A few years ago, the Internet of Things (IoT) was just a buzzword. It was a dream for futurists who firmly believed that homes could be made smarter.
Fast forward to 2019, IoT has become a reality. As of 2017, over 26.5% of American homes had some type of smart home devices in use. According to tech experts, this figure is set to rise significantly by 2021.
Thanks to the availability of a wide range of smart devices that can help you monitor, protect, and automate your home, you have probably been tempted to try home automation. Luckily, whether you want to remotely switch on the lights, control your HVAC system, reduce energy consumption, or protect your home from theft, the modern tech market has something in store for you.
However, you don’t just buy the device you come across during your shopping expedition and install it in your abode.
Today, cyber-crime has become a significant threat to technological advancement. Therefore, as you shop for IoT devices, you should think about their security and privacy implications. Look – these devices are meant to decide who has access to systems that control everything in your home.
That said, in an era where your coffee maker may be a smart device, you need some assurance that it is only accessible to those who are explicitly authorized, even if the device has the permission to communicate externally.
How is open source vital to our future with connected devices?
With open-source, you will be able to curb the security concerns that come with connected devices. This is because it will help you understand the programs that control your home, therefore enabling you to view and modify the source code of the devices to suit your unique needs.
Even if you purchase devices that contain proprietary elements that enhance their security, make sure that the hub that ties your devices together is open source. Below are some of the best software options you can try.
- Domoticz
In case you are looking for an open software that features a broad array of a library of supported devices, then Domoticz has got you covered. This software supports anything, from remote controls and weather stations, to smoke detectors and other third-party integrations.
What makes this software stand out is the fact that it is lightweight, and can run in various low-power devices such as Raspberry Pi. Additionally, it is developed with an HTML5 frontend, which ensures that it can be accessed through smartphone and desktop browsers.
- Calaos
Calaos is a smart home open-source software that comes with some of the most attractive features in the market. They include a touchscreen interface, native mobile applications for android and iOS, a preconfigured Linux operating system, a web application, and a server application.
The only drawback of Calaos is that most of its support forums are in French, since a French company designed it. Nonetheless, you can still use it because some of its vital documentation and instructional materials are translated into English.
- MisterHouse
In case you love a simple, yet effective home automation software that will help convert your house into an ultra-modern smart hub, you need to check out MisterHouse.
MisterHouse responds to complex and simple tasks, including weather, time of the day, voice commands, and other controls to help you record your favorite TV shows, wake you up, and warn you when the front door is open. It runs on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- OpenMotics
OpenMotics is one of the few home automation systems in which both the software and hardware are under open source licenses. It is specially constructed to offer an in-depth system to control multiple devices from different providers, instead of stitching them together as most software do.
- OpenHAB
Popularly known as Open Home Automation Bus, OpenHAB is one of the most celebrated home automation systems in the modern market. It enjoys a vast user community and supports a broad array of integrations and devices.
Since its code is written in Java, it is highly portable across various operating systems and can run on low-power devices such as Raspberry Pi.
Conclusion
Of course, you might not be an expert in home automation if you are reading this article. Therefore, as you search for other crucial information on the web, such as how to bet on college football, make sure you do thorough research on the above home automation systems, find out how they work, and get some tips on how to use them effectively. Also, make sure you identify other alternatives that will help you have the smartest home in the neighborhood. Best of luck!