IoT – PSafe Blog

All You Need to Know About the Internet of Things

PSafe Newsroom — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 02:00:21 +0000

The term “Internet of Things” (IoT) seems like it’s everywhere these days. At its most basic, the Internet of Things describes the multitude of Wi-Fi-connected objects you can use in your home. While IoT-connected objects can be at risk of hacking, they can also make objects easier to use and more helpful. If you control your IoT objects with your phone, DFNDR will make sure everything in your home will remain safe. You should regularly scan your phone for any malware:

Now, though, let’s move on to the fun stuff! From a thermostat you can control with your phone, to an Internet-connected egg tray that lets you know when you need to restock, the IoT transforms everyday objects into futuristic — and intelligent — gadgets. The following will answer four of your most pressing questions about the IoT.

1) What are the different types of IoT-connected objects?

IoT-connected objects come in all kinds of categories. Some of them are home devices, like washing machines and coffee makers, that are controlled by you via the Internet. The healthcare and transportation industries are also developing IoT devices. An IoT device, for example, might let you monitor who is coming in and out of your house, while another might let you turn off your air conditioner remotely if you forget to do so when you leave for work.
Read More: The Internet of Things is at Risk of Hacking

2) How do these devices work?

IoT devices connect to your Internet, but they also connect to one another. Many of them use similar technologies as your phone, like Bluetooth, but creators are also developing different connection systems. Additionally, many devices rely on cloud systems that record your data so they can work better for you, i.e. turning off your lights at a certain time you’re gone from your home each day.

While some devices can talk to each other, all of your devices likely can’t communicate — there are too many different platforms and technologies. However, some companies are creating a technology that standardizes device communication, so anything might become possible.

3) What is the future of IoT?

Many companies are working on IoT devices. Companies you’ve likely heard of, like Apple, Google, and Samsung, are creating these kinds of devices. There will probably be somewhere around 25 billion IoT devices in use by 2020.

Connect All of Your Home’s Smart Appliances

PSafe Newsroom — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 21:00:03 +0000

Smart appliances should make your life easier — not harder. Although they are becoming increasingly common, it can still be difficult to connect all of your smart appliances on one device. But there are several devices currently available that attempt this feat. The following devices will allow you to connect your smart appliances on one device so that you can control and monitor your home effortlessly.

Samsung SmartThings Hub
SmartThings works with a variety of devices from different brands, which means it is one of the best smart hubs on the market. This device is available for about $75-$100 on Amazon. It offers a way to connect all of your smart appliances to one device, and control and monitor your home remotely through the free SmartThings app. The SmartThings hub can control devices like your smart lighting, locks, thermostat, and security cameras. Receive notifications on the status of your smart home, and set preferences for how you want your smart appliances to behave when you’re asleep or away from the home. You can even combine the SmartThings hub with Amazon Echo to control your smart home through voice commands. This feature, combined with all of the previously mentioned features, makes this smart hub one of the best smart hubs available now.

The Wink Hub
This smart hub is available for less than $70 from Amazon (or $90 from other sellers). This hub works with a variety of different connectivity options and devices from different brands. Like the SmartThings hub, you’ll control Wink through the Wink app. The app and hub essentially allow your smart devices to communicate with one another, so that you can control them all on one platform. Program your lights and A/C to turn on whenever you unlock your front door, for example.

The VeraEdge Hub
Another option for under $100, this smart hub will connect a variety of brands, and even other brand-specific smart hubs (like Nest). It can control hundreds of devices wirelessly. Create preferences for how your device should control your home when you’re at home or on vacation. Download the app to control your smart home from your phone, or even from your PC. For $50 more you can get the VeraPlus model, which allows you to more fully manage your home while you’re away. You can check in on your pets, receive alerts any time someone is in your home, and monitor your home while you’re away for possible flood damage from a storm.

Check out These Smart Items You Didn’t Know Existed

PSafe Newsroom — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 21:11:12 +0000

“Smart items” is an all-encompassing term that includes any service provided by Samsung’s SmartThings. This gadget has the ability to complete standard household chores for you if they slip your mind. All you need is the SmartThings hub and the application to get started with your smart items.

How SmartThings Can Save Your Home
Leaky sinks? High electricity bills? SmartThings can provide aid to any appliance around your house.

Lights

Your lights can be controlled from far away (even from another country) if you have a SmartThings outlet hooked up to them.
You can program your lamps to slowly brighten as you wake up.
You also have the ability to program lights to turn off if they have been left on for longer than necessary.

Home Security

Do you have a mischievous kid at home? Your phone will alert you if your kid is sneaking away past curfew.
If an unexpected intruder invades your house while you are not home, you can program your stereos to play the sound of loud barking dogs.
There is also a siren that can ring obnoxiously loudly if there is an unexpected entry through your door.

Pets

Does your pet suffer from wanderlust? If so, SmartThings can provide the perfect remedy. Your pet will send you a notification whenever it leaves the house so you can make sure your furry friend doesn’t run away.
Sadly, your pet can’t always properly communicate to you whenever they’re hungry. SmartThings can alert you when it is time to feed your pets.

Convenience

You can pretty much get SmartThings to react to everything you do in your daily routine.
You can program your tea kettle or coffee maker to heat up for you whenever you get home for work.
Everyone has lost their keys at some point in their life. Luckily, the SmartThings app can unlock your door every time you approach it, so you won’t have to bother fondling for your keys.
No need to queue up your stereo whenever you get home from work. Automatically set your SmartThings app to start playing your favorite jams whenever you step in the door.

Want to learn more about cool Android Apps? Visit the PSafe blog!