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Smart Home Technology

Jason Westrupp • Jan 26, 2020

Smart Home Technology

Smart Home technology continues to get a lot of press coverage, and as we head into the 3rd decade of the 21st century, it will only get more.


It includes everything from lights, security, TVs, speakers, fridges, air conditioners, and more.


We will focus on the core elements, and why they can be useful for everyone.

Lighting

For lighting, we go with Philips Hue. They have a wide range of lighting products to suit most scenarios, the lights are fully controllable via the Philips Hue app, or via Google Home, and as personally experienced, implementing this lighting and controls, can enable a rather sizable reduction in your power bill. This is where the cost savings kick in.


While a set of lights can be a tad expensive, a starter kit could set you back just on $100 for the Hub, and the first two lights, and lights run from just over $20 per bulb all the way up to $130 for an outdoor spotlight (we can help with purchasing and ensure you don’t pay retail), the saving over the expected 25,000 hour lifespan of the bulbs will pay for itself a number of times over. Aside from the cost savings on your power bill, you can also feel good knowing you’re doing your part for reducing emissions - our household saved 25% off the power bill compared to before implementing these and smart power plugs - that’s 25% reduced emissions for 1 household, and a tidy saving per quarter.


A comparison of lighting

Type Power Usage Cost Expected Life
Standard Bulb 60W $2 5000 hours
Fluro (aka Energy Saving) Bulb 11W $9 8000 hours
Philips Hue Smart Bulb 9.5W (at peak brightness) $29 25,000 hours

As you can see, smart LED lighting provides additional energy savings over the fluorescent bulbs (energy saving) many people moved to, and provides even greater energy savings over traditional bulbs, while also having a far longer lifespan than either. We mention “at peak brightness” for the smart bulb because another benefit with the smart lights is being able to adjust both the brightness, and depending on the type, color of the light being emitted, and any reduction in brightness is a further reduction in expected power usage.

The centre of the Smart Home

At the core of all smart home technology is the controllers. While each system tends to have it’s own app, or portal for control, choosing systems that tie into either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant provides a central way of controlling all the various elements without having a ton of different apps in the process.


The generally recognized leader at the moment is Amazon with Alexa, with Google in a close second with the Google Assistant. Apple trails far enough behind, and so few devices are released to support HomeKit/Siri, that we haven’t included them in any of our reviews we’ve done.


We primarily chose Google Assistant for the systems we implement as ironically for all the “Google tracks everything we do” rhetoric that we’re all used to, and likely partake in, their system has a higher level of privacy controls in it than the competing Amazon and Apple products.


So at the core you would have Google Home in the form of either just the smartphone app, or the app plus one or more Mini or Home speakers, and maybe a Home Hub display. The common, and logical place to start to then grow your smart home is with lighting and power control.

Power Plugs

We have tested both TP Link Kasa Smart Plugs, and Philips Hue Smart Plugs, both are useful, however with Philips, it obviously ties back into the Hue app so you can control your lights and power plugs from either just the Hue app or the Google Home app / smart speakers. The Kasa system also integrates with the Home app though.


Smart Plugs enable you to remote control the power outlets for your TVs, heaters, basically anything you have plugged into a power socket currently. This can help reduce power usage, by remotely switching things off at the power socket, and for mobility impaired or elderly people, it enables them to regain total control over switching their devices on and off, where the sockets are harder to reach.

Additional Benefits

Having a combination of the Philips Hue and correctly placed and configured Google Mini or Google Home Hub speakers and/or displays also means that mobility impaired people regain total control of the lights and more in the household. So in this scenario it’s providing a higher quality of life and returning independence to people who may have otherwise been starting to lose those things, and this is the other side of smart home technology that is often overlooked.


As a parent it also provides you an easy way to make sure lights are turned off when not in use, and from a home security perspective, it allows you to control the lights on a schedule, so when you’re away it actually looks like someone is home. For the gimmick side of things, you can even integrate them with some home entertainment units and tvs, so that the lighting color will change in line with whatever it is that you’re watching on the TV or music you're playing.

Expanding out

Expanding out from the core, lighting and power, you then have assistant enabled devices like TVs, washing machines, air conditioners and more. There is a near endless number of devices across most ranges now starting to be released which have either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant support (or both) built in.

In business

For businesses, smart technology can bring the same benefits as they do in your home. Reduced power bills through better, and extremely more efficient lighting, and better control over devices plugged into power sockets. Do you, for example, have display lighting that is plugged into a power socket presently, and each night when you shut the business you turn it on, and then each morning you turn it off? With a smart plug, you could schedule it to turn off at say midnight, so now instead of maybe 12-14 hours of running each night, it would run for maybe 6 - there’s a 50% reduction in power usage on one item right there.


To find out how smart technology might be best suited in your home or business, reach out to us for a free review and report.

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Service Reminder - Purchasing

By Jason Westrupp • 03 Nov, 2019
For: Everyone This is a refresher on one of the services we provide that is particularly timely with Black Friday / Cyber Monday coming up. Through our purchasing service, we provide competitive (and by that I mean usually cheaper) pricing on all your technology needs. This ranges from computers, networking equipment, printers for home and office, to phones, tv’s, audio systems, and more. If it has a power plug, we can most likely source it. If our supply chains can’t do it for cheaper, and we can find somewhere else that does, we let you know. We have both home and business grade equipment, and with all purchases, offer an optional flat fee installation service. So reach out to us for a quote the next time you are looking to purchase something technology wise. Examples of the kind of pricing we can provide are below. NOTE - pricing is current as it 3 November 2019, and is for comparison purposes only. We always provide a current quote as part of the process to ensure we can get you the best pricing we can at the time. Additionally, pricing shown doesn’t include freight. For: Everyone This is a refresher on one of the services we provide that is particularly timely with Black Friday / Cyber Monday coming up. Through our purchasing service, we provide competitive (and by that I mean usually cheaper) pricing on all your technology needs. This ranges from computers, networking equipment, printers for home and office, to phones, tv’s, audio systems, and more. If it has a power plug, we can most likely source it. If our supply chains can’t do it for cheaper, and we can find somewhere else that does, we let you know. We have both home and business grade equipment, and with all purchases, offer an optional flat fee installation service. So reach out to us for a quote the next time you are looking to purchase something technology wise. Examples of the kind of pricing we can provide are below. NOTE - pricing is current as it 3 November 2019, and is for comparison purposes only. We always provide a current quote as part of the process to ensure we can get you the best pricing we can at the time. Additionally, pricing shown doesn’t include freight.

Windows 7 End of Life - Fast Approaching

By Jason Westrupp • 03 Nov, 2019
For: Anyone still running Windows 7 If you’re not aware already, Windows 7 goes End of Life on January 14 2020. What does this mean? Basically that in roughly 2 months from now, it will no longer be supported by Microsoft. As Microsoft ends support, this means shortly afterwards companies that make other products like web browsers, accounting software, etc that run on Windows 7 will also stop supporting their products on it - the exact timing for each will vary, but based on past history, it starts happening pretty quickly. What are your options? You have four options really. Option 1 - Do Nothing This entails continuing to run Windows 7. The risk here is that you will be exposing yourself to ever increasing security risks, and will not be able to get support for applications running on it. Basically it’s the least viable option to choose if you like being safe online, and we strongly recommend against this. Option 2 - Upgrade Windows The second option you have is to either attempt to get a free upgrade using the Media Creation Tool or buy Windows 10, and attempt to run it on your computer. There is no guarantee it will actually install and work correctly, leaving you with the next option. Option 3 - Upgrade your machine The third option is to upgrade your machine. Any new Windows based computer purchased will include Windows 10. This is the cleanest, least risk option as you know the computer will run Windows 10, and will be supported for at least 3 years, if not longer. Option 4 - Move away from Windows The final option is to move away from Windows. The computer could either be rebuilt with Chrome OS or Linux if you’re feeling adventurous, or you could buy yourself a Chromebook or Apple Mac. The pitfall here is if you use software that is locally installed and specific to Windows it won’t work on either of the other platforms. However, if you only use cloud based software, then rebuilding to Chrome OS is a viable option that is free, and doesn’t require any new hardware. The upside of this option is no more dealing with 6 monthly Windows 10 upgrades.. If you would like assistance (including recommendations, help with trying to upgrade your current machine to Windows 10, or purchasing new hardware) please reach out to us via our website , or at enquiries@bgrdevelopment.com.au .

Google Pixel 4 Launched

By Jason Westrupp • 20 Oct, 2019
The new generation of Pixel 4 phones have been launched. These replaced the Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL from 2018 which were regularly reviewed as having the best cameras ever on a smartphone. The new generation bring even better cameras, better screens, better battery life, and better Google Assistant experiences, along with a real time transcription function for taking notes in meetings, lectures, etc. There are two models, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. The main differences being the screen sizes and battery life. The Pixel 4 has a 5.7” screen, and the Pixel 4 XL has a 6.3” screen. The Pixel 4 XL comes with roughly 1/3rd more battery storage than the Pixel 4. The new camera setup includes a standard lens and a telephoto lens. The upgraded Neural Core enables even better photos in all lighting conditions. Night Sight, which was already extremely good at night time photos, has been upgraded further with Astrophotography mode enabling taking photos of the night time sky. Google Assistant has been further improved with the addition of its own onboard processor to allow for more responses to occur locally, rather than going back to the cloud. The Pixel 4 starts at $1,049 and the Pixel 4 XL starts at $1,279. If you’re in the market for the new flagship phone these are a compelling choice compared to the iPhones. The Pixel 4 is cheaper than the iPhone 11, and the Pixel 4 XL is cheaper than both the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max. You also get more cloud storage with Google Photos, better photos than with the iPhones, and get monthly security updates for Android. If you were in the market for a cheaper phone, the Pixel 3A and 3A XL make compelling choices at $649 and $799 RRP respectively. They have the same cameras as last year's Pixel 3 phones, so are on par with this year's iPhones, but for half the price. If you would like any more information, or a quote on one of the phones, just reach out to us either via our website , or at enquiries@bgrdevelopment.com.au .

Made by Google Event

By Jason Westrupp • 20 Oct, 2019
Once again Google held their “Made by Google” event in October. Apple and Microsoft had already held their events, so Google was the last one out of the gate. This year saw the new Pixel 4 line of phones announced, along with new Google Pixel Buds as their answer to the Apple AirPods and Microsoft Surface Earbuds, a new Google Nest Mini speaker, the new Nest WiFi, and the Pixelbook Go. Pixel 4 Phones We cover the phones in a separate article here . But the headline elements are that there were two new Pixels announced to replace last years Pixel 3 phones, and the cameras were taken to a new level, which was no mean feat given the Pixel 3 cameras were regularly reviewed as being the best ever in a smartphone. Pixel Buds 2 For the second generation of the Pixel Buds, Google has cut the cord and these are now completely wireless in the same vein as the Apple AirPods. They include adaptive sound, which adjusts the volume based on ambient noise, hands-free Google Assistant access and improved microphones. Google Nest Mini Google is rebranding all of its in home smart devices to the Nest brand, and the Mini and WiFi were the latest products to receive the rebrand alongside the launch of the new versions. The new Nest Mini is the second generation of the Google Mini speakers. This generation has picked up the ability to be wall mounted, the speakers have been upgraded for better sound and they now have an onboard machine learning chip for faster Google Assistant responses. Nest WiFi The second generation of Google WiFi was released. Google WiFi is their in home mesh WiFi network solution, which has been selling in very large numbers. It is quick to setup and configure, and provides extended coverage across your entire home for a better WiFi experience. With the second generation, Google Assistant has been integrated into the second (and third if used) access points, and comes with improved WiFi coverage and speeds. Pixelbook Go A new Pixelbook was added to the Pixelbook family. The Go is a cheaper version of the Pixelbook - Google's flagship Chromebook laptop. Unlike the flagship though, the Go doesn’t have pen input, and can’t swivel the screen through 360 degrees. It does have similar internal specs, so the performance is on par, and of course it has similar great battery life that puts most other laptops to shame. If you would like any additional information, or a quote, on any of these, just reach out to us via our website , or at enquiries@bgrdevelopment.com.au .

Windows 10 November 19 Release

By Jason Westrupp • 20 Oct, 2019
The next semi-annual release of Windows 10 will be rolling out very soon. This is version 1909. Unlike past 6 monthly upgrades, this one will be very minor. It’s focus is on stability, and sets up for a larger update in April next year. The get the 1909 upgrade, you should be on 1903 already. You can check your Windows version by clicking on the Start Menu, then Settings (the gear icon). On the screen that comes up click on System and scroll to the bottom of the left menu and click About. Scroll down on the screen on the right to Windows Specifications, and look at the Version number. It’s important to get current as the version 1803 will no longer be receiving patches from November (next month). If your current version is 1809, then you have a little longer before this happens - May next year (2020) to be precise. Some machines will be too old and simply can’t be upgraded, and so will need to be replaced, while others will need more prodding to get them to upgrade. If your machine is stuck on 1803 or earlier, we suggest reaching out to use via our website or on support@bgrdevelopment.com.au to seek help in getting updated.

Microsoft Surface Event

By Jason Westrupp • 20 Oct, 2019
Microsoft held its annual Surface event in early October. This year it announced the next generation of the Surface Pro line, the next generation of the Surface Laptop, a new Surface Pro X tablet and new Surface Earbuds. It also showed two new upcoming devices to be released at the end of next year. These were the Surface Duo and Surface Neo. The Duo and Neo are two new dual screened devices. The Neo is a dual screened tablet, than can have a keyboard attached. It aims to be your tablet and your laptop all in one handy dual screened device that will run a special version of Windows 10 - Windows 10 X. The Duo will be Microsoft’s first Android phone. It is a dual screened device that can be used either in single screen mode like traditional smartphones or dual screen mode similar to a tablet. The upgraded Surface Pro line receives the newest Intel processors, improvements to the screen and battery, and adds USB C for the first time. Pricing starts at $1,249 RRP. The Surface Laptop has done away with the Alcantara keyboard (thankfully as it gets grubby very easily), has the latest Intel processors, and picks up USB C for the first time. It also now comes in two sizes of 13” or 15” screen. Pricing starts at $1,669 RRP. The Surface Pro X is a lightweight, thinner version of the Surface Pro that runs Windows 10 S mode (where you can only install applications from the Microsoft Store) and uses a custom processor built by Microsoft. It’s primarily targeted at taking on Chromebooks and iPads. It also has LTE (mobile) connectivity built in. Pricing starts at $1,699 RRP. If you would like any additional information on any of these, just reach out to us via our website or at enquiries@bgrdevelopment.com.au or enquiries@bgrtechnology.services .

iPhone 11 launched

By Jason Westrupp • 20 Oct, 2019
In September the new iPhone 11 series of iPhones was launched. The three models introduced this year are the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. They received improvements in the core processor (so run faster), bring camera improvements, and improved battery life. The main differences are in screen size, battery and cameras between the three. The iPhone 11 retains the dual camera setup from last years phones, has a 6.1” screen and picks up Night Mode for improved photos at night. It starts at $1,199 RRP and so is the cheapest of the three models this year. The iPhone 11 Pro is the smallest of the three with a 5.8” screen, but picks up the new triple camera setup, which uses 1 wide-angle, 1 telephoto and 1 ultra wide-angle lens to combine for better photos than previous models. Like the iPhone 11, it also picks up Apple’s Night Mode for better photos in low light (aka night) conditions. It also has slightly better battery life than the iPhone 11. It starts at $1,749 RRP. The iPhone 11 Max Pro is the biggest of the group with a 6.5” screen, it also has the best battery life of the three. It uses the same triple camera setup as the iPhone 11 Pro with the new Night Mode. With a starting price of $1,899 RRP it’s also the most expensive of the three. So if your in the hunt for a new iPhone, which is the best one to pick? That depends on what you’re primarily looking for. If it’s simply to be on the current generation of iPhones, then the iPhone 11 would be the best pick for your wallet. If you’re after better photos than your current iPhone, then the Pro or Pro Max is the way to go. If you’re looking for the smaller screen size then the iPhone 11 Pro is the way to go, and conversely if you’re after a larger screen, then the iPhone 11 Pro Max is the choice. 

Budget computers - what are they really worth

By Jason Westrupp • 20 Oct, 2019
I often get asked for advice regarding buying a cheap Windows computer to replace an existing computer that is running slowly, and my response is always the same - save up for a better one. If we use typical “cheap” computer under $600, or even a “moderately priced” one as under $1,000, they will generally have older style spinning hard drives, or low end processors. They often have low levels of memory as well (under 8GB). Essentially any or all of these, will result in an experience that is not noticeably different to the “slow computer” you’re trying to replace. As such you’re likely to spend up to $600 or more, and for no return. The laptops and desktops I sell are all in the low $1,000 range - except where higher end equipment is specifically needed. For the $1,200 - $1,300 range you end up with a computer that will be quite noticeably quicker than your last computer, and which will remain fast throughout its lifespan. It also has onsite repair for the first 3 years of its life. So if we compare cost per year for the devices, a $600 device will be slow enough to be frustrating within the first year. But we’ll be generous and say that it last 2 years. That works out as $300 per year, and if it has a hardware fault, you’ll likely be without for at least 2 weeks while you send it away to be repaired under warranty. Now for $1,200 - $1,300 you will have a device that is good for 3 - 5 years (if not longer). If again, we’re generous and go with the 5 year end of the life span, then the cost works out as $200 per year. Added to this, if there is a hardware fault in the first 3 years, a repair technician will be there within a couple of days to fix it on site, this not leaving you without your computer for up to 2 weeks. So the wiser buying decision is to get the more expensive computer upfront as over its lifetime you’ll actually be spending less, and will have a much quicker computer to go with it. If you are looking for a cheaper option that should provide a solid experience, and only use cloud based services (email, web browsing, etc.), then a viable option to look at is Chromebooks. They run Google’s Chrome OS and can be purchased from as little as $349. If you're looking for a new computer, reach out to us via our website , or drop us an email at enquiries@bgrdevelopment.com.au to get some quotes based on your requirements.
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