Smart vs Connected
The difference between “connected” and “smart” is the ecosystem.
For the past 15 years marketers have used the words “smart” and “connected” almost interchangeably. I believe this is not only a a mistake but misleading.
CONNECTED implies a link to something, likely an internet connection, and suggests that the device in question has the ability to send some level of information to the cloud or an app or at least your network. The information could be small, like “I’m on right now” or “This is my status.” This does not make it “smart” though. Imagine a man standing in the room next to you. We’ll call him “Mr Lightbulb.” You look him in the eyes and ask “are you on?” and he stares blankly at you and says “Light at 50%.” Is this man aware of his surroundings? Is he connecting to other people and changing what he says or does based on feedback from the rest of the room? No, because he is an idiot with a three sentence IQ. He can say “I’m off” and if you tell him to turn on he’ll do it and wait stupidly until you ask another question or tell him to do something else different. Sometimes, if he’s lucky he’ll have a smarter person (Mr. App or Mr. Website) who can tell him to do things without you initiating an action. But mostly he just stands there stupidly.
SMART implies intelligence. It suggests some level of awareness or ability to change based on scenario or circumstance. For a device to be considered “smart” it requires other devices. Devices like thermostats and door locks, door sensors and cameras. Imagine all these items working together. When you say “I’m home” you get a chorus of smart devices greeting you. “I’m on!” says the light. “I’ll play your favorite music!” says your stereo. “Door is unlocked, come on in!” says the front door. “I recognize you, security is deactivated.” says your Security panel on the wall. Perhaps your garage closes after you walk in or your thermostat sets itself to your favorite temperature, changing from the energy saving state it painted while you were away. Wouldn’t you agree this is a better experience?
I believe people WANT smart homes (and smart businesses for that matter!) but aren’t always sure where to find them, how to get them. A lot of companies claim to offer these services but how many can actually create the experience we just shared? If you are advertising yourself as a smart home company and all you ever do is put in a smart light socket, remember Mr. Lightbulb. How can you help make a true “smart” experience a reality? If you’re not sure, let’s talk. I have all the secrets and can help you make it a reality.
By the way…. my house IS a smart house. Is yours?
