It’s All In An App
If there’s one thing that’s changed life as we know it, it’s the app. Think of how often these little pieces of software come to your rescue every day. Bored at your kid’s basketball practice? There’s an app for that. Tracking billable hours on a project, or need to catch up on the latest sports scores, news, or gossip? Ditto! How’s your portfolio? You can even find out the weather before your next golf trip to Palm Desert. (It’s sunny and warm!)
One thing apps have done is keep us connected, and do it in ways we could have scarcely imagined a few years ago. Social media apps ensure we’re never out of the loop. What’s happening on your LinkedIn groups, Twitter, or Facebook? Check the app. Thankfully, it doesn’t stop there. Apps let you keep tabs on what’s really important.
Who’s There?
Some of the most popular apps we’ve seen make it easy to view your security cameras on your smart phone or tablet while you’re away. Is that the landscaper in your yard, or…? Is there 3′ of snow in the driveway at the vacation home? Better take the Rover. With the right hardware and a dash of programming, you’ll even get an email or text message when something’s amiss.
Still in the security vein, what about a security keypad on your smart phone? Your mom doesn’t like disarming your security system while you’re away? Just let her in, from anywhere in the world with a data connection. Arm the security alarm when you left? Forget to close the garage door? Those and other burning questions lapse into insignificance when you can take control from your phone.
Let There Be Light….
Hate the idea of coming home to a dark house? Don’t! There’s an app for that, too. You can access lighting control from your mobile device. It’s easy to put some light on the subject. No more stumbling around in the dark. On the flip side, did your kids remember to turn off the lights downstairs when you left? Who cares, a simple press puts everything right.
All Together Now?
So, with all the apps out there now, what does a control system bring to the table? Well, you guessed it, another app, but that’s not all. Instead of having a plethora of apps, opening this one and scrolling to that one for your control, everything’s all packaged neatly in a single app. It sure simplifies things.
Your audio/video, lights, security alarm, CCTV cameras, heating and cooling, and more can all be controlled from the same app. They’ll have a consistent appearance, and be accessed from the same navigation menu.
Where a control system really shines is in its ability to bring things together. Instead of
arming the alarm, turning off the music, and running around the house shutting off TVs and lights before you rush out the door for that soccer game, just hit one button. A control system does it all for you…. and yes, it can do it all from an app.
Customize Me
Single purpose apps are quick and easy. What they’re not is customizable. You get what you get. If that suits your needs; fine and dandy. On the other hand, if you want to do something they don’t, change the layout, or make the design and functionality a better fit for your lifestyle, that’s another area where a control system shines.
There have been so many changes recently, some things that weren’t even a gleam in a designer’s eye are now simple. Contact me now. I’ll do a needs assessment for you, and show you exactly the right combination to make life easier. You’ll be amazed at what’s possible. After all, there’s an app for it!
As always, feel free to call with questions, new ideas, or comments.
Phil Giordano, The Big Picture Media Systems
Recent Comments