How to Build a Smart Home Series, Part 1 - Intro and Smart Home Systems

Welcome to GearBrain’s Podcast on building a smart home. GearBrain is the home for simplifying smart devices for consumers. We help you understand how all these new connected products, like voice assistants, smart lights and Wi-Fi mesh systems work and assist you in finding the ones that are compatible with your existing smart devices in your home. Some say we are the Pinterest of IoT which sounds rather nice.

This is the first of a multi series of podcasts centered around what you need to know to build a smart home. Mark Westlake, GearBrain's founder is asked quite often by friends and colleagues what do I need to do to start building a smart home. And he always answers with how much time do you have? The answer is not that easy and there is a lot to think about when trying to add devices and systems to make your house smart.

Since GearBrain's mission is to simplify smart devices for consumers, Mark does his best to prepare you and guide you through the process of building a smart home that best fits your needs today and for tomorrow. (You can always visit GearBrain's What You Need to Know to Build a Smart Home for more in-depth information. You can also use The GearBrain, our compatibility find engine to find compatible smart devices.)

There will be 8 segments. Each will tackle key topics which will are critical for you to be aware of when building your smart home solution.

The first series today will be about smart home systems. It will cover the basics like wireless protocols, types of controllers, devices and systems to consider, DIY versus professional installation and other important options which play a role in building your smart home.