing WaterSense showerheads and WaterSense aerators on your faucets.

Green apps help our environment.

When it comes to enhancing your green home, knowledge is power. These apps, while not strictly gadgets, help you make more eco-friendly choices.
An electricity tracking app helps you track your energy usage. It pulls data from your utility bill or directly from your utility company. Others apps like WattBuddy and Kill-Ur-Watts do this as well. However some only function with specific utilities. Therefore, see if your local utility has an app or interacts with one.
In addition, tracking your consumption reveals things about your energy use that maybe you did not know.
In addition, use an app like GoodGuide or Ethical Barcode to make greener purchases. These apps collect company data to help you determine which items are truly green and which are not. They track company ethics, safety, and health.
The iRecycle app helps you identify nearby recycling locations that accept batteries, hazardous materials, and yard debris. Additionally, use water-saving apps like Water Use Calculator or H2O Tracker to track your water use. Furthermore, these apps are all free.

Wrapping Up

Remember that a green home isn’t simply about snazzy devices. Technology helps, however, so do good energy and water habits. Check out the Energy Saver website and the EPA’s WaterSense program for tips on lowering use.

The post Green Home Gadgets: Save, Save, Save! appeared first on ReadWrite.

With so many new exciting home technologies to pick from, how can you decide which to implement while creating your smart new home?

A new home represents a new beginning. It’s a chance to create the ideal smart new home, complete with cutting-edge technology that will make daily life easier and more convenient. To assist you in making an informed decision, we’ve gathered the driving forces behind the most popular options.
Smart new homes make it simple to observe your children heading to school or crossing the street. In addition, they help you by letting you know when the school bus has arrived or if they’ll be home in time for supper. You can schedule everything at once with smart appliances and spend less time waiting for things to wash when it’s too late.
It’s also simple to compare your expected savings to the cost of the appliance. These new, smart appliances help you to make an informed selection.

Smart appliances are about efficiency.

These smart home appliances are more powerful than normal models. In addition, they use less energy. Smart appliances have the ability to schedule cycles based on a user’s instructions. However, they also alter use based on temperature, humidity, and other variables.
Smart appliances can also be used in conjunction with popular home automation systems. This allows users to operate their household devices remotely using their smartphones or a tablet.
The kitchen isn’t the only place where smart new home technology is used. Install it in a variety of places and make everything more convenient and effective. From your bed to your bathroom to your living room, it’s designed to help you.
Smart bed technology is the way to go when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. Users may more easily customize their sleeping environment. In addition, they receive real-time updates about their sleeping habits using smart beds. These mattresses monitor your sleep quality, duration, and efficiency. They also track your heart rate, respiration, body temperature, and other physiological data.

Create a home with technology built-in.

The first and most important decision to make is how much room you have available for built-in tech. Smaller homes don’t have to be as complicated.
However, larger ones may necessitate a lot more labor. This is often due to the amount of power needed. There’s a certain amount of power required to keep the devices running or to provide high-quality internet.
The next major decision is whether you want to purchase smart appliances or take the effort to install them yourself. It’s possible to buy a smart oven or refrigerator online and connect it with your home. This takes a lot of research. However, this is not something most people want to do.
This is a possibility for you if you’re starting from scratch and don’t have an older home with a lot of holes in the walls. It’s not very feasible if you are moving from a home with a more complicated system.
You might be able to incorporate home systems more readily if you’re updating an older house with pre-existing wiring. Adding Wi-Fi to your home automation system is an example of this. This enables your home’s current cables to communicate with other gadgets. This is something to consider when building a new home.
Similarly, if you haven’t upgraded your old one yet, make sure there’s enough area for new wiring. In addition, check for space for the wiring and phone lines to pass through the walls and ceilings.

Why should every new home be a smart home?

If you’re anxious about your clumsy untrained child damaging your new cell console, you’re not alone. However, have no fear! The most intelligent and advanced devices are all virtual. No longer are there clumsy old-school remotes with steep learning curves. Nowadays you download an app to your phone and manage your lights and air conditioning from anywhere in the globe.
Smart lighting is highly energy efficient. Therefore, it is already in use in most new homes. In addition, home control, security, and safety systems are also standard features in most new homes.

What are some benefits of smart home technology?

Smart home technology helps you save money on electricity. It also lets you avoid blackouts while improving your comfort.
Furthermore, it increases the value of your home. It makes it more appealing and safe to potential purchasers.
Smart home technologies automate a variety of duties, from temperature and lighting control to security. You are able to view this data at any time and from any location. Similarly, use your smart home devices in conjunction with smart gadgets like cell consoles or wearable apps. These become the central control for all of your automation needs.
Maybe you think you have to wait and spend more money on more gadgets before you can call your home a smart home. However, start with basic home automation systems like lighting and security.  After that, the options are nearly limitless.

The post Smart New Home — Smart New Tech appeared first on ReadWrite.

Smart home devices are designed and built to help you unlock the power and convenience of automation in connection with your smartphone.

Smart Home Devices

Great things happen when design and technology meet. This is exactly what smart devices are about. We buy and install these devices at home and enjoy the benefits. Here is a list of a few of these devices, including how to unlock their key features and advantages.
More and more people are installing in their homes. However, before we go into smart home devices, it’s important to understand what smart devices are and what home automation is.
For starters, home automation is a system that allows you to automate various tasks within your home using technology and, of course, smart gadgets. Smart devices are items that are built to offer you unique features based on their use. They are able to be synchronized with your home automation systems and even mobile devices in order to provide you with greater convenience, comfort, or safety.

IoT Gadgets

Focusing on smart home gadgets, the current market offers various home automation solutions to buy and use. These can be used even if you don’t yet have a smart home. Listed below are the greatest smart devices you can buy to modernize your home and, of course, make your life easier. Are you ready?

Unlock the Power of a Surveillance System

Surveillance systems are smart devices that may be installed and connected in your home to secure your possessions and care for your family members. These smart products include smart alarms. These detect people in specific parts of your home. They can be operated by a control panel located in your home, or by a mobile device.

Smart Cameras Allow You to See Better

These smart devices let you view certain regions of your home in real-time. Configure them with your phone and check everything in your home. Your and your family’s safety will be ensured by video surveillance systems linked by Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Smart Plugs Let You Unlock the Power of Energy Efficiency

Save energy at home by changing your habits. This saves money and helps the environment. In addition, smart plugs help. These smart gadgets sync with mobile apps to operate connected devices. Therefore, even if you’re away from home, needless consumption is avoided. Similarly, even accidents are averted.

Unlock the Power of  Smart Bulbs

Of course, smart bulbs are included here because of their increasing importance in recent years. They’re more popular now due to the energy savings and functionality they provide. In addition, these LED lamps are also smart devices that help you in your daily life. With these clever bulbs, you change the color of the light in your rooms or vary the brightness. Similarly, set the lights to turn on and off.

Smart Scales

If you’re still amazed by technology, wait till you test the increasingly popular smart scales. One of the many features these smart devices provide for you is weighing you. Calculate your BMI, water percentage, save your progress, and compare days or months in tables and graphs. This and more is done with smart scales that communicate with your phone or tablet.

Unlock the Power of  Your Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants such as Alexa or Siri are wonderful examples of how technology enters our homes to help us with our daily tasks. Virtual assistants are smart devices that use voice recognition software to automate chores. Ask your virtual assistant to call a friend or family member, play a song, or even switch on the lights in your room. With your voice, speed up these chores. Your virtual assistant does them in record time.

Smart Thermostats Allow You to Unlock the Power of Control

With smart thermostats, you can control and save on heating and cooling your spaces. In addition, you get detailed information on your home’s energy consumption. Smart thermostats are installed in houses for maximum temperature control all year round. In brief, it’s a smart device that helps you prevent service bill shocks.

Unlock Your Clean Robovac

Robot vacuum cleaners round off our list of the top smart products available for you and your family. Housework is rarely enjoyable, but now it’s possible to delegate it to our robot. This vacuum cleaner ensures that our floors are clean and free of dust.
These handy little cleaning assistants are able to start their work at any time. They quickly clean floors and carpets. In addition, they help prevent allergies caused by dust buildup even in those hard-to-reach places.
So…what are you waiting for? It’s time to choose the best smart home devices for your house or flat and start enjoying the greater freedom and convenience they provide.

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A woman has found a bunch of her voice recordings from Alexa, that is being synced to Amazon via Wi-Fi. She has recorded a TikTok video and can be found below.

She has requested all of the files that Amazon had from her 2 Alexa’s and saw loads of voice recordings in a .zip file. You can also find your voice recordings that Amazon has tracked, just by heading to alexa.amazon.com. From there, sign in with the account you would use for your Alexa, and a load of voice recordings will reveal themselves. The woman says that she described the experience as so scary.

Amazon said, in a statement, that they give customers transparency and control over their Alexa experience. Customers can review and delete voice recordings, or choose not to save them anywhere.
Amazon says you can grant permission for the Alexa app to use data and can change what you want and don’t want in the Alexa app.

You can request data from Amazon by heading to Amazon’s Request My Data page, (which can be found here), logging into your Amazon account, and then choosing the information they want to review.

How can I just stop Alexa from saving my voice recordings?

You can disable the saving voice commands feature by opening the Alexa app, going to More, then settings, then Alexa privacy, then Mange your Alexa data, choose how long to save the recordings, then tap Don’t save recordings.

Amazon says that they provide privacy for all of their devices, but they should just tell you what you can and can’t do regarding your privacy.

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Amazon had its very own fall event, where they released many items. 2, in particular, are more special than the rest of the items – in our humble opinion. The Ring Always Home Cam, and an Alexa Robot named Astro. It has a 10-inch display, has Alexa, and has a camera that can go up and down if the robot feels like something is wrong. As for the Surveillance drone, it activates when the door seems to be forced open, and it begins flying towards the source. The feed will be sent to the owner’s device where they will be able to record the thief entering.

Amazon Astro

The robot made by Amazon has many sensors, a camera that can go up or down, a 10-inch display, 2 cup holders when the robot needs to send a drink to another person and has a voice assistant also made by Amazon, Alexa. The robot can last for a whole day before automatically returning to the room its charger is in to charge. When it needs to charge, it will flash up on the screen saying “Going to Charge”. When it is delivering a drink to someone, all they have to do is say who they want to deliver the drink to after putting it in the 2 cup holders. Unfortunately, Astro does not have arms or legs, so if you want to deliver something on another floor, Astro can’t help you.
As for a security system, Astro can be used as a monitoring system, as it can send notifications if it sees an unknown person, and will send notifications if any other various actions happen.

Always Home Cam

The Ring Always Home Cam can do a similar job to Amazon Astro, except it does it from the air. The battery from it can last up to 5 minutes while flying, and will automatically return to its charger when the battery runs out. You have to teach the drone the routes to take, say if the doorbell was in the hallway, while your drone is in the kitchen. You would need to teach it how to get there. It has 4 rotors. Amazon says that pets may need to get used to it though. Basically, all the surveillance camera is, is just 1 camera mounted on a drone that has Wi-Fi, and connects to a sensor that resides next to your wall, and will alert the drone if the door has opened.
The drone isn’t new, as it was made it 2020, but wasn’t publically available.

So far the products are in “Day 1” essentially meaning that the products will change over the years, and will improve. What would it look like?

Source

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Renter populations have skewed younger for years. This makes sense considering many young Millennials and Generation Zers are renting for the flexibility it allows them to save up for their first home purchase. However, the fastest-growing renter demographic is surprising: Baby Boomers and smart home amenities can attract this latest renter batch.

With the real estate market nearing the peak set just prior to the Great Recession, Boomers are cashing in and selling their homes.

And instead of buying new ones with those profits, many are opting to rent — either to wait out an inflated market or to take advantage of flexibility and amenities that they might not be able to afford if they wanted to purchase outright at current prices.

Amenities the Aging Population Want

Many of the amenities Boomers want the most are built around the concept of “aging in place,” which is the practice of modifying a home to allow older occupants to inhabit it comfortably for as long as possible.

With nursing homes and professional care settings well outside the price range of most Boomers, a comfortable rental is often the best and most affordable option.

According to AssistedLiving.org, aging-in-place modifications include wheelchair-friendly wide doorways, ramps instead of stairs at entry and exit points, details such as safety bars and strips to prevent falls in showers and bathtubs, and flooring modifications to prevent trips and slips. Unfortunately, all of these changes can be expensive to make to a home, prompting many Boomers to look for them in a rental.

Taking Advantage of Smart Tech — Amenities Can Attract

One other set of features is almost guaranteed to grow in popularity among Boomer renters, and you might not think about it when considering accessibility or aging in place.

It’s common to think of digital natives (Gen Z in particular) as the biggest consumers of smart home tech. Still, the small advantages of smart home devices can turn into even bigger selling points for aging populations.

Smart home devices can offer just as much comfort, convenience, and safety for older occupants as they do younger ones — if not more.

In particular, smart home tech can provide these three advantages for aging residents and those who look after them:

1. Awareness.

Many seniors are more than capable of living alone, but a simple fall or accident can turn into a life-threatening event when no one is there to help. Cameras in common areas (such as a living room) help caretakers and loved ones check-in and make sure seniors are up and moving. In addition, many options allow for two-way communication if a resident isn’t picking up a phone or responding to messages.

These devices could very well save a life in an emergency situation, and they’re even more important for residents who have dementia and are prone to wandering away from the safety and comfort of home. Monitored life safety services — such as smoke and carbon dioxide alarms and security systems — also add an extra layer of protection for older residents.

2. Savings.

Many seniors are on a fixed income, so saving money on utilities means a lot. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration data, U.S. households spent an average of $115.49 per month on energy in 2019. Heating and cooling amount to nearly half of that expense, which is why smart thermostats represent a good investment.

These energy-saving devices can reduce a home’s heating bill by up to 12% and its cooling costs by as much as 15%. In addition, many of the smart devices nowadays adapt to a resident’s schedule over time and adjust the temperature settings while the home is vacant. This meaning the savings happen automatically without impacting anyone’s comfort level.

3. Convenience.

Saving money is nice, but convenience might be even more important for older residents who aren’t as mobile as they used to be. “Curb-to-couch” technology such as keyless entry can allow Boomers to let in deliveries or guests without having to walk to the front door. Likewise, voice assistants let them adjust the thermostat, turn on the TV, and play their favorite music without having to get up.

In addition, wearable devices bring the convenience of voice assistants on residents’ wrists and help monitor important vitals such as blood, oxygen, and pulse. These technologies might not seem groundbreaking, but they can have a big impact on a senior’s quality of life when used together.

Easy Essentials Boomers Ask For

Knowing that Boomers are interested in the safety, savings, and convenience of smart home technology, property owners should take specific steps to appeal to this growing demographic of renters. The Boomers want easy devices they don’t have to fuss with — and neither will you. Boomers want “set and go” tech and you can provide it.

The devices provide the baseline smart home technology that the property owner should install before a resident moves in. In addition, they provide a base set of aging-in-place services and allow residents to enhance their experience with add-on devices such as interior cameras, wearables, and voice assistants.

Include these “asked for amenities” with your smart home suite of amenity offerings to attract your very own boomers — and the older millennials who demand these extras too.

· Thermostats: Save money, keep residents comfortable, and stay ahead of maintenance needs to avoid more significant costs.

· Leak sensors: Monitor common leak areas such as toilets and dishwashers to avoid major damage or mold growth that can threaten health.

· Water flow valves: Make sure low-pressure leaks don’t go unnoticed, lead to exorbitant water bills, and cause residents to be displaced.

· Touch screen control: Provides reliable connectivity via cellular, improves control with an easy-to-use touchscreen, and enables optional services like monitored life safety.

· Curb-to-couch keyless access: Lets residents easily grant access to service providers and guests, and a complete access history provides transparency and security.

Conclusion

A baseline investment in smart home tech can be a savvy strategy for property managers to attract as many potential renters as possible.

Pick a smart property platform that has the products and service providers you need to allow a unit to flex and appeal to all kinds of different residents.

As the number of Boomer renters grows, smart technology choices can be the difference between a happily-occupied property and a frustrating vacancy for owners.

Image Credit: marcus aurelius; pexels; thank you!

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It seems like yesterday that Millennials were the new renters on the block, slowly taking over from Gen Xers to become the new majority. Suddenly, Gen Z is beginning to gain ground on Millennials, entering the workforce en masse and looking for somewhere to live other than their parents’ homes.

By 2034, Gen Z — Americans born between 1997 and 2012 — will overtake Millennials as the largest portion of the U.S. population.

Today, about 44 million Gen Zers are looking to rent (updaterdotcomblog) — 60% of the entire generation. This represents the most intense demand for rentals in decades.

At first glance, it might not seem like much has to change to accommodate this influx of new renters. Millennials and Gen Zers often feel like two sides of the same coin: Both groups tend to be tech-savvy, and they both faced a recession upon graduating from college.

However, there are noteworthy differences between the two generations regarding technological preferences in their homes.

Gen Zers grew up along with the Internet of Things (IoT), and they connect with technology more than any other generation.

Gen Zers Aren’t Just Younger Millennials

While most Millennials know their way around a smartphone, being tech-literate and tech native are two completely different things.

Gen Zers are tech natives who grew up with smart home devices, smartphones, voice assistants, social media, etc. They are the “all digital natives. ”

In one survey, 60% of Gen Zers said they had used smartphones before they turned 14. They’ve been in the middle of it all, adopting the newest technology even as it evolved at a more rapid pace. Unlike Millennials, technology isn’t just a part of the Gen Z lifestyle — it is their lifestyle.

In practical terms, this means that Gen Zers expect more from their technology than previous generations. Technology feeds their connected lifestyle — which, in turn, informs every decision, including where they live.

Much like electricity or water, high-speed internet access and a smart home that can be controlled remotely will be considered necessities rather than conveniences.

Though many Gen Z members have not yet bought homes, 43% say that smart home capabilities, like connected IoT devices, are a key consideration in choosing where they live.

Frugality Sets Gen Z Apart

Technology isn’t the only differentiating factor when looking for a place to live. Not only do Gen Zers face a severe financial strain thanks to COVID-19, but they also grew up in the shadow of the Great Recession.

In many ways, Gen Z has more in common with the Silent Generation, who grew up during the Great Depression and World War II, than Millennials.

As a result, Gen Zers prize stability and affordability much more than Millennials do.

Upgraded amenities in properties might be great selling points, but amenities aren’t as appealing to this generation unless they help save time and money.

For professionals in the rental property space, the challenge will be finding new ways to attract this generation of renters by combining their digital native lifestyles with their cost-saving concerns. This attitude isn’t as difficult as it may seem. The two priorities can complement each other — with the help of IoT devices. IoT devices create real benefits that serve as selling points for Gen Zers.

The Tech that Gen Z Wants — Smart Devices

The following areas will be most attractive to Gen Z tenants as smart property tech continues to take over:

1. Appeal to their values.

Smart properties offer money-saving opportunities for tenants, but the monetary aspect isn’t the sole benefit. Most smart home tech is energy efficient and good for the environment, which is a big selling point for many Gen Zers.

Moreover, smart property tech like keyless locks can make properties safer — especially as we practice social distancing — and more secure. For example, fobs can’t be lost or given to people who should not have them.

These smart devices save money, help the environment, and deliver a convenient lifestyle — all major Gen Z concerns.

To accommodate these technologies and further appeal to Gen Zers, smart property platforms should be thought of as utilities, much like water and electricity.

2. Offer savings, convenience, and connectivity.

High-speed internet in every rental property is a given by this point, but more advanced tech is needed to meet Gen Z’s needs.

Most Gen Zers will want their homes to be as connected as they are.

There isn’t one tool that connects everything, but there are several tools for specific uses that deliver the right combination of performance, cost, and coverage for different applications.

For example, Z-Wave could be used for low bandwidth, high-security IoT devices, such as water sensors and door locks. 5G cellular networks could be used for secure communication on remote devices. And Wi-Fi could be used for high-speed, low-security services, such as streaming videos.

Smart IoT-Connected Devices

IoT-connected devices, like smart lighting, thermostats, door locks, video doorbells, intercoms, etc., all have the potential to become part of a single “smart property” that truly appeals to Gen Z’s need for convenience and savings.

Smart thermostats, for instance, can automatically turn the temperature down or up using voice control, location, or occupancy rules, making it easy for tenants to save money on their monthly electric bills.

Intelligent thermostats can also check to ensure the unit is operating correctly, so property managers can identify and fix faulty units before they cause any problems.

A connected intercom, meanwhile, allows Gen Zers to buzz friends in using their phones without the need to disrupt their TikTok browsing.

Prepare for Gen Z Tenants Today

Gen Z is just starting to enter the adult world, and there is no doubt that this shift will cause plenty of changes. If property owners and managers wait until Gen Z overtakes Millennials to implement IoT-connected smart home technologies, they’ll be playing catch-up.

Property managers, realtors, and loan officers must all start thinking about what they can do now to prepare for the Gen-Z client. Creating a plan and begin testing now, for a decided edge in the market.

Be proactive now — and the prep for Gen Z will pay-off-big-time when this next generation of young adults becomes the biggest renters.

Image Credit: picjumbocom; pexels

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When you think of living a holistic lifestyle, do you picture someone being completely off-grid with no computer, no internet, and no smartphone? While some people do live this way, the absence of IoT tech doesn’t define a holistic lifestyle.

Smart technology and a holistic life aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, plenty of people live a happy, healthy, joyful life filled with smart technology. The key is they don’t allow their tech to control their lives. They’re not glued to their smartphones, and if their smart coffee maker stopped working, they’d happily brew a cup of coffee by hand.

There are countless ways smart technology can improve your life. Here are just a few specific ways.

Smart tech can give you critical food and drug recall alerts

Part of living a healthy, holistic lifestyle involves knowing when your favorite food brands test positive for dangerous contaminants. This goes for your pets’ food, too. Food recalls are far too common, and it’s hard to stay on top of every single situation. The easiest way to stay on top of each situation is to subscribe to alert mailing lists and pipe your emails through your smartphone so you’ll never miss a recall.

Even more common than food recalls are drug recalls. As much as you might try to live without over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, sometimes that’s hard. For instance, you might need to take ibuprofen once in a while to ward off a stress headache. There’s no shame in that. However, some seemingly innocent OTC drugs end up having devastating health consequences.

For example, the popular heartburn drug, Zantac, has been voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer. Zantac is the brand name for the generic drug called ranitidine. Unbeknownst to the public for years, the chemical structure of ranitidine literally becomes a carcinogen during metabolization. That’s pretty scary.

If you’re not taking any OTC drugs, you might be taking a medication that is keeping you alive. If that drug gets recalled or black boxed, your doctor may not know about it for a while. Using a smartphone to receive alerts when drugs are recalled could save your life.

Smart technology and holistic living are compatible

You can live a holistic lifestyle while embracing smart technology; you don’t need to choose one or the other. Technology won’t negatively impact your health unless you’re literally sitting at your computer all day long and you never get up to interact with the world.

In some cases, smart tech can even help you live a healthier life. For example, Fitbit tracks a user’s health data like steps taken, burned calories, and heart rate. Tracking this data can help individuals see the impact of their exercise routines, and it also helps them achieve their goals. Other wearable smart tech can be used to transmit data to a healthcare provider, and some wearable devices deliver pulsed electromagnetic frequency (PEMF) treatments.

Other smart devices are incredibly helpful to people with disabilities. For example, there are smart shoes that provide haptic feedback to guide blind people safely around neighborhoods using a smartphone GPS connection.

Haptic shoes convey directional information in a way that doesn’t distract the wearer or anyone else around them. The shoes are equipped with actuators and vibrators on all sides. After the wearer’s smartphone calculates their route, vibrations in the shoe guide the wearer to their destination. These amazing shoes also detect obstacles like steps and curbs and use the same vibrations to guide the wearer around immediate obstacles.

You can use smart tech to connect with likeminded people

Smartphones and smart tablets are tools that can connect you with likeminded people. No matter what your passion is in life, you’ll find a group of people online who share your interests.

The best way to connect with people is to use video conferencing software. Audio phone calls are okay, but why just use voice when you can connect through video conferencing? If you have an iPhone, iPod, or iPad, you already have video conferencing built into your device via FaceTime.

It’s more fun connecting with people through video chat than voice chat. You can tell so much more about a person when you can see them live. Video is the next best thing to an in-person meeting.

You can also connect with people all around the world and you won’t pay a dime beyond what you would pay for data. If you’re on Wi-Fi, then there’s no extra charge.

Connecting with people all around the world is inspiring and can be beneficial for your business. People from different cultures often have different ways of viewing situations and can come up with ideas and solutions you would have never thought about.

You can use smart tech to discover potential business partners

If you’re running a business, there’s no better way to find potential business partners than by assessing the people you’re already connecting with online.

If you’re discussing business with people over the internet, you might get a feeling that someone is a potential business partner. Smart tech will facilitate video conversations so you can get a better idea of who those people are.

Most people can sense who a person is just by being in their presence. Video conferencing is the next best thing if you’re working with people across the world.

Smart technology allows you to bring your workouts anywhere

Perhaps one of the coolest ways smart tech supports a holistic lifestyle is facilitating the ability to take your workouts anywhere. Some online workout programs are hosted in the cloud, like Apple Fitness Plus, which makes them available anywhere you have an internet connection.

You can also upload your workout programs to your private cloud hosting account if they’re not already available online. Last, if uploading is too much work, you can simply load your smart device with your workout programs and use your device to play the programs. If you happen to be in a hotel with a smart TV, you can connect your device to the TV to play your workout video on a larger screen.

Smart tech will help you track progress and goals

As long as you aren’t tediously tracking data that doesn’t matter, using smart tech to track your progress and goals in any area of life will prove beneficial. For instance, you can use your smartphone to track your reps while you’re at the gym instead of lugging around a notepad. You can also download an app to track what you eat. There are also apps that will tell you what to eat and when to eat depending on your body type and specific goals.

Technology has always been great for tracking progress. You can also track your business goals, sales, and just about anything else from a smartphone app.

Embrace smart technology as a way to enhance your holistic lifestyle

Living a holistic lifestyle is central to wellbeing. A holistic lifestyle involves taking care of your entire self – your mind, body, and soul. Smart technology can help you take better care of yourself by providing you with tools to stay on track.

Regardless of what you’ve read online, living a holistic lifestyle isn’t about giving up gluten, eating a plant-based diet, and living in a converted shipping container tiny home. Living a holistic lifestyle is about unifying your mental self with your physical self to promote overall wellness. It’s a lifestyle that keeps you in touch with the way your thoughts and attitude impact your physical health and keeps you in tune with nature, whether you eat gluten, fish, beef, or potatoes. It’s not about what you eat – it’s about who you are.

Technology has the power to facilitate your growth both in your personal life and in business. There’s no reason you can’t use a little smart technology to sustain a joyful, healthy life.

The post How to Live a Holistic Lifestyle While Embracing Smart Technology appeared first on ReadWrite.

Every landlord dreams of having long-term, reliable, trustworthy tenants who pay rent on time and in full. An even bigger dream is having tenants who clean up properly before moving out and leave all necessary repairs to the professionals.

Ideally, the dream is to secure honest tenants who don’t hide details that would change their lease terms. For instance, tenants who run a home-based business are more likely to cause damage in the process of making their goods. For this reason, many leases prohibit tenants from running a home-based business. Some tenants will hide their business, while others will be upfront and honest.

While securing great tenants with integrity is just a dream for many landlords, it can be your reality by employing the following strategies.

1. Set the tone for your relationship on day one

From the very first interaction you have, you are training your tenants how to be with you. If you want your tenants to honor their lease terms, you need to set the bar extremely high from day one.

For example, the first time you interact with a tenant will probably be a phone call asking if a unit is available or perhaps they’ll just submit an application online. Make these small interactions count. Be professional rather than casual and be firm with anything you tell prospective clients about rent prices, deposit amounts, rules, and cleaning fees.

If establishing a strict relationship with your tenants is difficult, hire a property management company. You won’t have to worry about anything. They’ll screen, select, and onboard tenants for you and they’ll handle all of their needs like maintenance and repairs.

2. Hold clients responsible for being on time

Not acknowledging when a tenant is late for a meeting will set a tenant up to feel comfortable with paying rent late. The truth is, most people are conditioned to be perpetually late. They don’t like to make or follow through with commitments. They want to maintain control to relax their way through life and do things on their terms.

Don’t set your tenants up to be lax about anything. Make sure they know you mean business. For instance, say you schedule a walkthrough from 2-2:30pm. Tell your prospective tenant ahead of time that being late will cut into the time available for the walkthrough and follow through. If they don’t show up until 2:15, don’t give them any extra time.

If you start making exceptions in the beginning of your relationship, even before someone becomes a tenant, you’ll train that person to know they’ve got wiggle room with your deadlines. This can result in all kinds of problems including using the laundry room after hours, blasting loud music late at night, paying rent late, and expecting to have late fees waived.

3. Reward tenants for amazing behavior

There are always fees and punishments for bad behavior, but what about good behavior? Find ways to appreciate good tenants. For example, if a tenant pays rent on time every month for 6 months, give them a $50-$100 discount on their 7th month.

A discount will be an incentive for them to continue paying on time. After a year of on-time payments, you could renew their lease at a discount for the entire year to come.

You could also reward tenants with a month of free parking, or a $20 gift card to Starbucks. The rewards you provide for your tenants are up to you. However, most landlords don’t reward their tenants, so even small efforts will be greatly appreciated.

When your tenants feel appreciated, they’ll be more likely to stick around even if they find a cheaper place to live.

4. Set your credit and income qualifications high

Some tenants with lower income can easily afford rent because they don’t have many bills. However, that’s not always the case. Since you can’t verify exactly how a tenant spends all of their money, it’s best to set high credit and income qualifications.

The standard minimum for credit scores is 650. Most landlords will not accept tenants with a score under 650. However, you can set the bar a little higher if you want.

When it comes to income, you want tenants who earn at least three times the monthly rent. You need to make sure your tenants have enough income to pay for their car, car insurance, cell phone, utilities, cable, internet, credit card bills, student loans, and whatever additional debts most people have today.

You will find tenants who are exceptions to these rules. There are people who don’t play the credit game and don’t have any debt, but consider those people on a case-by-case basis and only advertise your high standards. If someone really wants to live in your unit despite not having credit or 3x the rent as income, they’ll contact you to discuss their situation.

5. Cover utilities if possible

Including utilities in the rent is a controversial move that many landlords advise against. Tenants who know their landlords cover utilities are more likely to let space heaters, central heaters, and A/C units run all day and night. There’s no incentive to monitor or conserve their usage.

However, covering utilities can give tenants the certainty they need to feel financially stable. Some tenants function better when they know exactly how much their bills will be each month.

Although it’s controversial, there’s a way to make it work. The first thing you need to do is include a clause in the lease that allows you to start billing tenants for abusing utilities. This is easiest when you’re renting single-family homes because you can hold tenants accountable for the electricity they use.

Apartment buildings, condos, and some townhomes don’t have separate meters for each unit so it’s hard to set parameters for what constitutes abuse. For example, if you own an apartment complex with 20 units, you’ll never know if one family is running up your monthly electricity bill by $500 while everyone else is using around $200.

While it’s a great strategy for creating happy tenants, use your discretion when covering utilities in the rent.

6. Don’t spy on your tenants or use smart devices against them

While smart home devices can be convenient, use them with caution. Tenants want convenience, but not at the cost of sacrificing their privacy. An ADT survey found that 93% of consumers are concerned about how their data is being used.

Recently, several landlords have been in the news for attempting to force tenants to use smart security systems to enter the building and access their mailbox. Tenants felt like facial recognition software was a violation of privacy. Other tenants opposed the idea of smart locks because the electronic key fob was also a tracking device.

Although there is no federal law prohibiting landlords from using smart surveillance and keyless entry systems, the courts have been ruling in favor of concerned tenants.

If you’re going to install smart home devices and security systems, make sure you know where your tenants’ data is going. If the device manufacturer collects that data and sells it to marketers, you should skip that device to protect your tenants’ desire for privacy. Your tenants will appreciate you using only the smart devices and services that don’t sell their data.

7. Let your tenants know you won’t use smart devices against them

There have been landlords who have used smart locks to lock tenants out of their house for not paying rent. Some landlords have even used apps to prevent tenants from using their thermostat to turn on the heat or air conditioning.

Make sure you tell your tenant that you’re providing smart devices for their convenience and that you’re not going to use it against them. Technically, it would be illegal for you to prevent a tenant from accessing their home or thermostat, but since some landlords ignore the law, many tenants are afraid to rent homes that employ these smart devices.

You can earn a whole lot of trust from a tenant by eliminating their fears surrounding smart home devices.

Create good communication with your tenants

The ultimate way to attract and retain reliable and trustworthy tenants is to maintain good communication. When a tenant contacts you with a request, reply as soon as possible, even if only to let them know you’ll get back with them when you have a solution. Good, clear communication is one of the most effective ways to retain your best tenants.

The post How to Attract and Retain Reliable and Trustworthy Tenants appeared first on ReadWrite.

Thanks to technology, life has become incredibly convenient. We can buy stuff online, talk to family and friends across the country and the globe, and control numerous smart devices through our tablet or smartphone. Those taking advantage of the Internet of things include the world’s largest minority, namely, individuals with disabilities.

In addition to the many other technologies of our digital world, disabled individuals benefit from the use of smart devices. It’s a lot like how the general public gets to enjoy the benefits of website accessibility. When websites are made accessible, it improves the user experience for all. If you’re not sure about getting on this technological trend, let us give you the reasons why you should.

What are smart home devices?

A smart home is a residence that features devices interconnected with each other via the Internet that will enable the owner to remotely monitor and control them. Smart home devices include appliances, lights, thermostats, doorbells, door locks, cameras, speakers, etc.

How does a device qualify as a smart home device? Technically, any product inside your home that can be plugged into your home network and commanded by voice, remote control, tablet, or smartphone is considered a smart device.

How does smart home technology help people with disabilities?

Having your devices “talk” to each other has obviously transformed the lives of many people, but what has it done for those who are living with disabilities? How do these smart home devices help improve their daily lives?

A smart home system gives control to people with disabilities. These devices can help them enjoy independent living while easing the worries of their loved ones. They’re giving power to this community while providing them with cost savings. Smart devices are considerably less expensive than single-purpose assistive devices.

How do smart home systems do all of that? One good example is a smart door sensor that is connected to smart speakers. Blind people can use this smart home technology to let them know if someone has entered or left the house. Another good example is the Amazon Echo program.

This personal assistant device can listen to your voice commands and control Bluetooth-enabled devices and appliances. People with limited physical mobility no longer need to get up to change the thermostat or to get in touch with a loved one. Opening curtains or blinds can be difficult for some people with restricted mobility. Having a smart device enables them to perform this task with ease.

Robotic vacuum cleaners, smoke alarms, ovens, and even coffee makers are just some of the other things that can be controlled using smartphones or even just spoken commands. As such, people living with disabilities are given the “ability” to perform tasks that they used to ask others to perform for them. It increases accessibility without requiring them to make changes to how their home is designed or built. Simply put, this type of technology provides them with “home control,” which can make a huge difference in how they can live their everyday life.

Best devices to make your home smarter

Door sensors

If you’re investing in a smart device, security should be your top priority. What better way to make your house secure than to get a door sensor? A door sensor sends you an alert whenever someone tries to enter your home. You’ll never have to worry about leaving your home unattended again because you’ll know immediately if your door opens.

For people living with disabilities such as dementia, loved ones can feel much safer with a door sensor installed. It eases their mind because they’ll be able to know right away if their family member leaves home without them.

Electronic door locks

A smart lock enables you to open and lock your doors remotely. It ensures you’re never locked out of your home—something that can easily happen if you forget your key or the code into your house.

It also allows you to provide people temporary access to your homes whenever you want it. In fact, you can even dictate the number of times and days someone can go in and out of your home. With a smart lock, you’re not just able to provide access. You’re also able to monitor access.

Motion sensors

Motion sensors, as we all know, can detect movement in an area where there shouldn’t be any. These play an integral role in any security system. It can alert you when your children are entering an area in the home (like the basement) when they shouldn’t be; It will let you know if your teen is breaking curfew or going out while you’re asleep. Also, It will alert you when intruders are going into your home.

With a smart home system, you can set up your motion sensor to trigger other connected devices such as lights or alarms. These devices can even be used to help you save money. For example, you can set the device to turn off lights whenever there is no motion detected in a room for a certain period.

Smart lights

Smart lighting is more than just being able to turn your lights on and off remotely. It enables you to control lighting levels allowing you to change a bulb’s brightness to suit your needs and/or the time of day. It also allows you to save energy. As we’ve already mentioned, you can connect motion sensors with your smart lighting allowing you to turn off the lights in unoccupied rooms. In short, you’re able to conserve electricity as well as your personal energy.

Voice assistants

Voice assistant technology has transformed the lives of everyone. Commanded through voice, it is a software that performs as a digital assistant providing users with a service through an application. A good example of voice assistants includes Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant.

With a voice assistant, you can control various devices through one specific app or device, such as the Amazon Alexa app, Amazon Echo, or Google Nest. Among other things, you can use it to call loved ones, search Google, watch a movie, create a shopping list, set reminders, and alarms, play music, lock the door, and change the thermostat. No hands required.

Video doorbells

A video doorbell is just as the name suggests. Your doorbell has a camera that records video. Why should you install it? Well, this smart device is a great criminal deterrent. Seeing a camera recording their actions just outside your door can make them think twice about breaking into your home. You can record everyone that goes to your door, which provides you with valuable video footage that can serve as evidence of a crime or blackmail material for a loved one.

Another benefit to this device is that it allows you to watch over your Amazon deliveries while you’re out of the home. It will also enable you to screen your visitors during those days when you’d rather be left alone.

Leak sensors

As you’ve probably already guessed by its name, this smart device alerts you whenever it detects a leak. Traditional devices will sound an alarm, which only works when you’re at home and can hear it. With a leak sensor such as a smart water leak detector, you get the alert on your smartphone.

Why would you need this? Prevention is better than a cure. Water damage is hard to detect until it has become a visible problem. That could cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Some people with disabilities might not have the ability to search for a leak. With a smart leak sensor installed in areas where leaks are likely to occur, they’ll get notified if and where it happens.

Thermostats

Some people like to keep their homes warm; others prefer it cooler. A smart thermostat allows you to set the temperature inside your home just the way you want it. Why is this important?

Well, with a smart thermostat, you can lower the heat while you’re out of the house to save on costs and then warm it up when you’re on your way home. For people living with disabilities, being able to remotely control the temperature of their home is a convenience that makes life easier.

Smart home devices are easy to install and setup.

Smart home devices can be intimidating to some of us. It sounds too much like science fiction, but the future is now. People don’t have to be afraid of this technology because it’s easy to install and set up. Most smart devices are designed to be user-friendly. Moreover, for most of them, you only need to install an app and plug the device into your home network.

Advantages of using smart home technologies

The advantages of a smart home are too numerous to cover in just a short article. For this reason, we’ll only cover five, but these are the big ones.

Home assistant

House chores certainly have never been this easy to accomplish. You can use your smart home devices to preheat your oven, get your coffee going, or have the carpet vacuumed while you’re miles away. Some smart home devices can even let you know when your food has cooked to perfection on the grill and is ready to serve. All of that is done without lifting more than a finger.

Smart heating/cooling

With a smart thermostat, you can make sure your home is warm and ready to welcome you in its arms as soon as you get home. Adjust your water temperature so that you’re ready for a hot shower as soon as you step through the door. The cooling and heating of your home is easily achieved through your smartphone.

Save energy and money.

Smart home devices enable you to regulate how much energy is spent in your home. You can lower the heat while you’re out of the house by only turning it up when you’re about to get home. You can turn off lights in unoccupied rooms or dim them down to keep energy costs low. Some applications can even help you monitor how much energy your household is using and notifies you of ways you can save energy, and when you save energy, you save money.

Health tracking

If you want to keep an eye on your health or the health of someone you love, smart health trackers can do that for you. It can check your stress level, calories, heart rate, pulse, and even your sleep patterns.

Safety

The world is a dangerous place. There’s no doubt about that. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t enjoy a worry-free life. With smart home technology, you can keep an eye on your home whether you’re inside it or far away. If there’s an intruder when you’re at the office or a water leak while you’re on vacation, you can get notified immediately instead of when you get back home hours, if not days/weeks, later.

Smart home technology can even let you allow people access to your home if necessary while you’re not in town. Moreover, it’ll give you peace of mind knowing that you’re able to lock the door even when you’re already at the airport waiting for your flight.

Conclusion:

There’s no question that smart home devices have made life easier for many consumers. For people living with disabilities, they’ve made life more normal. These devices have given them more control over how they will live their lives, enabling them to accomplish more on their own. Disabled people no longer need to rely on assistive technologies that usually only serve one purpose and cost a lot of money.

With smart home devices, their lives are better and their pockets fuller.

The post Benefits of Smart Devices for People Living with Disabilities appeared first on ReadWrite.

According to projections, more than one-fifth (precisely 21.3%) of households worldwide would be using smart home devices by 2025. To put that into perspective, the penetration rate in 2020 stands at 4.9%. Here is all about smart home and data protection and the struggle between convenience and security.

What is the cost of your privacy and cybersecurity?

While smart home devices’ proliferation is for good causes (safety, comfort, convenience, wellness, entertainment, etc.), more than enough reports have shown that these benefits come at the expense of privacy and cybersecurity.

Research has shown that most people have little trust in smart device providers.

According to an ADT survey, 93% of smart home devices consumers are concerned about how companies share their data. The human wariness factor is certainly not misplaced.

Smart home devices collect very personal information, and security is paramount.

Data Security Concerns

The fear of users of connected devices is two-fold. On the one hand, there are suppliers infamous for unauthorized data collection, usage, and sharing. On the other hand, some attackers would stop at nothing to intrude on devices and access a user’s data for nefarious purposes.

• Unauthorized data collection and usage (suppliers).

“New technologies cause new problems,” said Surya Mattu as he received his 2018 Technology in Journalism award. This is the award that Mattu won with his co-journalist, Kashmir Hill.

Together, they investigated how much data smart home devices collect and share about their users. By building a special router to monitor the smart home devices installed in Hill’s apartment while the experiment lasted — Mattu was able to collect personal and sometimes very sensitive data about her and her husband.

As an ESET study revealed, even in privacy policies that guarantee user data protection, the use of the term “but not limited to” in privacy policies  — extends the potentials of data collection.

Agreeing to these terms may inadvertently grant the vendors unrestrained access to and usage of other forms of data than the ones that have been explicitly stated in the policy.

In addition, there may be privacy risks through device integration across vendors, especially when one of them has significant security issues.

• Unauthorized data access and intrusion (attackers).

Last year, several reports emerged of vulnerabilities in the Nest Cam IQ indoor camera that could enable hackers to hijack the device and interrupt the network.

The vulnerabilities found included denial-of-service (DOS), code execution, and information disclosure.

Compared to other devices such as smartphones and laptops, smart home devices are notorious security liabilities.

A Kaspersky team uncovered a security vulnerability that enabled hackers to access backup data stored on Fibaro Home Center hub in a test study.

The backup data contained the owner’s personal information, including location and contact details. Apart from that, the team exploited a remote code execution vulnerability to access the smart hub, all the devices it controlled, as well as the home network.

With an attack such as this, there was hardly any conceivable limit to what hackers can do. Anything from pulling off a prank to robbing the house is possible.

Examples of attacks that smart home devices may face.

• Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks allow a hacker to intercept the communication between two devices to steal personal information, impersonate a party, or corrupt data, among others.
• Denial-of-service (DOS) attacks interrupt a device or network, rendering it unavailable to the rightful users. An example is the Mirai botnet attacks that occurred a few years ago. Permanent DOS attacks can cause irreparable damage to a device.

Regulations and Government Policies

Apparently, governments have not lived up to expectations as regards regulating data protection for smart home devices.

Some of the minimal laws that exist contain ambiguous provisions that complicate data protection issues. Two of the major laws that address smart home devices are the GDPR and the CCPA.

• GDPR

The EU General Data Protection Regulation controls the use and sharing of personal data collected by businesses. The data includes smart home device vendors.

The GDPR does not prevent the use and collection of data. However, and more importantly, it forces companies to become transparent in handling users’ data and gives consumers more power over control of their data.

• CCPA

The introduction of the California Consumer Privacy Act at the beginning of the year rightly generated plaudits.

The act included a section that tackled IoT security specifically. The IoT security law, as SB 327 is regarded, requires manufacturers of connected devices to “to equip the device with a reasonable security feature or features.”

However, the ambiguity of the text complicates matters. Therefore, the law has been deemed inadequate for guaranteeing IoT security.

The reality is that there aren’t enough regulations globally to ensure the security of smart home devices.

Perhaps, the technology is developing at a pace faster than the law can keep up with. This means that users of smart home devices have an enormous responsibility for vigilance in protecting their data.

Smart Home Safety

• Permissions

Permission settings allow you to determine how your data is used and share and integrate controls for other devices and apps. Deny permissions that are too intrusive or that you are not comfortable with. And consider as a potential threat any permission to edit router settings.

Note that some permissions are set by default. Therefore, one of the first actions to take after purchasing a smart device is to check all the permissions and deny the unwanted ones.

Likewise, when you stop using a device, whether because it stopped working or otherwise, don’t forget to disconnect it from your network and from other devices.

• Secure Access

Observe basic security hygiene to keep your devices away from unauthorized intrusions. For passwords, change the default password to a strong password you can easily remember. Likewise, use different passwords for each device and change these passwords intermittently to secure access to your device.

Another important measure is enabling multi-factor authentication. This provides an additional layer of authentication, making it difficult for an intruder to access your account, even if they know your password and username. Also, do not forget to secure your network.

• Network Segregation

Segregating your network based on the behavior of your devices helps you to protect your most personal and most sensitive data.

Even the FBI recommends it. Keep all your IoT devices and appliances on a separate network from personal devices such as smartphones and laptops. The basic way to do this is to use different routers.

Alternatively, many Wi-Fi routers allow you to create virtual networks that operate as separate networks but are run on the same network. You just have to know how to set these up.

Conclusion

In the end, those who regard convenience as the enemy of security are not entirely wrong.

Applying tighter security measures to smart home devices would accelerate the adoption of these products as a by-product of abating many people’s fears. No one should have to give up their privacy just because their speaker or their lighting system is connected to the internet.

However, while the goal of not giving up your privacy remains the aim — there is a great responsibility for users of smart home devices to ensure their data protection.

After all, the ADT report also stated that less than 40% of the survey respondents were taking any data privacy measures at all!

Image Credit: sebastian scholznuki; unsplash

The post Smart Home and Data Protection: Between Convenience and Security appeared first on ReadWrite.

Living in California I’ve tested many air purifiers. Between the recent uptick in wildfires as well as the threat of Covid-19, peace of mind in breathing good air has saved my bacon more than once. Recently I got to try out the Aeris 3-in-1 Aair Pro — and color me impressed!

Aeris is fairly new to the US — and gaining in popularity. The Aeris brings to mind the mantra never send a small air purifier to do a big air purifier’s job.

The high performance of the Aeris 3-in-1 leaves most other purifiers (literally) in the dust.

3-in-1 Aeris Aair Pro

The 3-in-1 Aeris Air Pro gets its name from the three layers of filtration Aeris has incorporated into its replaceable filter, in essence performing the job of three purifiers.

The first filter is a protective pre-filter, designed as the first line of defense against larger particulates.  The next layer is activated charcoal, designed specifically to capture gases and odors.

The final layer is its True HEPA filter that stops particles clear down to a tenth of a micron, protecting you from viruses that are on all of our minds these days.

Pricing

Coming in at just under $1000, the 3-in-1 is not the cheapest on the market, but the extra cost does bring some bang for your buck.

The unit boasts a 750 square foot cleaning area, which is saying something for its modest size. Standing just below 24” tall and about a 15×15” square, it takes up only a bit more space than other air purifiers.

Admittedly, the unit was heavier than I expected, coming in at about forty pounds, but it likely isn’t something you’re going to be moving too frequently. The filter itself, on average, lasts you about a year and is, at the time of writing, $199 to replace.

Pros

AQI

Something that I really liked in the Aeris is that it notes the actual air quality index rating (AQI). Most purifiers only give you a generic rating that will, at most, indicate general levels from “healthy” to “very unhealthy,” often using colors for these blanket categories.

The Aair 3-in-1 actually shows you the indoor air quality rating on the unit while the app will display both the indoor and outdoor air quality.

Covid-19

In addition to all the other particulates and pollutants that are removed from the air, it comes as some relief that the 3-in-1 Aair Pro has been tested specifically against Covid-19. Tests indicate that 94% of coronavirus was removed within two hours.

Side note: I was initially concerned that the testing noted “feline coronavirus.” Upon further research, Feline coronavirus/Munich Strain is the alternative virus strain that is used as industry-standard testing because of its close relation to Covid-19, while being non-transmittable to humans.

AI

Aeris has also developed an AI that will learn with age. So, the longer you use it the better it will be at analyzing environmental patterns and household habits to boost its performance. While I haven’t yet noticed a difference I look forward to seeing the improvements listed in my air-quality over time.

No Ozone

A large issue with many air purifiers is the generation and release of ozone. While these other purifiers may be purifying your air, removing pollutants, allergens, pollens, bacteria, mold, or other particulates — a hidden danger of air-purifying is the release of toxic ozone gases.

The Aeris 3-in-1 is designed to prevent the release of ozone. Having the quality of “NO-ozone” protects those in at-risk groups of asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

Environmental Changes

Of all the air purifiers I’ve used and tested over the years, I’ve never had one notice (and respond) when I’m cooking. It stands to reason that off-gassing and carcinogenic changes would be occurring while you cook — but this was the first time that an air purifier that did anything about it.

I took bread out of the oven, and within a minute of opening the oven, the Aeris sprung to life in the other room. The Aeris gave me just a small note — but that is really cool.

Cons

While there were many great aspects about the 3-in-1, there was one con that really stood out to me. At present, Aeris doesn’t allow more than one user to be signed into the account through the app.

In the event that you try to log on from another phone or device, the app will actually kick off any user currently logged into the app.

I reached out to customer service and they were wonderful and quick to respond (A+ to their CX team). Sadly, it also doesn’t seem to be an upcoming feature to change that anytime soon.

Only one signed-in user may be a real dealbreaker for many households who have multiple partners, roommates, or children who need to be able to access and control the unit’s settings.

While you can increase fan speed and put into Smart Mode from the unit itself, it was a bit of a bummer to not be able to do so from the app on more than one phone.

One other minor thing to note is that the light of the unit does not turn off when in night mode which may make you reconsider putting the device in bedrooms — or remember you slumber mask.

Additional Notes

Modes: The device features a Manual, Smart, and Night mode. I generally keep mine in smart mode, with a few scheduled “Quick Cleans” now and then.

Noise: Smart mode’s low fan setting is almost impossible to tell it’s on. The Aeris is very quiet on the low settings. That being said, the unit can also pack a punch in the higher fan settings during Quick Clean.

Customer Service: A+

Unit Functions: You can see indoor AQI, raise or lower fan speeds, turn on Smart Mode, or power off.

App Functions: Indoor and outdoor AQI, change device mode settings (Night, Smart, Manual), view filter status. Analytics (Hourly, Daily, Monthly). Schedule modes, change account settings, contact customer service.

Connectivity: I was pretty impressed with the connectivity. I only had to connect the unit to the internet once, and it hasn’t disconnected.

The Specs:

Room Size: 750 ft²

Fine Particule CADR: Up to 390 cfm

Gas-Phase CADR: Up to 115 cfm

CCM: P4/F4

Fan: EBM papst

Power: 25W (avg) | >50W (max)

Noise: 35 – 65 dB(a)

WiFi Connectivity: IEEE 802.11b/g/n

PM2.5/PM10 Sensor: aeris asense

Filter Class: F7 and H13

Gas Filter: Active charcoal and active alumina

Filter Layers: 3

Dimensions: 14.56×15.23×23.62 in

Weight: ~36lbs

Overall Thoughts

Overall, I really enjoyed this air purifier. The Aeris 3-in-1 Aair Pro is a big air purifier, with even bigger results.

Easily handling 750 feet squared areas, and giving you peace of mind in knowing your home’s AQI. While it may be on the more expensive end of home air purification, this is one to seriously consider adding to your home.

The post Aeris 3-in-1 Aair Pro: Fighting Against Coronavirus from Your Living Room appeared first on ReadWrite.

As workers headed home over six months ago, few companies were prepared for what would follow. Cyberattacks have soared, WiFi connectivity weakened, and businesses simply aren’t operating like they should be.

The IT protections offered by the office simply aren’t there anymore in most cases. If employers and employees alike want to maximize their security, they need to bring some technology into the home.

The problems caused by a newly remote workforce call for advanced technological solutions like Plume, a smart home services pioneer co-founded by Fahri Diner. For Diner, working from home should bring all of the benefits of office life with it, without incurring new problems along the way.

That sounds good, but what exactly does it mean? As Diner describes it, it’s safe, reliable access to the internet, seamlessly integrated with the bleeding edge of smart home tech. And it all starts with a next-generation Wi-Fi optimization solution: Plume Adaptive WiFi.

The Importance of Adaptability

To deal with dead zones—areas without proper WiFi connections—in the home, many people have opted for mesh WiFi systems, networks that disseminate connectivity from a few key points throughout the home. In Diner’s mind, however, this solution doesn’t go nearly far enough.

“Mesh is just a starting point,” Diner explains in a recent Cheddar interview. “We don’t really see ourselves as competing with mesh players.”

In order to get a handle on the difference between mesh WiFi and Adaptive WiFi, think of it in terms of building a highway system. Mesh networks integrate links individually—in other words, building one road at a time without thinking about the optimal way to connect them. Adaptive WiFi, on the other hand, understands your household’s structure and traffic patterns, using this information to build the perfect WiFi highway for you. A highway built haphazardly, piece-by-piece is not going to work as well as it could, so that’s why Adaptive WiFi works as one cohesive system.

For many people, whole-home WiFi access is more of a luxury than an absolute necessity. There is one aspect of Adaptive WiFi, however, that Plume designed specifically with the needs of remote workers in mind: last-mile broadband delivery.

For Diner, this issue is a personal one: “I’ve spent the lion’s share of my professional life working on innovative projects to bring high-speed broadband to people,” Diner writes in a blog post. “The magic that I know happens in the upstream network over tens of thousands of miles disappears in the last few meters—oh come on!”

Some homes, by virtue of their plan, provider, or location, simply don’t get as strong of a signal as others. To help get around this problem, Adaptive WiFi distributes broadband to exactly where it’s being used the most—according to the unique needs of each device and application—ensuring that you’re always getting the amount of signal you need in order to do your work.

With greater connectivity comes greater possibility of infiltration. Adaptive WiFi wouldn’t be what it is if not for another of its key features: intelligent security.

Security: A Crucial Component of Any WiFi Network

The last thing that IT experts wanted was for workers to suddenly leave the office and go work from places without proper cybersecurity protocols, so imagine their shock when the lockdowns began in March of this year. 

No longer are important data points and corporate secrets being sent on secure, in-house networks—they’re coming from workers’ living rooms.

For hackers the world over, it’s like Christmas has come early. Plume IQ data shows that cyberattacks have doubled since lockdowns began, with almost 90% of households reporting at least one blocked attack.

Plume’s advanced cybersecurity carefully observes all broadband activity using AI, so it detects and stops attacks as they happen. By comparing your WiFi signals to enterprise-grade threat intelligence databases, it can determine whether any unusual activity is taking place and immediately put a stop to it. Using sophisticated anomaly detection, Plume’s AI Security can even determine which device has been compromised in real-time and isolate that device such that the threat is fully contained. 

While it’s great to have a network that both functions seamlessly and protects you from attack, Diner sees these as only the beginning. The true value of Adaptive WiFi rests in its ability to power the hands-off smart home.

Adaptive WiFi & Smart Homes

In order for workers to reach office levels of productivity, they need office levels of convenience—that’s where smart devices step in.

Smart devices need a strong, reliable network in order to function properly, but they also can’t become potential points of network vulnerability either. You need a network that can handle both the functionality and the security of a smart home.

In a recent keynote presentation, Diner describes just what a challenge that is. Over 800 million devices are connected to Plume’s OpenSync smart home operating system, covering well over 1,600 brands and facilitating the transmission of 62 petabytes of data per day. 

Transitioning to a smart home could overwhelm a traditional WiFi system and expose potential vulnerabilities in the network. Consumers need to know that a smart home is only as good as the network it runs on.

Plume has partnerships with ISPs the world over in order to provide the best possible service to customers. Diner points to his company’s latest partnership with networking equipment provider ADTRAN as a prime example of how Plume works to maximize connectivity for everyone.

The Importance of Data Privacy

The purpose of all cybersecurity is ultimately to ensure data privacy, and Diner points to three principles that demonstrate how Plume treats customer data:

• Personal data must stay personal.

Plume keeps no records of data transmitted through their networks, period. The company even provides VPN pass-throughs for those wanting an additional layer of data security. 

• Personal data is never monetized.

Plume doesn’t monetize user data and never will—to do anything else would be to betray customer trust.

• Users are in control of their data.

Back in April 2019, Plume released a suite of tools that allow users to control the exact relationship that Plume has with their data, ensuring that no one is in the dark with regards to how their data is used. 

Work-from-home arrangements demand a new level of network, and Diner’s Plume has stepped into the market to provide one. Plume may not be a household name just yet, but all roads today seem to lead straight towards Adaptive WiFi for remote workers.

The post Security, Connectivity, and Privacy: Plume’s CEO on the Importance of Smart Homes in the World of Remote Work appeared first on ReadWrite.