Today in the era of electronics and connected systems and IoT becoming a common thing, the keyword "Smart" is being associated with a lot of devices.
Out of a lot of electronic devices and gadgets that we use do all of them fall under the criteria of a smart devices?
In this post we will try to understand the concept of a "Smart Device" and see a few examples of the same.
Smart Device
A smart device is an electronic device or gadget that you would be using to improve upon your efficiency or productivity. But for a electronic gadget to be considered a smart device it should follow some of the following points
- How they connect:
- Generally connected to other devices or networks via either wireless or wired method.
- This connectivity allows them to be remotely controlled or monitored.
- The connectivity could be based on wireless technologies like
- Bluetooth, Zigbee, near-field communication, Wi-Fi, NearLink, Li-Fi, or Cellular tech like 3G,4G,5G etc
- Or wired technologies like Ethernet or USB
- A smart device does not necessarily need to be connected wirelessly.
- Wired technologies like Ethernet or USB are also used
- Wireless connectivity is common these days and often convenient for smart devices.
- Generally connected to other devices or networks via either wireless or wired method.
- How they collect data and take actions:
- A device to be smart should be able to collect data they often have sensors to gather data from the environment or user interactions.
- The data is usually further stored or transmitted for processing and action.
- Smart devices on the basis of the sensor data should be able to initialize some actions.
- For the same purpose they are equipped with actuators to perform actions based on that data.
- For example, a smart thermostat senses temperature and adjusts heating or cooling accordingly.
- For the same purpose they are equipped with actuators to perform actions based on that data.
- A device to be smart should be able to collect data they often have sensors to gather data from the environment or user interactions.
- They should be able to process data
- A smart device that needs to take actions on some incoming data first need to be able to process that data and then only take some relevant actions.
- To do the same a Smart device need to have some processing power based on its need to process data locally or in the cloud, enabling them to perform complex tasks and make decisions.
- User interface for Interactivity
- A person using a smart device will need some kind of user interface with which they are able to communicate and use the device.
- Topically these interfaces can be as simple as LCD displays with simple buttons, Touch screens or panels, external remotes or even voice control.
- Example amazon echo and google dot are typically controlled via voice
- Ability to to analyze data
- A smart device should not just collect data, but should also be able to analyze it and do some reporting.
- To do the same it need some processing power and embedded software for the same.
- For example most of the Smart watches today can monitor heart rate, blood pressure, stress etc.
- Based on the data they are able to report the same to the user via buzzing or beeping in cases of extreme conditions.
- Ability to provide automation and integration with other device
- A smart device as an stand alone device is not very useful. A smart device typically allows inter connectivity with other deceive for various tasks like automation or control of other device.
- For example using your Alexa device to control smart plug via voice or time based operations.
- A smart device as an stand alone device is not very useful. A smart device typically allows inter connectivity with other deceive for various tasks like automation or control of other device.
- Smart device should be energy efficient
- A smart device would be kept on all the time, but it is not necessary that it will be working all the time.
- They are usually designed to be energy-efficient, meaning they user power management techniques to optimize battery life or energy consumption.
- Security and Updates
- As most of the smart devices are connected to a network and are usually embedded with some software.
- It is important to include security features to protect data and ensure privacy, especially given their connectivity to networks.
- They should receive updates to improve functionality, new features or security
- As most of the smart devices are connected to a network and are usually embedded with some software.
Though many other aspects can be added but the above mentioned are most common and often enough to describe a device as a smart device in today context.
| 1 |
Smart TV Allows interaction and inter net connectivity. Usually can be voice controlled |
Regular LED/LCD TV Work with standard remote, cable connection. Internet connectivity requires external devices |
| 2 |
Smart Watch Can record, walking, running, blood pressure Generate or report alerts to user or cloud connected medical apps and doctors |
Regular digital/analog watch Display date and time and sometime may have alarm |
| 3 |
Smart Refrigerator Learns users usage pattern, control's cooling automatically. Some have interface to keep track of food and order via amazon etc based on settings. |
Regular refrigerator Fixed temperature settings. User needs to adjust temperature with variation of weather. |
| 4 |
Smart Scrutiny Camera: Motion sensor based, records images on motion, face detection and communication is available. Can be connected to AI system to identify family members and other people apart |
Typical wired security camera. Does continuous recording. User has to manually go through the whole recording. |
| 5 |
Water sprinkler: Starts water based on soil conditions, weather conditions and conserves water. |
Regular sprinklers: Generally time based or manually operated. Does not take into picture the weather conditions or water need. |
The above few example are enough to identify regular device form smart device.