Smart devices are electrical items that connect to the internet (or your home network), such as smart speakers, security cameras and fridges. They allow you to control your household appliances from one centralized hub, saving personal settings and preset routines. They can also alert you to a power outage or other issues. They’re becoming more common in homes, but there are a few things you should know before switching to a smart device.
The underlying technologies that enable smart devices are sensors, microcontrollers, connectivity standards and operating systems. Many smart devices use Linux-based operating systems due to their flexibility, but some also include real-time operating systems that can react within milliseconds to events like an incoming sensor signal in a smart doorbell or a sudden increase in humidity in a smart thermostat.
Do Smart Devices Need to Be Portable?
Yes, but they don’t have to be. In fact, even non-portable devices like a smart surveillance camera can still be classified as’smart’ as long as they meet three key criteria: context awareness, autonomous computing and network connectivity.
In addition, a smart device should be easy to set up and use, with minimal user interaction required. This is important for the longevity of your smart device and your data privacy. You should also be aware that manufacturers regularly release updates for their smart devices, fixing bugs or vulnerabilities that could put your data or privacy at risk. If you ignore these updates, your device may become easier to hack or stop working altogether.