• Do you know the reason why smartphones and smart TVs are referred to as such? They exemplify how advanced technology has become. Gadgets today are capable of anticipating behavior and offering suggestions based on that behavior. You can communicate with various appliances and instruct them on what to do rather than manually operating different buttons. This indicates that a smart home is fundamentally a residence equipped with multiple gadgets and appliances that make your life easier and more secure. A smart home enables you to manage ordinary daily tasks effortlessly, allowing for more quality moments with your family. And once you secure an electronic equipment insurance policy, along with home insurance, you are fully prepared for a secure journey.

Evolution of Smart Home Solutions in India

• Smart devices began entering the Indian market from the year 2000 in response to the increasing demand for remotely controlling gadgets. However, slow internet speeds and a lack of awareness regarding installations posed challenges. Nevertheless, in recent years, both issues have been addressed. Currently, individuals require smart plugs to transform their conventional devices into smart gadgets. Research on Global Markets, a global research firm, projected that the smart home market in India will reach a value of INR 4. 2 trillion by 2023, with metropolitan areas expected to lead that expansion. Thus, if you wish to join the smart home trend, continue reading.

Here’s How to Start and Turn Your Home into a Smart Home

Wi-Fi connectivity:

• This marks the initial step since all smart gadgets will connect to your phone, enabling control even while you are away. To guarantee that you are always connected, you need a reliable source of high-speed internet, and what better option than Wi-Fi for this purpose?

Start with smart bulbs:

• Illuminate your day with internet-enabled LED bulbs. You can set schedules based on your preferences and adjust both the colors and brightness levels.

Motion-sensing lights or switches:

• As the name implies, they sense movement. Therefore, bid farewell to navigating in darkness, as the lights will activate the moment someone enters their detection range. Similarly, they will deactivate when no movement is detected for some time, conserving energy. They can be installed both indoors and outdoors and are also useful for surveillance.

Smart plugs for old appliances:

• These user-friendly devices can transform most appliances into smart gadgets. They come in various socket sizes and power ratings. After plugging it in, you simply need to set it up with an app, and just like that, your AC or water heater will be converted into smart appliances.

Smart speaker:

• Embrace the marvels of voice recognition. A smart speaker offers you voice assistance. Its built-in virtual assistant allows for hands-free operations using specific keywords.

Alexa:

• So, how can you handle all these intelligent devices? Say hi to Amazon Alexa. This gadget proves useful when you are not present, and your family members need to issue commands. Connecting it to a universal remote eliminates the need for a smart plug. Just say, “Alexa, change the channel” or “Play my favorite songs” or “Lower the room temperature. ” And she will take care of it!

Google Home:

• While Google Nest consists of a range of smart home products, Google Home aids you in setting up and managing Google Nest. This enhances your interaction with the Google Assistant, which is Google’s virtual assistant, similar to how Alexa functions for Amazon and Siri does for Apple.

Now, how do you safeguard all these electronic devices? You require electronic equipment insurance.

What is Electronic Equipment Insurance?

• Electronic devices like computers, laptops, air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines are integral to every modern household. Although you certainly handle these with care, you have limited control over accidents and unexpected incidents that may harm these electrical and electronic devices. The cost of repair or replacement can be significant, which is why obtaining electronic equipment insurance is advisable.

What does it cover?

• Any damage to your electronic equipment resulting from accidents, natural disasters, or electrical and mechanical failures is included. Expenses related to the repair or replacement of the equipment or parts are covered. The policy also accounts for the loss of external data such as drives and the costs associated with restoring the lost data.

Exclusions

• Normal wear and tear from everyday use is not included. Aesthetic damages such as scratches on painted or enamelled surfaces are not covered. If damage arises from your own negligence during usage, the loss will not be covered. If the fees of surveyors, architects, or consulting engineers surpass 3% of the claim amount, they will be excluded from the coverage. Debris removal, loss of rent, loss of income, and any relevant deductible according to the policy are not within the coverage parameters.

Conclusion

• India is still in the early stages regarding smart homes. However, contemporary homeowners are increasingly seeking smart solutions for lighting, audio systems, indoor temperature control, security, etc. Therefore, if you fall into this category, it’s time you start adopting the above solutions. To support you in this, numerous companies in the market currently offer services for smart homes. And once your home is upgraded to smart technology, ensure its protection with an electronic equipment insurance policy.
• Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. For more information, please consult the policy documents and prospectus prior to finalizing your purchase.