The rapid advance of technology has given way to dozens of internet-connected devices that have become commonplace in homes across America. These devices include things such as smartphones, tablets and PCs, as well as internet of things (IoT) devices such as smart thermostats, smart security systems, smart lighting and more.
This rapid increase in the number of internet-connected devices in the average home has left consumers longing for digital centralization — the ability to manage all of the devices in your home from just one single device. Thankfully, technology companies are starting to answer the consumer’s desire for digital centralization in a way that makes managing all of the internet-connected devices in your home easier and more convenient than ever before. Below, we’ll look at a couple of great options you have available to manage everything through one device as well as what the future of digital centralization may hold in store.
Smartphone Apps
These days, most internet-connected devices come with an app that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. These apps are built to work in tandem with a given device and enable you to control key features of the device using your smartphone.
With the ability to control most of your internet-connected devices using only your smartphone, digital centralization is achieved. There’s still the drawback of having to keep up with dozens of different apps on your phone — and remembering which app controls which device in your home — but controlling all of the devices in your home using apps on your smartphone is certainly still a step in the right direction.
Smart Speakers
The concept of digital centralization is a key selling point for smart speakers such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Google Home. These smart speakers are designed to interface with other smart-home devices, enabling you to perform tasks such as adjusting the lights or temperature using only voice commands.
Of course, smart speakers also fulfill many of the roles filled by smartphones and PCs as well. Using voice commands with your smart speaker, you can perform tasks such as looking up information, playing music, ordering products online, and more. The result is a level of digital centralization arguably even more convenient than what is achieved with a smartphone full of apps, since smart speakers don’t require you to search for the correct app on your phone, instead allowing you to control almost all of your internet-connected devices using only voice commands.
The Future of Digital Centralization
Customers’ desire for digital centralization is something that the market has not yet fully sated, and where there is an opportunity to provide customers with something they want, the technology necessary to fill the gap is typically quick to follow. As IoT devices become increasingly popular, the importance of digital centralization will grow as well.
In the near future, managing a litany of internet-connected devices through a single device is no doubt going to be one of the top technological trends to look for. While it’s difficult to predict the exact solutions that tech companies will come up with, it’s safe to say that better digital centralization through technological advances is something that you should be able to look forward to in the coming years.
PS LIGHTWAVE is the consultative data-connectivity provider for public and private entities in the Greater Houston area. Through our high-quality infrastructure, innovative technology and superior level of support, we deliver not only the best in connectivity and reliability but in scalability and redundancy. You’ll also appreciate that the PS in our name stands for “Pure Speed.” We fully understand that technology is a moving target, and we understand the people and infrastructure of the Greater Houston area. We are nimble, flexible and responsive, and we embrace leading-edge technologies that improve the customer experience. We invite you to learn more. Visit our website or contact us. Concerned about connectivity? Think PS LIGHTWAVE.
