Here’s an interesting podcast that caught me by surprise.
You see it’s 2 smart home professionals, extolling the virtues of DIY smart home platforms over traditional systems.
What’s the Difference?
I don’t agree with their definition of ‘smart home’ vs ‘home automation’, but I do get their point about online systems being able to update much faster (read this). However they do not mention any of the downsides of the Cloud.
But it’s an interesting thesis nonetheless, even more so when you hear their positive reaction to users being able config their own systems, rather than needing to get them back to make the changes (and earn more from their client).
Brands?
While the hosts Kris Gamble and JJ Canon seem careful not to name any of the ‘legacy’ brands they have dealt with in the past, they did mention Nest as one of their preferred new ones. I found this page on Kris’ website customised.uk.com offering a professionally installed Google Nest Smart Home for £2,200.
Where Does This End Up?
Surely though, as systems get more and more integrated, via the Cloud, and even easier to install and setup, work for them in this lower end of the market will disappear completely?
So then, is this turkeys voting for Christmas, or two smart business men that have spotted a profitable niche for the tech curious without any DIY skills?
Watch episode 63 below or subscribe to The Digital Ramble Podcast.
It’s really not about the cloud versus local control/automation.
JJ and Chris, along with others such as myself at DoItForMe.Solutions are more focused on empowering our clients and helping them do as little or as much as they want to do themselves.
It’s really a blend of DIY (do it yourself) with DIFM (do it for me) instead of the traditional “no choice” approach.
The traditional automation systems are still stuck in the “we don’t trust you” mode of not allowing even tech savvy or interested homeowners to have the tools to manage or control their own systems.
I have a foot in both worlds, so without naming brands, as an authorized dealer for certain legacy systems, I would be immediately cut-off and lose my authorization (which means no access to software tools, support, or updates, and typically no ability to buy or install additional equipment) if I gave a homeowner the software or even just the password for full access to the system they purchased.
Today the tech may seem more cloud-centric and app-centric, but that will change. The main difference is the philosophy of how we treat clients and providing them with choices in purchasing, product selection, and empowering as little or as much self-control and management as they want.
I can see the need, at that end of the market. But I also wonder how long until all that client ’empowering’ means you’re no longer required.
More and more people will become tech-savvy so will want to control their own systems so yes unless you give them that choices i think that companies will lose out .