Matt McGovren, VP of Marketing and Partnerships at Wink, chatted with Mediaplanet about easing into smart home technology.
Matt McGovren
VP of Marketing and Partnerships, Wink
What is the number one benefit consumers would see from implementing Smart Home Technology in the home?
The number one benefit of a smart home is that it enables consumers to be immersed in their home wherever they are. With a smart home you don’t have to worry if you locked the front door, turned off the thermostat or shut the garage. Connected products let consumers breathe easy by knowing they can check in on their home at a glance and quickly make adjustments from a mobile app if needed.
Where do you see Internet of Things (IoT) going in the future as it relates to the home? To our communities?
While there’s currently a lot of hype around voice control, I believe the smart home of the future will be one in which multiple interfaces and touch points work together in tandem. That could range from mobile apps for when you’re on the go and voice commands for when you’re in a given room, to passive displays of relevant information being discreetly delivered on the wall as you walk down a hallway.
For those looking to implement IoT Tech in their homes, what is the best place to start?
Lighting products (bulbs, switches, dimmers, etc.) are a natural gateway into the smart home because of their utility, affordability and easy setup. We find many Wink users start with a smart light bulb or two and gradually add connected products from other categories like sensors, locks and cameras to their home over time.
What is the most interesting way you’ve seen IoT being implemented in the home?
We came across a Wink user who turned his Airstream trailer into a smart home on wheels. He bought the Airstream because he wanted to sleep in a modern, urban environment while being surrounded by nature. But maintaining one is tough work, especially since it’s kept remotely in storage when not I use. So he tapped his interest in home automation and turned the trailer into a smart home. Using Wink and a bunch of compatible products, he found he could remotely keep tabs on his Airstream’s propane levels, lights, security and even possible water leaks, all through his smartphone.