5 Things Every Smart Home Should Include

Smart home technology has evolved from a luxury for the wealthy to an accessible solution for everyday living. Today’s systems let you control lights, adjust temperatures, and monitor your home effortlessly using just your voice or smartphone. These connected devices not only add convenience but also help save energy and adapt your living space without costly renovations. This analysis focuses on the core, market-proven devices that deliver 90% of smart home functionality.

Smart home hub

The control hub is the brain of the system, it determines how the smart home operates. It connects to a power outlet and links to Wi-Fi, coordinating the sensors and devices in the system to ensure everything runs efficiently. The hub’s primary function is to manage all system components effectively.

This task is essential because most of the sensors used in smart homes are wireless and powered by batteries. If each of these sensors were to connect directly to the Wi-Fi network, their battery life would be drastically reduced due to high energy consumption. The hub solves this issue by using energy-efficient radio protocols like ZigBee or Z-Wave. These technologies allow the sensors to communicate with the hub while consuming minimal power, significantly extending battery life.

Some of the most popular smart home hubs come with built-in voice assistants, allowing for hands-free control of your home. These include:

• Amazon Alexa: Offers wide compatibility with smart devices and routines for automating tasks.
• Google Assistant: Known for its seamless integration with Google services and voice recognition capabilities.
• Apple Siri (via HomePod or iPhone): Works through Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem for privacy-focused automation.
• Xiaomi’s voice assistant (Xiao AI): Popular in Asia, it integrates well with Xiaomi’s extensive lineup of smart home devices.

Using a control hub in a smart home offers several key advantages:

• It optimizes the system’s overall performance, making it more efficient.
• Devices last longer because the workload is distributed more evenly, allowing them to operate under optimal conditions.

Devices in a smart home system work together to create a comfortable and safe living environment. For example, when motion sensors detect that no one is in a room, the system can automatically turn off the lights and adjust the temperature. This helps conserve energy by avoiding unnecessary usage when rooms, or the entire home, are unoccupied.

Smart Speakers

Smart speaker can sometimes work as a smart home hub, but it depends on the device and the ecosystem it supports. Here’s how it works:

1. Amazon Echo (4th Gen & Echo Show 10, etc.) with Zigbee Hub
   – Some Echo devices have a built-in Zigbee hub, allowing them to directly control Zigbee-based smart devices (like Philips Hue, SmartThings sensors, or Aqara devices) without needing an extra hub.
   – Works with Alexa for voice control and routines.
2. Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) or HomePod Mini
   – Acts as a HomeKit hub when connected to an Apple Home setup.
   – Enables remote access, automations, and control of HomeKit-compatible devices.
3. Google Nest Hub Max / Nest Audio (with Google Home)
   – Works as a central controller for Google Home-compatible devices.
   – However, it doesn’t have a built-in Zigbee or Thread radio, so it relies on Wi-Fi or requires separate hubs (like a Nest Connect for Nest Secure devices).

Smart Speakers That Are NOT Full Hubs:

• Most basic smart speakers (like older Echo Dots or Google Nest Minis) cannot act as full hubs because they lack Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Thread radios.
• They still control smart devices via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth but require a separate hub (like a Philips Hue Bridge or Samsung SmartThings Hub) for some devices.

Smart lock

At the heart of any smart lock is a block with electromechanical components. When it receives a signal from the processor, an electric motor activates the locking mechanism, either locking or unlocking it. In some models, the motor mechanically links the handle to the latch. The signal to activate the lock is only sent after successful authentication through one of the supported methods.

Smart locks communicate with the outside world via one or more wireless data transmission protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or, less commonly, Z-Wave. Many locks also support NFC or RFID. All internal components are powered by AA batteries or a rechargeable battery.

A smart door lock can be unlocked in several different ways:

• Fingerprint: This is the simplest and most convenient authentication method. It doesn’t require the user to carry anything or remember a code. Some models can store up to 100 fingerprints. Through the companion app, you can see exactly who unlocked the door, which can be useful. For example, you can track when your child gets home from school or monitor employee access to a building.
• Digital Code: Unlike traditional mechanical combination locks, smart locks offer more flexible programming options. You can set not only a permanent code but also a temporary one. For example, you can program a code to work only between 12:00 and 1:00 PM. This is handy if you want to allow access for cleaning or restrict entry to certain times. One-time codes are also available, created through the app and valid for a single use, making them a very secure option.
• RFID or NFC Tag: This method is especially useful in corporate environments. The lock can be opened using cards, wristbands, smartphones, and similar devices, just program the lock to recognize a specific tag. The main advantages of this method are speed and convenience: to unlock the door, you simply hold the tag or card near the reader. These tags often come included with the lock.
• Smartphone: Most smart locks can also be controlled directly via smartphone. However, this tends to be the slowest and least convenient method, you’ll need to take out your phone, unlock it, open the app, wait for it to connect to the lock, and only then send the unlock command.
• Traditional Key: Many manufacturers include a traditional key as a backup method, in case all other options fail or the lock’s battery is completely drained. The keyhole is usually located beneath the handle or hidden at the bottom of the device.

One of the biggest advantages of smart locks is the ability to create useful automation scenarios within a smart home system. For example, unlocking the front door can trigger the lights, air conditioning, or even a kettle to turn on. When the door is locked, the system can automatically turn off all the lights, activate motion sensors, or start surveillance cameras. The available features depend on the specific model and the smart home ecosystem it supports.

Water leak sensor

A water control system is an essential part of today’s smart homes, designed to prevent leaks and avoid accidents that can cause significant property damage. Water leaks often result in damage to floors, walls, furniture, and appliances, and repairing that damage can be costly. In many cases, such incidents affect not only the homeowner but also neighboring units.

Thanks to smart home technology, water control systems can detect leaks at an early stage and automatically shut off the water supply, preventing further flooding. These systems offer safety and peace of mind, while also giving users convenient control and monitoring options via mobile devices.

A water control and leak protection system consists of several key components that work together to detect leaks and shut off the water automatically, helping to prevent emergencies. The main components typically include leak detectors, a central controller, and electromagnetic shut-off valves. Together, they form an integrated safety system that helps reduce the damage caused by water leaks.

When a leak is detected by one of the sensors, a signal is instantly sent to the controller. The controller then activates the shut-off valve, stopping the water flow, usually within seconds. This quick response greatly minimizes potential damage. At the same time, the user receives a notification on their smartphone, allowing them to monitor the situation, take action, or call a professional if needed.

Leak protection systems can also be integrated with other smart home devices. For example, when a leak is detected, the system can automatically shut off power in the affected area to prevent electrical short circuits. It can also trigger alerts to prompt the user to contact a repair service. Integration with voice assistants allows for voice control of the water monitoring system, and smart home apps provide real-time monitoring and control from anywhere.

Smart Blinds

Blinds are an important component of a smart home, as they help optimize energy consumption and create a comfortable living environment. With smart control, you can set the blinds to specific positions that suit your lighting and privacy needs. You can also create automated scenarios where the blinds open or close based on the time of day or activity in the home.

Smart blinds are typically equipped with electric drives or motors that allow them to open and close using various control devices. One common option is a remote control, which lets you easily open or close the blinds with the push of a button. In a smart home system, blinds can also be controlled through a mobile app on your smartphone or via a dedicated control panel.

Smart lightbulb

The concept of a smart home involves not only automation but also the ability to control devices via voice commands or a smartphone app. The latter is especially convenient for smart lighting – bulbs that can be turned on or off without getting out of bed or from another room.

There are two main methods of control: connecting a regular device through a smart accessory (for example, a standard bulb paired with a smart plug) or using purpose-built smart bulbs, dimmers, light strips, and other integrated solutions. A smart plug can be turned on or off remotely, allowing you to control a regular lamp from a distance. Similarly, lighting can be managed using a smart socket or switch.

However, unlike simple smart relays, lighting products designed specifically for smart home systems offer much more than just turning on or off by voice, on a schedule, or through an app. These devices typically support:

• Power control: turning the light on or off.
• Brightness adjustmen: setting the intensity of the light.
• Color customization: RGB bulbs can display thousands or even millions of shades.
• Color temperature selection: allowing you to make the light warmer or cooler.

Altogether, these features make a smart bulb a highly versatile light source.

Smart homes are continuously advancing, with the latest trend being the integration of artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional automation, AI-powered systems can learn from user behavior, allowing them to anticipate preferences and respond automatically. For instance, a smart speaker might recognize your morning routine and begin playing your favorite music without needing a command.

This evolution enhances not only convenience but also personalization, making everyday living more intuitive. Although setting up and maintaining a smart home can be a significant investment, the long-term savings from energy-efficient technologies often help balance out the cost. More importantly, smart homes save time by taking over many routine tasks, freeing up homeowners to focus on what really matters.

Conclusion

Smart home appliances are no longer a luxury — they’re becoming a standard in modern living. With the rapid growth of this innovative and high-demand industry, now is the perfect time to bring your smart product ideas to life. At AJProTech, we combine deep technical expertise with a track record of award-winning consumer electronics solutions. If you’re building a new device from scratch or upgrading an existing product, we’re here to help you deliver cutting-edge, user-friendly technology.
Reach out to AJProTech and let’s build the future of smart living – together!