A smart home is a home in which everyday devices, such as heating, lighting, locks, cameras and speakers, are connected to the internet or a home network so that they can be controlled from a phone, by voice or by automatic rules. It is one of the most familiar uses of the Internet of Things. Devices communicate through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and dedicated low-power protocols, and an industry standard called Matter, launched in 2022, aims to let products from different makers work together. Benefits include energy savings, convenience and remote monitoring, and insurers sometimes offer discounts for leak or smoke sensors. Smart homes also raise concerns about data privacy, hacking of poorly secured devices and dependence on manufacturers' cloud services. In payments, voice assistants and connected appliances can place orders automatically, a niche form of embedded commerce. Some blockchain projects have explored device-to-device micropayments, though with limited adoption.
Last updated 13 Nov 2026