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What do you guys think of the idea of smart homes? I could make a basic setup using https://home-assistant.io to control my home temperature and lighting; the tools for doing this are everywhere nowadays and implementation doesn't seem too horrific anymore.
But setting aside what I "can" do, is this something that I "should" do? How can a person implement this without connecting any devices to the internet?
I've never seen the point, personally. Maybe this is just one of the things i'm too poor to ever understand.
Or you may simply not really have a need. That’s totally fine.
I’m disabled, so being able to do lights and thermostats and appliances with my iPad or phone is great for me. Having things turn on or off based on motion detection or sunset/rise really helps. I can unlock my door or open my garage for guests without having to get up.
That's a perspective I haven't heard before that makes the idea click, thank you.
I helped set a friend up with my old smart lights when I upgraded to WLED ones and they have found it absolutely incredible for their lighting sensitivities/sensory issues!
Smart bulbs are so helpful for sensory issues related to light. You can turn the light down and change it to a less stimulating color. Wonderful for the migraine prone.
Now if only I could somehow let my dogs in and out without getting up.... (fellow disabled person)
Being able to monitor energy usage is very useful. We can see how much our solar panels are producing and how much we are importing and exporting from the network. Based on this information we can decide whether we should start a dishwasher, washing machine, water boiler, air conditioning, etc. That way, we can save a lot of money by optimally making use of free solar energy.
In addition to it being helpful for me due to disability, I also love the convenience of being able to simply say something like, "Hey Google, play The Kids Aren't Alright" and have my Home Assistant speakers start playing The Kids Aren't Alright by The Offspring through my Spotify account. As a random example. I listen to music a lot more frequently because of it.
Edit to add that it's not a need, it's a convenience.