Do you (or a loved one) ever feel overwhelmed by the idea of smart devices? If so, you’re not alone! With the speed technology has evolved over the past 30 years, it’s understandable that new technology can seem overwhelming, confusing, or even a little scary at times. The good news is, these devices are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly—all you need to do is dive in! Read on as we pull back the curtain on smart technology.
What Makes a Device Smart?
First, you may be wondering what makes a device a “smart device”. Do you remember Rosey the Robot from The Jetsons? She was programmed to perform a specific set of tasks and was always learning how to do them better. Smart devices work the same way. They’re programmed with software that allows them to “learn” in order to make your life more convenient. For example, a smart thermostat can be programmed to learn your temperature preferences and establish a schedule that automatically adjusts to energy-saving temperatures while you’re sleeping or at work.
The software is really what makes a device smart. The computer in each device is pre-programmed, much in the same way an ice maker is programmed to produce crushed ice versus cubed ice, depending on the button you push.
Another feature of smart devices is that they can use the internet to communicate with each other—just like we do! Appliances, cars, thermostats, and other smart devices can use a specialized internet called the Internet of Things (or IoT for short) to receive and exchange information. This is what allows different devices to work together, even if they have different purposes or manufacturers. For instance, you could have a single button in your home that you push to turn everything (like lights, electronics, or other devices) off in a single room.
Although all smart devices work in the same way, they can seem very different from each other, especially when you’re trying to set one up. This is because devices are pretty much the same as automobiles. Under the hood, a Toyota will look different than a Ford. However, even if the engine or other parts look different, they work similarly.
Smart devices can save you time, make you more comfortable, and can even help you save money on utility bills. However, choosing the right devices for you is key, especially since there are now more devices than ever to choose from. We understand this can feel overwhelming, but remember—Tech Shack is always happy to help you figure out which devices will best suit your needs.
The Importance of Correct Setup and Updates
Smart devices are amazing tools that help improve comfort and convenience in everyday life. However, if you want the software to work as it should, the device needs to be set up correctly and the software needs to be speaking the same language as your device. This is why both proper setup and keeping your devices updated are crucial.
If you receive a pop-up notification that says there’s an update available for your device, your first thought might be, “do I really need the update”? The answer is yes, even if your device seems to be working fine. Updates can have many different purposes. For example, they can:
- Fix security issues
- Help protect your data (and potentially the data of others)
- Repair bugs or other issues that can cause the device to crash or not work properly
- Add new features to your device
- Improve existing features
- Remove outdated features
So as you can see, there are many benefits to keeping your device up to date! It’s truly one of the best ways to optimize how your device functions and performs. It’s also extremely important for cyber security. Since smart devices can access the internet, using an unpatched device is a bit like living in a home with no doors or windows—you may be unknowingly inviting unwanted intruders.
Updates are easy to keep up with; for most devices, all you need to do is accept the update when the notification pops up. The update will be installed over the current software installation, so you don’t have to worry about uninstalling or re-installing anything. You simply let the update do its thing!
Is Every Device a Smart Device Now?
For the most part, yes! Technological advances have made smart technology even smarter over the years and its popularity has grown. The demand for high-end products is also so high that few companies see the value in producing devices that don’t include some form of artificial intelligence (AI). As time goes on, it will be increasingly difficult to find devices that aren’t smart—but the good news is that many companies, like Apple, are making an effort to make everything user-friendly and easy to use.
Have Questions About or Issues with a Smart Device? Tech Shack is Here to Help!
Whether you’re considering a smart device purchase, are having issues with an existing smart device, or would like to understand them better, Tech Shack is here to help! We stay current with the latest devices and can assist you with:
- Setting up your devices at home—all that’s left for you to do is enjoy them!
- Updating your devices
- Troubleshooting device issues
- Linking smart devices
- Smart home automation
Have you been thinking about smart automation in your home, but aren’t sure where to start? Or maybe you’ve been wondering if what you’d like to automate is even possible? Have you recently purchased a smart device but aren’t really sure what its capabilities are? Or maybe you’d like a recommendation for the best smart device for your needs. We also offer consulting!
Regardless of what you need or your smart device goals, our team is here to support you and help you feel confident when working with them. They offer so many ways to enhance our lives, and we feel everyone deserves to enjoy them to the fullest, without fear, confusion, or feeling overwhelmed. Schedule an appointment today, and we’ll help you get started!