Over the past few years, technology has come a long way. Now, there are so many technological devices that make it easier for you and your family to go about your daily routine, automating certain home tasks. This is where a smart hub is particularly helpful. With the ability to control numerous gadgets around the home from a single app, you can instantly improve your daily routine. But maybe you’re new to the world of home automation and wondering, “what is a smart home hub?”
Don’t worry, we have the answers for you here in this article. Keep reading to learn why you may need a smart hub to take more control of your smart home system.
What Is a Smart Hub?
First, let’s define what a smart hub is.
This device serves as the nerve center of your home’s automation system. A smart hub uses Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Zigbee to control and connect your smart devices (like your smart locks and light bulbs) with each other. This is especially helpful for homeowners using a variety of smart products.
Similar to how the brain communicates signals to the rest of your body, all the smart devices in your home are going to be tied together at the smart hub. Some of the most common automation devices that you might have around your home include:
- Various smart lighting features
- A home entertainment system
- A security system that you use to keep your home safe
- Door locks that you might control with a gadget
- Smart home speakers and devices including Alexa and Google Assistant
- Smart home thermostats you use to keep your utility bills low
Not all devices require connection to a smart hub, but using a smart hub can make it easier for you to control these devices, saving you time and effort.
Why Should a Family Use a Smart Hub?
There are several ways a family can benefit from bringing a smart hub into their home.
First, a smart hub streamlines the automation process within your smart home system. This means you don’t have to click through a handful of apps to adjust your lighting or smart thermostat to your favorite setting. You also don’t have the burden of remembering which controls are for which system.
Other hubs, like Samsung’s SmartThings hub, give you the power to create custom scenes and routines with your devices. These allow your devices to turn on and off in coordination with you or your family’s unique set of needs.
Next, a smart hub typically lets you connect and include more devices into your smart home system rather than without one. In most cases, this means you have more possibilities and options for building comfort and convenience at home.
Finally, a smart hub is going to save you and your family time. You probably have a lot to do throughout the day and can’t afford to spend time fiddling with various apps, trying to figure out which work with which devices. With a smart hub, you can automate your processes and cut back on the time you spend within applications. By automating these processes, such as with your smart thermostat or lightbulb, you might also be able to save money on utility bills.
Which Smart Hubs Work With Smart Speakers
If you’re a homeowner searching for a hub that works with your favorite smart speaker—you’re in luck! There are several smart hubs available that can connect to smart speakers such as Alexa and Google Assistant. Some smart hub systems to consider include:
Insteon Hub
The Insteon Hub is great because it can connect to all Insteon Hub devices and can also integrate with Nest, Sonos, and Logitech devices. Families with Alexa and Google Assistant will be happy to know the Insteon Hub also works well with both virtual assistants.
Wink Hub 2
The Wink Hub 2 is a versatile smart hub. It’s packed with dual-band WiFi and supports Bluetooth Low Energy. You and your family can use the Wink Hub to fulfill Alexa voice commands. Another bonus is the Wink hub supports smart devices from other manufacturers including Nest, Ring, Honeywell, Philips Hue, and more. Finally, the hub has a sleek design that can blend seamlessly into any environment.
Samsung SmartThings Hub
The Samsung SmartThings Hub is a great multi-protocol controller that can communicate using both Bluetooth and WiFi. It can control smart devices from numerous brands including Ring, Honeywell, Ecobee, and more. This smart hub also works well with Alexa and Google Assistant devices. As mentioned earlier, the device also has several customizable features that you can use to make sure you get the most out of this system.
This should help homeowners figure out which smart hub systems are going to work well for their needs. Those who rely on smart speakers want to make sure they invest in a smart hub automation system that can communicate with their smart speakers and make their lives easier.
Leverage the Benefits of a Smart Home With ONIT
And there you have it! That was our review of what a smart hub home automation system can do. After reading, hopefully you can see through leveraging a home automation system with a smart hub, you can not only save time but also money on your home utility bills.
To learn about how you can get the most out of your smart home, talk to the experts at ONIT about building a custom system for your needs. We work with industry-leading technology and equipment to help families stay connected and in control of their homes. Call us today to learn more about our services!
ONIT Home is your one-stop shop for all your bundled home needs. We’re currently offering $1,500 in vouchers to be used with security, water and solar. You can also get a free water filtration system and security system with the purchase of a solar panel system, or a $2,000 security system for only $1,000. That way, you can protect your family from contaminated water and protect them with a safe home. Contact us today online or by giving us a call at 1-833-433-0331 so we can set you up with this incredible deal.