1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:16,000 Hello, and welcome back to the Paddock Room. 2 00:00:16,000 --> 00:00:17,000 I'm Margo. 3 00:00:17,000 --> 00:00:24,080 I'm here with Wayne, and this is Talking Tech with Wayne, the podcast dedicated to discussing 4 00:00:24,080 --> 00:00:30,360 smart phones, smart homes, and all those things in between. 5 00:00:30,360 --> 00:00:37,920 This show is a promise of information freely given to all that seek it, and that is a pact 6 00:00:37,920 --> 00:00:41,120 between us and all of you. 7 00:00:41,120 --> 00:00:51,640 Log into our website, www.talking-tech.org, and click the Join the Discussion button to 8 00:00:51,640 --> 00:00:54,000 join the discussion. 9 00:00:54,000 --> 00:01:00,320 While you're there, you can check out TV shows or click the Schedule Call button to 10 00:01:00,320 --> 00:01:08,560 explore how you can bring a Talking Tech discussion group to your local church or community center. 11 00:01:08,560 --> 00:01:16,200 We also have a helpline where trained technicians are ready to answer your questions 24-7, and 12 00:01:16,200 --> 00:01:20,840 best of all, it's 100% free. 13 00:01:20,840 --> 00:01:25,880 That number is 215-406-HELP. 14 00:01:25,880 --> 00:01:32,600 That's 215-406-4357. 15 00:01:32,600 --> 00:01:41,640 Today we will discuss home automation for seniors, how it can benefit users, and what devices 16 00:01:41,640 --> 00:01:44,080 and systems are available. 17 00:01:44,080 --> 00:01:52,640 Wayne, let's start by discussing home automation and how it can benefit listeners. 18 00:01:52,640 --> 00:01:57,520 Home automation is the use of technology to control and automate various functions in 19 00:01:57,520 --> 00:02:04,160 the home, such as lighting, temperature, security, and entertainment. 20 00:02:04,160 --> 00:02:10,040 Home automation can provide users with a range of benefits, including greater comfort, convenience, 21 00:02:10,040 --> 00:02:12,000 and safety. 22 00:02:12,000 --> 00:02:13,760 That's great to hear. 23 00:02:13,760 --> 00:02:19,600 What types of devices and systems are available for home automation? 24 00:02:19,600 --> 00:02:25,160 There's a wide range of devices and systems available for home automation, including smart 25 00:02:25,160 --> 00:02:32,040 speakers, smart thermostats, smart lighting, smart security systems, and smart entertainment 26 00:02:32,040 --> 00:02:33,040 systems. 27 00:02:33,040 --> 00:02:37,560 Wayne, those all sound like great options. 28 00:02:37,560 --> 00:02:43,000 Can you give us an example of how a smart device could benefit a listener? 29 00:02:43,000 --> 00:02:44,880 Sure. 30 00:02:44,880 --> 00:02:47,440 One example is a smart thermostat. 31 00:02:47,440 --> 00:02:51,400 With a smart thermostat, users can control the temperature in their homes from their 32 00:02:51,400 --> 00:02:53,800 smartphone or tablet. 33 00:02:53,800 --> 00:02:58,400 This can be especially useful for seniors who may have difficulty getting up and down to 34 00:02:58,400 --> 00:03:03,800 adjust the temperature or folks who just want to save what energy costs. 35 00:03:03,800 --> 00:03:09,800 They can also learn a user's preference and adjust the temperature accordingly, helping 36 00:03:09,800 --> 00:03:12,960 them stay comfortable throughout the day. 37 00:03:12,960 --> 00:03:16,240 That sounds like a really useful device. 38 00:03:16,240 --> 00:03:24,280 Wayne, are there any specific features seniors should look for when choosing a smart thermostat? 39 00:03:24,280 --> 00:03:29,600 They should look for features such as easy-to-read displays, voice control, and compatibility 40 00:03:29,600 --> 00:03:32,960 with their existing heating or cooling systems. 41 00:03:32,960 --> 00:03:38,960 They should also consider the overall ease of use and whether the device is successful 42 00:03:38,960 --> 00:03:42,320 and easy to navigate on their device. 43 00:03:42,320 --> 00:03:46,160 Those are all great tips. 44 00:03:46,160 --> 00:03:47,560 You're welcome. 45 00:03:47,560 --> 00:03:53,800 Smart thermostats can be a great way for folks to stay comfortable and save on energy costs. 46 00:03:53,800 --> 00:03:55,920 Absolutely. 47 00:03:55,920 --> 00:04:01,760 Another useful home automation device for listeners is smart plugs and outlets. 48 00:04:01,760 --> 00:04:08,440 These devices can control the power of various other appliances and electronics in the home. 49 00:04:08,440 --> 00:04:10,720 That sounds very interesting. 50 00:04:10,720 --> 00:04:17,920 Wayne, can you tell us more about how smart plugs and outlets work and how they can benefit 51 00:04:17,920 --> 00:04:18,920 folks? 52 00:04:18,920 --> 00:04:20,920 Sure. 53 00:04:20,920 --> 00:04:25,720 Smart plugs and outlets can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet, allowing users 54 00:04:25,720 --> 00:04:31,880 to turn off and on appliances and electronics without getting up and moving around. 55 00:04:31,880 --> 00:04:38,000 This can be especially helpful for seniors with limited mobility or difficulty reaching 56 00:04:38,000 --> 00:04:40,200 certain switches or outlets. 57 00:04:40,200 --> 00:04:42,800 That's a great benefit. 58 00:04:42,800 --> 00:04:50,160 What appliances and electronics can be controlled using smart plugs and outlets? 59 00:04:50,160 --> 00:04:55,720 Smart plugs and outlets can control various appliances and electronics, including lamps, 60 00:04:55,720 --> 00:05:01,760 fans, televisions, and kitchen appliances like coffee makers and slow cookers. 61 00:05:01,760 --> 00:05:02,760 Wow. 62 00:05:02,760 --> 00:05:05,000 That's really useful. 63 00:05:05,000 --> 00:05:12,800 Are there any specific features seniors should look for when choosing smart plugs and outlets? 64 00:05:12,800 --> 00:05:17,640 Listeners should look for features like easy setup and configuration, voice control, and 65 00:05:17,640 --> 00:05:21,920 compatibility with existing appliances and electronics. 66 00:05:21,920 --> 00:05:27,120 They should also consider the overall ease of use and whether the device is accessible 67 00:05:27,120 --> 00:05:30,600 and easy to navigate on their devices. 68 00:05:30,600 --> 00:05:35,200 These are all great suggestions. 69 00:05:35,200 --> 00:05:37,000 You're welcome. 70 00:05:37,000 --> 00:05:43,320 Smart plugs and outlets can be a great way for users to stay comfortable and save energy. 71 00:05:43,320 --> 00:05:45,840 Absolutely. 72 00:05:45,840 --> 00:05:51,160 Another popular home automation device is voice activated smart speakers. 73 00:05:51,160 --> 00:05:56,160 These devices can be used to control various smart devices in the home and provide helpful 74 00:05:56,160 --> 00:05:59,360 information through voice commands. 75 00:05:59,360 --> 00:06:01,760 That's interesting. 76 00:06:01,760 --> 00:06:09,120 Can you tell us more about how voice activated smart speakers work? 77 00:06:09,120 --> 00:06:10,480 Sure. 78 00:06:10,480 --> 00:06:15,040 Voice activated smart speakers are typically controlled using the voice commands, which 79 00:06:15,040 --> 00:06:20,080 can be helpful for folks who have difficulty using a smartphone or tablet. 80 00:06:20,080 --> 00:06:25,400 These devices can be used to control smart home devices like smart thermostats and plugs 81 00:06:25,400 --> 00:06:32,600 and provide helpful information like the weather or news and even entertainment options. 82 00:06:32,600 --> 00:06:35,240 Wayne that sounds really useful. 83 00:06:35,240 --> 00:06:41,600 Are there any specific features seniors should look for when choosing a voice activated smart 84 00:06:41,600 --> 00:06:43,320 speaker? 85 00:06:43,320 --> 00:06:47,960 They should look for features such as easy setup and configuration, compatibility with 86 00:06:47,960 --> 00:06:54,640 their existing smart devices, and a user friendly interface that is easy to navigate using voice 87 00:06:54,640 --> 00:06:56,080 commands. 88 00:06:56,080 --> 00:07:00,840 They should also consider the overall sound quality and whether the device is accessible 89 00:07:00,840 --> 00:07:03,160 and easy for their needs. 90 00:07:03,160 --> 00:07:07,280 Wayne, those are great tips. 91 00:07:07,280 --> 00:07:13,080 Voice activated smart speakers can be a great way for seniors to stay connected and easily 92 00:07:13,080 --> 00:07:16,360 control their home environment. 93 00:07:16,360 --> 00:07:19,000 Absolutely. 94 00:07:19,000 --> 00:07:25,400 Another important aspect of home automation is smart home safety and security devices. 95 00:07:25,400 --> 00:07:30,480 These devices can help users feel more secure in their homes and provide peace of mind for 96 00:07:30,480 --> 00:07:32,080 their loved ones. 97 00:07:32,080 --> 00:07:40,200 Wayne, can you give examples of smart home safety and security devices? 98 00:07:40,200 --> 00:07:41,320 Sure. 99 00:07:41,320 --> 00:07:47,080 One example is a smart doorbell with a camera allowing users to see who's at the door without 100 00:07:47,080 --> 00:07:49,560 having to physically answer it. 101 00:07:49,560 --> 00:07:54,000 Another example is a smart lock which can be controlled using a smart phone or voice 102 00:07:54,000 --> 00:07:59,280 commands and can provide an added layer of security for the home. 103 00:07:59,280 --> 00:08:05,720 Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can also be useful for folks as they can alert 104 00:08:05,720 --> 00:08:12,800 them to possible dangers and send notifications to family members or emergency services. 105 00:08:12,800 --> 00:08:15,520 Those are all great examples. 106 00:08:15,520 --> 00:08:22,000 What should folks consider when choosing smart home safety and security devices? 107 00:08:22,000 --> 00:08:27,480 They should look for devices that are easy to install and use and have reliable connectivity 108 00:08:27,480 --> 00:08:32,040 and features that meet their specific needs and security. 109 00:08:32,040 --> 00:08:36,480 They should also consider the cost and whether the device requires a monthly subscription 110 00:08:36,480 --> 00:08:39,000 or ongoing maintenance fees. 111 00:08:39,000 --> 00:08:42,400 Wayne, thank you for those insights. 112 00:08:42,400 --> 00:08:48,680 Smart home safety and security devices can be a great way to help seniors feel more secure 113 00:08:48,680 --> 00:08:50,800 in their homes. 114 00:08:50,800 --> 00:08:52,800 Thank you for that. 115 00:08:52,800 --> 00:08:53,800 Absolutely. 116 00:08:53,800 --> 00:09:00,440 Smart home automation can provide seniors with an increased security, safety and convenience 117 00:09:00,440 --> 00:09:06,400 which can help them maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. 118 00:09:06,400 --> 00:09:08,300 Absolutely. 119 00:09:08,300 --> 00:09:14,640 As with all of the information we share here, flex your Google search muscles, log into 120 00:09:14,640 --> 00:09:22,680 our website, www.talking-tech.org, or call our helpline. 121 00:09:22,680 --> 00:09:27,160 And that number is 215-406-HELP. 122 00:09:27,160 --> 00:09:31,520 That's 215-406-4357. 123 00:09:31,520 --> 00:09:36,200 Well, I see that's all the time I have for today. 124 00:09:36,200 --> 00:09:42,120 It has been my pleasure to be here and I look forward to the next time we can do it again. 125 00:09:42,120 --> 00:09:46,360 I wish you all a farewell. 126 00:09:46,360 --> 00:09:52,840 Talking Tech with Wayne podcast was produced by Grey Geek Productions, hosted by Margo 127 00:09:52,840 --> 00:09:55,880 Jones and Wayne Hunter. 128 00:09:55,880 --> 00:10:07,240 Tech was Transparser Blue Jazz by Stefan Cartonberg.