Smart home technology is revolutionizing how we live by making everyday tasks simpler , safer , and more energy-efficient. A “smart home” is one where household devices – from lights and thermostats to locks and kitchen appliances – connect to the internet and often to each other . These devices use sensors, software, and connectivity to let you automate and remotely control your home. For example, a smart light bulb can be dimmed or change color by voice command or an app, and a smart thermostat learns your schedule to211 adjust heating and cooling automatically.
In fact, the global smart home market has been booming: it was worth over \$120 billion in 2024 and is projected to swell to more than \$630 billion by 2032 . As a small business owner or homeowner , understanding the basics of smart gadgets can help you save money, increase security, and streamline chores. What Makes a Home “Smart”? At the core of a smart home is the Internet of Things (IoT) – a network of devices with embedded sensors and connectivity. IBM defines IoT as “a network of physical devices, appliances, and other objects with embedded sensors, software and connectivity, allowing them to collect and share data” .
In practical terms, smart home devices have sensors (like motion detectors or thermometers) and actuators (like motors or relays) that let them sense and respond to their environment . For instance, a smart thermostat senses the ambient temperature and then activates heating or cooling (an actuator) to reach your desired setpoint. To function together , smart devices often use common communication protocols. Most connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth , while some use lower-power mesh networks like Zigbee or Z-Wave . A central hub or a smartphone app coordinates these connections. For example, your smartphone app might send a command over your Wi-Fi network to unlock the smart lock on your front door .
Some homes use a dedicated hub (like a smart speaker) to connect devices that use Zigbee or Z-Wave to your Wi-Fi. This seamless connectivity is what makes automation possible: you can create “scenes” or routines where multiple devices act together (e.g., a “Good Night” routine that locks doors, turns off lights, and lowers the thermostat).