A smart device is an everyday object that’s made intelligent with advanced compute, including artificial intelligence (AI), and networked to form the Internet of Things. Smart devices bring intelligence to objects and spaces, from home security systems and lighting to refrigerators and container shipping.
A central smart device – like a speaker, display or smart plug – serves as the hub of your connected home, allowing you to control all other devices via voice command. Our favourite models are compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, ensuring you’ll be able to easily get the most out of your new smart home gadgets.
Smart devices can include sensors, actuators, and other types of network-connected hardware that gather data from their environment to perform specific tasks or provide users with insights. There is no verification process or test that a device must pass to be labelled as ‘smart’; any device may be branded as such, depending on its ability to improve the user experience and how it’s designed to utilise AI.
The three key criteria for a smart device are network connectivity, context awareness, and autonomous computing. A smartphone and a drone, for example, both meet these requirements. However, the smartphone is mobile while the drone is not.
To ensure your smart devices are secure, make sure to keep all software up-to-date. Manufacturers release updates for a variety of reasons, including bug fixes and cybersecurity improvements that will help keep your devices safe from hackers.