What are smart appliances, and how do they work?

• Connectivity: Smart appliances connect to your Wi-Fi network, enabling communication with other devices and remote control via apps or voice command.
• Remote control: You can operate and monitor these appliances from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet.
• Automation: They can be programmed to perform tasks automatically based on schedules, triggers, or routines.
• Energy efficiency: Many smart appliances are designed to optimise energy use, helping you save on utility bills.
• Integration: Many can integrate with other smart home devices, creating a cohesive and automated home environment.

• Smart thermostats: Adjust heating and cooling based on your schedule and preferences and can be controlled remotely.
• Smart refrigerators: Monitor contents, suggest recipes, and allow you to check what's inside from your phone.
• Smart washing machines: Let you start, stop, and monitor laundry cycles remotely, and optimise water and energy use.
• Smart ovens: Preheat, cook, and monitor food remotely, and can suggest cooking times and temperatures.
• Smart lights: Can be controlled remotely, scheduled to turn on/off, and adjusted for brightness and colour.

• Sensors and data: Smart appliances use sensors to gather data about their operation and environment. For example, a smart thermostat uses temperature sensors to adjust heating and cooling.
• Internet of things (IoT): Smart appliances are part of the IoT ecosystem, where devices communicate with each other and central hubs to perform tasks and share information.
• Mobile apps: Manufacturers provide apps that allow you to control and monitor the appliances. These apps often include features like notifications, usage reports, and remote control.
• Voice assistants: Many smart appliances are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, allowing you to control them with voice commands.

By leveraging these features, smart appliances offer convenience, efficiency, and enhanced control over your home environment, truly putting you in control.