Essential Smart Home Terms Explained

Tap a term to see what it means.

IoT (Internet of Things)

Technology that connects everyday objects β€” appliances, lighting, and more β€” to the internet so they can exchange data and be controlled remotely.

Smart Speaker

A speaker with a built-in voice assistant, letting you give commands like playing music or controlling smart home devices just by speaking.

Smart Plug

A device that plugs into a regular outlet, letting you remotely turn power on and off via an app or voice command.

Smart Home Hub

A central device that connects various smart home devices from different manufacturers so they can all be controlled together.

Matter Standard

A common communication standard that lets smart home devices from different manufacturers work together without compatibility issues.

Geofencing

A feature that automatically triggers smart home devices to respond when your smartphone enters or leaves a specific location.

An Era of Controlling Your Home With Just Your Voice

Even a single smart plug lets you control an old appliance remotely. If you plan to use devices from multiple manufacturers together, checking whether a product supports the Matter standard helps reduce compatibility headaches.

Curious About Voice Assistants Too?

If you're curious which voice assistant to use for controlling your smart home, it's worth also checking out a guide comparing voice assistants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I buy first if I'm just getting started with a smart home?

Starting with a smart speaker and a smart plug or two lets you experience the convenience of a smart home at relatively low cost.

Why does the Matter standard matter so much?

When devices from different manufacturers all follow one common standard, you can freely mix and match brands, which is seen as an important advance that broadens consumer choice.