What Is a Smart Home Appliance?
Connectivity takes on many meanings in the modern world. When it comes to smart appliances, connectivity is still on the side of uncharted territory for some of us. So, what are they?
To put it simply, a smart appliance is a device with the ability to connect to an application (typically on your smartphone), allowing you remote control over your product. After all, for times when you are remote, why not have appliances that work remotely? Let us introduce you to some common smart home appliance features and a couple of our favorite systems that enable you to work smarter, not harder!
Features & Favorites
Smart home appliances typically work through connecting to an app via your home WiFi network. This form of connection is what allows you to do things like turn on and off devices, customize schedules and other features, and troubleshoot right from the palm of your hand. Of course, this is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this technology, so we are showcasing two of our favorite smart home apps to demonstrate how these appliances can improve your quality of life in numerous ways. At AUTCOhome, we strive to empower those we do business with by equipping them with knowledge about our quality products. Here we list a number of key features both applications provide its users.
GE “Smart HQ”
SmartHQ is GE’s app that connects and controls your GE Smart Appliances all in one easy-to-access place. Once you’ve set up your appliances to connect to your home WiFi, GE SmartHQ allows you to change appliance settings and sends you alerts and notifications to keep you up to date on things like cleaning cycles, maintenance, and tips on how to make the most of your smart home. This technology also adapts to your preferences and trends, so your in-app experience is unique to you! With you in total control from anywhere, monitoring your appliances and getting things done has never been easier.
SmartHQ Key Features
- REMOTE CONTROL – This app enables you to monitor and control your appliances from anywhere for not just convenience and ease but peace of mind.
- VOICE CONTROL – Manage your appliances with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- REAL TIME NOTIFICATIONS – Receive prompt appliance notifications such as alerts and updates.
- SOFTWARE UPDATES – Keep your smart home running smoothly with the latest software updates and immediate access to new features.
- PERSONALIZATION – SmartHQ allows you to create shortcuts for your frequently used functions as well as download new modes for your appliances.
- ENERGY & WATER USAGE – This app provides insights into your appliance’s energy and water consumption, empowering you to make informed decisions.
- CONVENIENT PRODUCT REGISTRATION – Register all your GE appliances right in the app, including the models that do not use WiFi, for direct access to product information and support.
- EXPERT HELP – The SmartHQ Assistant answers your appliance questions.
- PROACTIVE MAINTENANCE – The app sends service alerts right when your appliance needs attention and utilizes the diagnostics tool to troubleshoot issues.
- SCHEDULE SERVICE – Schedule technician appointments and access appliance support contact information directly in the application.
Bosch “Home Connect”
Home Connect is Bosch’s smart app platform that grants the ability to monitor and control any Bosch smart home appliances you have from wherever you are. Bosch’s Home Connect offers hands-free voice control, setting routines for your devices, interactive content, and exclusive app features. Home Connect will send you notifications as needed to enable you to stay on top of your smart home’s schedule, maintenance, cycle progress, and application updates. Additionally, this application gives you device customization options that are not available on the device’s control panel. The option to tailor your smart home to suit your needs is now literally at your fingertips.
Home Connect Key Features
- FULL CONTROL ON THE GO – Start, stop, select tasks/cycles, and set timers directly in the app.
- ACTIVE NOTIFICATIONS – Receive notifications when your smart appliance finishes its current task or cycle.
- AUTOMATION – Home Connect enables you to automate daily jobs and routines for your smart appliances.
- APPLIANCE STATUS – Worried you forgot to turn the oven off? No problem. Home Connect provides you with your appliances current status. (And because of full control it gives you, you can turn it off if you did, in fact, forget.)
- VOICE CONTROL – Speak with and give commands to your smart appliances through your Google or Amazon voice assistant.
- PRODUCT ASSISTANTS – You read that right, “assistants” (though they do also provide assistance). Home Connect features product specific assistants, such as “My Oven Assistant”. This tailors the expertise you receive from the app. For instance, the Oven Assistant can suggest the best settings for the dish you’re making.
- EXPERT RESULTS – Because of appliance aspects like, continuing with the oven example, “PerfectBake” and “PerfectRoast”, you can receive information such as when your dish is cooked to perfection.
- ENHANCED MAINTENANCE – Home Connect provides tips to get the most out of your appliance, including longevity. It can suggest accessories to help you along the way – not to mention granting you direct access to Bosch’s online store.
- STAY EQUIPPED – The app has the manual to any of your smart appliances, so you never have to worry about how to locate vital product information.
- ALWAYS UP-TO-DATE – Home Connect downloads software updates automatically for you. No more waiting on installation!
- REMOTE DIAGNOSTICS – Customer service is faster and more efficient due to the app providing remote diagnostics.
- ULTIMATE CONNECTION – Home Connect has a feature called “IFTT” (“if this then that”) which allows you to make rules for your smart appliances, such as your bedroom lights flashing when your coffeemaker finishes a fresh morning brew.
Let’s Get Smart
If you have any further questions or would like information on a specific product, please reach out to our skilled specialists who will be more than happy to answer any questions about the brands at AUTCOhome. You are also welcome to our luxury showroom where we can guide you through and demonstrate the high-end quality products we have on the floor.
Visit our appliance experts anytime Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4:30 PM. (Address and directions to our appliance showroom are available here.)
AUTOCOhome is ready and waiting to serve you as the perfect supporting partner for your business!
