Say hello to a smart home

The author picks some of the newest internet-connected home devices that will make life easier and more secure in 2016

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Keeping it connected

The backbone of a connected home is its Wi-fi network. That network is dependent on routers - the better the router, the more stable the network. A stable network facilitates better streaming and better network speeds. Besides, it makes it easier for your devices to communicate with one another.

But that's not the end of the story.

To make your home network worthwhile, add a media server - which is essentially a hard drive that would have all your music, movies and photos, among other things. Think of it as a personal cloud that stays connected to your router. At home, you can pull media through Wi-fi to play on your device, without having to worry about making multiple copies on different devices. Outside, you can pull pictures or even documents by accessing your drive through the internet - though this might be offered at a price.

Save time on chores

The humble refrigerator, oven, hob, chimney, washing machine and dishwasher can be connected through a Wi-fi network and controlled with an app. For now, you could set your washing machine to start washing clothes at a certain time remotely, or be notified on the app that the pizza has been baked. Yes, this is for real - it's called the Hoover Wizard. Samsung will be integrating its SmartThings technology into its televisions, thus allowing them to connect to other compatible devices and carry out some other functions too. And, at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show, LG will unveil its Signature line, which would include connected TVs, refrigerators, washing machines and air purifiers.

Security is key

Your home is possibly one of your dearest possessions. So, wouldn't you want to keep intruders away? There is no dearth of security systems in the market. Video doorphones allow you to see visitors and speak to them before you let them in. Then there are the complete security systems, which consist of internet protocol (IP)-enabled cameras that can transmit live footage to an app on your phone across the globe, or let you view recorded footage remotely. Add to it the firewalls and software suites that protect your "connected" home against hackers, and you have a virtual Fort Knox at hand.

A 'touch' of comfort

A home automation system typically controls lights, cooling, drapes and even audio-visual equipment through apps. If you want to go the whole hog, smart home solutions make sense. Companies such as Legrand and Lutron are taking care of that. Although motion-activated lights could be available for less than Rs 10,000, you must be ready to fork out around Rs 10 lakh - or more - if you're planning to automate the entire apartment. Of course, with that kind of investment, you will have control over lights, air-conditioning, windows and drapes, and recessed audio-visual equipment (such as home theatres and speakers, which would come out of storage at the touch of a button, thereby turning your living room into a movie hall).

Leisure time

Home entertainment is all about better streaming and high-definition videos, which would be impossible without smart televisions that are capable of displaying high-resolution content. Samsung is expected to make most of its high-end 2016 line Internet of Things (IoT)-compliant, and this should make things interesting. Also, LG's MiniBeam LED projectors, which are wireless and Bluetooth-enabled, should ensure that you can watch videos stored in your phone on the big screen. And the latest version of Google's Chromecast can turn any old TV - which has an HDMI port - into a smart one.

But what is life without music? The subdued-looking Bang & Olufsen's BeoPlay A6 wireless speakers fit right into your living space.