What is home automation and why should you start with it?
Smart devices are electronic devices connected via the internet and controlled through apps or voice-controlled systems. Home automation offers convenience, energy savings, security, and comfort by controlling devices automatically or remotely. First determine your need: more convenience, security, or energy savings.
This helps make targeted choices when purchasing. About 70-80% of smart home beginners start with smart lighting or smart plugs due to ease of use. Our Nedis assortment includes entry products for smart electronics, including smart plugs and lighting specifically developed for beginner users with user-friendly apps and clear installation guides.
The best devices to start with
Start simply with smart lighting, smart plugs, and optionally a smart thermostat. These are easy to install and offer quick visible benefits. Smart lighting can be automated based on time or sunset.
A smart thermostat helps regulate energy consumption and can save on the energy bill. Build your smart home step by step instead of buying everything at once. Our SmartLife series includes smart lamps with color change and dimming functions, as well as smart plugs that make ordinary devices smart without technical knowledge. For more information about temperature control, see our guide on smart thermostats.
Simple installation in four steps
The installation of smart devices proceeds systematically:
- Download the corresponding app and create an account
- Ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection
- Follow the installation instructions in the app carefully
- Personalize the devices via the app with automations and schedules
Some devices use QR codes for easy pairing. On average, installing a basic smart device takes 10-30 minutes. Our SmartLife app offers step-by-step instructions with visual support, allowing even less technically experienced users to install their smart devices within minutes.
Choosing smart home systems that suit you
Popular systems are Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit, each with its own app and voice control. The communication protocol determines how devices connect: wifi, bluetooth, or Zigbee. Wifi is more widely available but consumes more energy, while Zigbee is known for low energy consumption and stable mesh networks.
When purchasing, pay attention to compatibility between devices and system to avoid problems. Our products are compatible with both Google Home and Amazon Alexa, giving users flexibility in their choice of voice control and allowing seamless integration. For more extensive smart home systems, a gateway may be needed to connect different protocols. Discover more about climate control in our climate control assortment.
Securing your smart home
Security is essential for your smart home:
- Always use strong passwords for apps and Wi-Fi networks
- Regularly update devices to prevent security vulnerabilities
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible
- Be aware of where data is stored
More than 60% of security issues with smart home devices stem from weak default passwords or irregular updates. For extra security, you can install a security camera or connect a smart siren to motion detection. We provide our SmartLife products with regular firmware updates and security according to industry standards, with encryption of data traffic between devices and servers. For a complete security setup, see our assortment of smart home security and our guide for complete home security.
Successful start: practical beginner tips
Set a budget and timeline for implementation. Start with small, easy-to-manage scenarios such as lamps automatically turning on in the evening. Experiment with creativity and reuse devices for different purposes or rooms.
Use voice control and hubs for central management and extra convenience. For direct control of specific lamps, a remote control is handy alongside app control. Learn step by step and add devices as you become more familiar with the technology. With our SmartLife app, beginners easily create scenarios, such as automatically turning on lighting at sunset or turning off all devices when leaving the house. For more tips on automatic lighting, read our guide on automatic ambient lighting.
