Central Hub
The greatest challenge to a truly automated home, if you’re not building one from scratch, is the fact that nothing is centralized: Every device seems to use a different wireless protocol and comes with its own app or control mechanism. Centralized hubs like SmartThings help overcome that obstacle by accepting a variety of devices that run on three of the more popular protocols and sending all the information to a single app on your phone.
A SmartThings starter kit, which consists of the hub itself, a motion detector and a door open/close sensor, retails for $199. It also comes with a key fob that will detect when you’re away from the house and alert you accordingly.
