How do I control and monitor smart appliances?

A smart home hub acts as a central control point for all your devices. Popular hubs include: 

• Amazon Echo: Works with Alexa to control various smart devices.
• Google Nest Hub: Integrates with Google Assistant for voice control and automation.
• Apple HomePod: Uses Siri and the Home app to manage HomeKit-compatible devices.

Most smart appliances come with their own apps, but you can also use centralised apps to control multiple devices: 

• Google Home: Allows you to control and organise devices by rooms and set up routines.
• Amazon Alexa: Manages Alexa-compatible devices and creates automation routines.
• Apple Home: Controls HomeKit-enabled devices and sets up scenes and automations.

Voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri can control smart appliances with simple voice commands: 

• Alexa: "Alexa, turn off the living room lights."
• Google Assistant: "Hey Google, set the thermostat to 22 degrees."
• Siri: "Hey Siri, start the coffee maker".

Automations allow your devices to work together based on triggers like time of day or your location:

• Google Home: Create routines that trigger multiple actions with a single command.
• Amazon Alexa: Set up routines to automate tasks like turning off lights when you leave home.
• Apple Home: Use scenes to control multiple devices simultaneously, like "Good Night" to turn off lights and lock doors.

Some smart appliances and plugs can track energy usage, helping you identify ways to save energy:

• Smart plugs: These can monitor energy consumption of connected appliances.
• Smart meters: Provide real-time data on your home's energy usage, accessible through apps or web portals.