Every purchase these days has to be ‘smart’. If its not you are left feeling life would be so much better with the ‘smarter’ option. Smart environments really are horses for courses. Please don’t be told otherwise! Have a good think about what you really want in your smart habitat and also what you can afford.
Smart habitats should be seamless, NOT painful. If moving around, activating and controlling your smart habitat is unmanageable then it is pointless. It has to be enjoyed without feeling inconvenienced. The best smart habitats are invisible, seamless, integrated into your life and environment, and have minimal manual intervention.
Smart, internet ready, wireless …… always question the labels or packaging. Whether you are building or buying, if it is labelled ‘smart’ you had better ‘kick the tyres’. Research as much as possible or look to specific professionals to cover your inquiries and solution needs. It must be said that personal research might be daunting if you are technophobic.
Do not be afraid to ask questions regarding technology and applications. If you are being sold a widget / service / solution expect your questions to be answered in a non-technical way (where possible). If you receive appropriate answers you understand what you just purchased and vice versa.
Before the age of all this technology I think we all assumed far less with our purchases and home environment. Please don’t assume, you need answers, in this complicated technology and jargon-fuelled world.
Make sure you get your answers just as before everything went ’smart’. If it can’t be explained simply find another provider. Hopefully once you know what it can do you can remove ALL assumptions, relax and go back to the future.
Stay safe. Be Smart!