When people think about what the future of living looks like, what do they see? Most people picture science-fiction technology from movies and TV shows, such as flying cars and holographic devices. However, the real future is likely to focus more on something that current technology already concentrates on: saving time.
Whether people live in a spacious home or an apartment in a city like Chicago, time is a luxury. On-demand services focus on saving time so that they can spend it focusing on what they actually care about. Despite those efforts, the home is one area in which everyone could benefit from the “internet of things.”
In modern society, apartments are better suited for meeting people’s needs in regard to convenience and flexibility. However, they can take this idealism to the next level by upgrading to smart apartments. In fact, smart apartments allow for better community management and connectivity across devices inside and outside of the apartments. Like with smart homes, what truly turns apartments into smart apartments are smart amenities.
Smart Thermostats
The first amenities that come to mind regarding smart living are smart thermostats, such as Google Nest. Such devices automatically adjust temperature settings based on the parameters that users set. Since these thermostats have to be wired into apartments, the first step for renters is to check their leases.
Some apartment leases forbid renters from putting holes into the walls, which rules out installing smart thermostats. Other times, leases are more favorable and allow them to make changes as they see fit. When in doubt, it’s best to ask landlords for permission. In most cases, landlords are on board and may even help pay for the devices and installation if the tenants plan to leave the devices behind when they move.
Why should renters consider smart thermostats? The main reason is to program these devices to automatically adjust the temperature within their apartments based on the time of day. These thermostats can change the heating and cooling settings while they’re away, preventing them from heating or cooling an empty apartment. In the end, smart thermostats save time and money.
Smart Video Monitoring
Home security is always important but even more so for apartment tenants. They aren’t the only people who have access to the buildings. Even in a trustworthy apartment complex, this can be unnerving. However, the internet of things takes home security to the next level with smart video monitoring.
What are smart video monitoring systems? In short, they are security cameras that connect to Wi-Fi networks. Being connected to Wi-Fi means that renters have the ability to check what’s going on in their apartments from anywhere in the world via the corresponding smartphone apps. In most cases, they receive alerts on their phones if the cameras detect something while they’re away.
While some of these camera systems have to be mounted, the majority of them can be set on shelves with little to no installation required. All that the tenants have to do is place the cameras where they want them, download the appropriate apps for their smartphones and connect their cameras to their Wi-Fi networks.
Keep in mind that renters can choose from multiple video monitoring systems, just like them having options when it comes to small furniture and other furnishings. Indoor monitoring systems typically require very little installation. Outdoor monitoring cameras, though, often require permission from landlords.
Smart Lighting
No one likes to wake up or return home to a dark house. What if renters could automate their lights or control them with computerized personal assistants? Fortunately, smart lighting options make this possible.
One example of such a lighting system is Philips Hue. This system delivers an “evolutionary home lighting system” as advertised. With it, apartment renters can control the color and brightness of their lights from their phones no matter where they are.
What does smart lighting mean for tenants? It means that they no longer have to worry about coming home to dark apartments. When they’re at home, they can cycle through preset color modes to set the mood for whatever situation arises.
While some of these systems are expensive, renters end up saving money on lighting in the long run. After all, they don’t have to leave the lights on when they’re at work just because they don’t want to come home to dark apartments.
Smart Home Assistants
Adding smart appliances to apartments is great, but having them is just half the battle. Wouldn’t it be nice if tenants had artificial intelligence systems to control all of them? That’s exactly what smart home assistants can do.
In many cases, smart appliances can be connected to virtual assistants, such as Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. They use virtual assistants to complete specific tasks. These tasks can be as simple as checking the weather or as complicated as managing other smart devices.
Imagine home networks that allow renters to walk into their apartments and say, “Hey Google, turn on the living room lights.” With that command, all of the lights set up on that command turn on in a second.
Of course, the beauty of home assistants doesn’t stop there. Using the Amazon Echo, for example, users can quickly check the status of Amazon deliveries or get notifications when they arrive via Alexa. With the ability to connect the Echo to smart thermostats and security cameras, this device is a must-own for those who want smart apartments.
Smart Apartments Are the Way of the Future
Smart apartments don’t just appeal to renters. They also appeal to landlords or real estate companies that rent out properties. Furnishing apartments with smart appliances not only make them more desirable to would-be renters but also helps landlords protect their investments. In fact, upgrading apartments to smart apartments is just as important as investing in customized real estate software.
For people who rent or are considering apartments over buying homes, upgrading to smart apartments is an exceptional move. Smart appliances not only protect their belongings but also save them money and time. In this day and age, saving time is of the utmost importance.
