INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
However, the potential difficulty in setting up (and affording) your own smart home up can make it seem like something best left to either
the super rich or super geeky
The RACV Smart Home Starter Kit collects together six SmartThings devices and provides everything you need to simply and quickly set up a
SmartThings Wifi hub (middle) ties together every device in the kit into one easy-to-manage system and supports hundreds of third-party
devices ranging from Philips Hue lights to specialist moisture or temperature sensors.(Image credit: Future)A solid foundationThe
SmartThings Wifi hub is the core upon which the kit revolves
This simply plugs into your wireless router and connects all the other sensors together
It will monitor premises up to 140 square metres but if you have a bigger area, simply adding more hubs will extend the network
The kit includes three motion detectors alongside two Multipurpose sensors, which can monitor when doors and windows are opened as well as
local temperature and even vibrations.Everything in the kit is packaged in a way that makes setup simple and intuitive, with each component
coming individually wrapped and with its own quick-start guide
credit: Future)Easy to set up and expand uponThe motion sensors included in the kit each consist of two parts, and to set them up you simply
affix the sticky-backed base onto your chosen surface and then clip the sensor on magnetically
The ball-shaped mounting means you can point the sensor in most directions, and it will register movement within three metres
additional smart home sensors and components is simple thanks to the high compatibility of devices in the smart home world
Zigbee or Z-Wave wireless technology
However, Zigbee and Z-Wave connections allow batteries to last for months or even years
The SmartThings Wifi hub will wirelessly tie everything together, and make sure you can easily communicate with all your smart devices via
The SmartThings app comes pre-configured with settings that allow you to arm or disarm everything with a simple tap on your phone
You can also add optional smoke alarms and moisture sensors to notify you in case of fire or flooding too.The SmartThings app offers a huge
degree of flexibility when it comes to controlling and automating your smart home devices.(Image credit: Future)Tailor it to your needsThe
At the simplest level, you can set a smart lightbulb to turn on when motion is detected
colour hue and plays some light jazz from a smart speaker? Triggers can also include smartphone locations, so you can be notified when a
child, parent or partner is almost home
Alternatively, you can add voice recognition via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa to create a smart home that has much in common with the
Sold separately, each component in the kit costs at least $80, so to get all six for just $249 is great value too
To find out more, or to purchase a kit directly, head on over to the official RACV website.TheIndianSubcontinent was provided with a Smart
Home Starter Kit for testing by RACV.NrMdSyim6ajHdadHSApDVJ.jpg?#
