Do you ever wonder what type of people live in a smart home? You might be surprised to hear that it’s not the crew of the Starship Enterprise.

A range of people have benefited from investing in smart homes and they all have one thing in common: technology makes their life better.

Home Workers

How’s the internet in your home office?

If you live in a smart home it’s probably better than at work. Thanks to discreet cabling and strategically placed WAPs (that’s Wi-Fi Access Point to you and me), smart homes give remote workers the access to superfast internet and the ability to work from any room in their house.

Smart technology supercharges your productivity and comfort while working from home. There’s always one cold tattie at the office who needs the heating cranked up but in your own smart home you can adjust temperature controls and lighting to suit you.

Moreover, video doorbells and cameras let you check who is at the door or keep an eye on the kids without leaving your desk.

Just remember to take a break and use the Internet for fun, too. Perhaps automate the blinds to lower in time for an afternoon nap?

Young families

The kids are catching up with us.

1 in 5 UK toddlers have access to a smartphone and Gen Z are the first generation to be born into a world of technology.

Smart homes are great for keeping kids educated, entertained – and on time! Whether it’s help with homework or scheduling alarms, smart home hubs like Alexa or Google Assistant take some of the stress out of your day by acting as your child’s digital helper. You can even use Alexa’s “Chompers” function to help them brush their teeth.

Smart lights can be used to create a soothing bedtime routine. Set up a rainbow of soft hues to lull kids to sleep then time the lights to switch off later.

Meanwhile, smart security gives you peace of mind. Smart locks mean no one gets locked out and cameras let you keep an eye on little ones’ safety.

Another advantage? Tablets and smartphones are built-in babysitters when you need a moment’s peace to finish some work or get dinner on the table.

Film buffs and gamers

It’s the crucial scene: James Bond has laid a trap for his enemy Silva at his childhood country manor. As Bond cooly picks off henchmen, the despicable Silva slithers away from the carnage to pursue a more personal target. Grandad’s fallen asleep but you’re on the edge of your seat. As Bond races to save M from Silva you could hear a piece of popcorn drop…

Enter the buffering wheel of doom.

Slow internet kills a movie masterpiece quicker than a gun-toting villain hellbent on destroying the hero’s sanity. It’s the difference between an immersive experience and yelling at the screen.

Smart tech creates immersive film and gaming experiences that help you relax and forget about real life for a few hours. It’s not just about the crisp HD visuals either. Create spine-tingling sound with a smart set-up that includes optimised speakers and automated, audio-enhancing black-out blinds.

But what’s the real secret behind a truly cinematic experience at home? The answer is wired connections via WAPs. WAPs in your cinema room offer a reliable, robust connection that lets you stream films, video content, and concerts without disruption. Get this right and you’ll never lose a game of FIFA again!

Go behind the scenes with Gavin to learn more about a client’s exciting new project – a bespoke home cinema.

Elderly people and carers

Do you worry about elderly parents when you’re away from home?

If so, smart technology can help you care for loved ones from afar. A more accessible, safe home comes at the push of a button: control smart thermostats with a timer; set lights to turn on and off; or use automatic smart blinds to make life easier for parents with mobility needs.

Key-less locks are a reassuring feature of most smart homes. Fingerprint recognition or voice commands are less fiddly than keys, particularly if stiff joints hinder dexterity. Smart doorbells also allow elderly relatives to let carers in and out of their home without having to get up. You can also check who is visiting to safeguard your peace of mind.

Sometimes the toughest part about caring for ageing parents is their refusal to act their age! How often have you heard, “Age is but a number?” For elderly people who won’t slow down, a smart home helps them maintain their independence for longer.

Neurodiverse family members

The world is a noisy place. Made more challenging for neurodiverse minds that quickly burn out from sensory overstimulation.

Set a serene atmosphere with soothing music and mellow lights when they arrive home to help them unwind after a difficult day. Autistic children in particular can benefit from calm, dimly lit environments.

Neurodiverse people also struggle with executive function, making daily life difficult. So, automate!

Voice-activated smart clocks, thermostats, and bulbs, as well as home assistants that send reminders to your phone can help them remember instructions, important appointments or upcoming tests, and streamline everyday processes.

Bottom line: smart technology makes homes more accessible. That means every member of the family can feel safe, empowered, and comfortable in their home.

People living with disabilities

Opening the blinds, putting the kettle on, switching off lights – daily tasks that we take for granted aren’t so easy for those with mobility needs.

Voice-activated doors, medication alerts, lights controlled from a smartphone, and the ability to video-chat with friends are game-changers for those living with a disability.

‘Invisible automations’ are another boon – like lights that automatically switch on when going to the bathroom at night. These smart features not only prevent accidents but help people feel safe and independent within their home.

The crucial step? Ensuring that all essential devices have a wired connection. Wi-Fi is inconsistent and becomes downright dangerous when overloaded with too many smart devices. The worst case scenario is being trapped in your own home, unable to turn on lights or get around.

Smart homes aren’t simply rooms littered with wireless gadgets. It’s a whole-house system where every piece of technology is supported by a backbone of specially installed cables. Watch John talk more about the importance of wired cables on our channel – we really can’t overstress this foundational step.

Cabling ensures a robust, reliable internet connection at all times throughout the home – essential for those with disabilities who rely on technology to perform daily tasks.

Automated security, comfort, and convenience is a luxury we can all appreciate. But for people with disabilities smart technology is transformational, reducing their reliance on carers and enhancing their quality of life.

Start living better with technology

Tempted by the benefits of a smart home? Of course you are.

Here’s a closing thought: as technology becomes an ever bigger presence in our lives every home will become ‘smarter’ to an extent. Having the capability to keep up with a fast-paced digital world will make life easier — frankly, it’s also a lot of fun.

Also, why not make the neighbours a wee bit jealous?

Give the Smart Living team a bell to get started.

You can also subscribe to John Ross Smart Living on YouTube to really fall down the rabbit hole of smart technology.