5 levels of the Smart Home - Which puzzle piece fits you best?
From controlling lights, temperature, and sound to managing security and utilities, smart homes bring convenience and optimize our daily lives. However, the concept of a "smart home" is not just a singular notion. It is classified into different levels, each offering distinct features. Let's delve deeper into these levels with Malo!
What is a Smart Home?
A smart home is a type of dwelling equipped with intelligent devices that can be controlled or automated, replacing humans in certain management tasks. They provide you with a whole new level of control over your home. This system interacts with users through control panels inside the house or applications on smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
What are smart home devices?
Smart home devices are electronic devices that can be remotely controlled through internet connectivity. They are divided into two categories: Do-it-yourself (DIY) devices and Professional devices.
- DIY devices: These products are designed for users to self-install and configure according to their preferences without the intervention of experts or professional contractors.
- Professional devices: Professional devices are designed and manufactured by experts for using in professional projects.
5 levels of the Smart Home today.
1. Traditional home.
Quantity: 0 device.
Level 1 of a smart home does not have automation capabilities. All devices are manually controlled. For example, you have to go to a switch to press a button when you want to turn on the lights or manually pull each curtain to open them in the morning.
These limitations drive users to seek a solution that meets their needs for time and energy-saving with Level 2 - The world of DIY (Do-it-yourself).
Smart Home Level 1 - Traditional Home
2. Piecemeal Automation.
Quantity: 1-3 devices.
Smart Home Level 2 is the beginning of basic automation experience with individual devices connected to the internet and remotely controlled through an application. It stands out for its flexibility, low investment cost, easy purchasing, and self-installation, making DIY devices a preferred choice at this level.
When using DIY products, two important points should be noted. Firstly, use them in smaller spaces to ensure the stable operation of the devices. Secondly, DIY products have limitations in integration. They have multiple separate applications on the phone. Therefore, it is important to have backup plans and instructions for each family member to handle potential issues.
In summary, this level is suitable for technology enthusiasts, young individuals, or young families who want to experiment with smart home technology in smaller spaces or at a lower cost.
Smart Home Level 2 - Piecemeal Automation
3. Limited Integration.
Quantity: 1-25 devices.
When users realize that their automation needs exceed the capabilities of DIY products, they move towards professional products designed for Smart Home Level 3. At this level, users need to pay for professional service providers. In return, customers no longer have to design, install, and troubleshoot on their own. Everything is handled by a professional consultant and implementer.
This upgrade brings a smoother user experience through the integration of basic contextual features on a single system. They are called Solutions. For example, just press the "Goodbye" button, all lights and air conditioning will automatically turn off at the same time.
The drawback of this solution at Level 3 is the limitation of integration. Additionally, the lack of a common platform or support among third-party devices can lead to conflicts and instability due to incompatibility between devices. It also restricts the system's scalability for future expansion.
Families with basic needs, moderate investment budgets, and less emphasis on brand can consider choosing this level.
Smart Home Level 3 - Limited Integration
4. Full Integration.
Quantity: 40-1000+ devices.
A specialized smart home platform/operating system that enables seamless integration is the key to the simplicity and stability that users aim for. This is also the highest level achievable in today's reality.
Smarthome will "grow up" with family members. Therefore, the number of devices to be integrated is not insignificant, especially for future expansion needs. A complex infrastructure, such as a villa or multi-story condominium, can significantly impact the stability of the devices. Hence, we recommend using a wired signal system for new construction projects.
At Level 4, features such as professional security and remote monitoring provide peace of mind regarding home security and management. Additionally, there is support from expert teams and professional support services.
Brands at this level of smart home solutions typically offer a wide range of control options, from single rooms to entire houses. If you are concerned about the high investment cost for a smart home, consider how much percentage of your home's value should be allocated to this aspect. Costs will affect the quality of products and solutions. Imagine when your mother is sleeping soundly in the middle of the night, the light automatically turns on because of an error and your mother cannot turn off the light. That's an example of a smarthome not working properly that should worry you.
Smart Home Level 4 - Full Integration
5. Ambient & Invisible.
Quantity: 40-1000+ devices.
Smart Home Level 5 has the ability to integrate to the extent that no one even realizes its presence. The smart devices and systems operate in a sophisticated and natural manner. They have the ability to understand and empathize with human intentions, as well as recognize and interact with our changes. They can adjust lighting, temperature, music, and cater to various personal preferences and desires.
In reality, solutions for this level of smart home are not yet available on the market. However, with the continuous development of technology, we can hope that in the near future, advanced technologies and products will be introduced to meet these requirements. Just like Tesla is a prime example of self-driving electric cars – something that was hard to imagine before.
Smart Home Level 5 - Ambient & Invisible
Integrated control solution from malo.
With over 20 years of experience in the automation and audio-visual entertainment control industry in the US, Canada, and Vietnam, the experts at Malo share with you the solution from RTI Control (Level 4). RTI is a domestic American brand founded on technical expertise and passion. They provide control and automation solutions for residential and professional commercial projects.
RTI has the ability to control a wide range of different-sized systems, from simple to complex. They connect all your devices and systems into one intelligent and flexible system, covering everything from lighting, audio, security, and more. All of this can be controlled and customized with a simple touch of a button, anytime and anywhere. Because "We work with the best."
RTI Control - Reliable integrated control solution
Conclude.
From basic levels to more complex ones, each level represents a different stage of development and features of a smart home. By understanding these levels, you will have a comprehensive view of smart homes. From there, you can choose the level that best suits your needs and desires.
Please visit malo.vn for more information about our solutions, or contact us to schedule an appointment at 0975 375 674.
