Laser offers cheap home automation

"Alexa, turn on the kettle" has become a common phrase in my semi locked down environment. My morning routine when waking includes commanding one of the personal assistants to switch on the kettle as I stretch, preparing to get out of bed.

By the time I stagger from the bedroom to the bathroom, and on to the kitchen, still half awake, the kettle is boiling and I have my first cup of tea to my lips in seconds. There's no waiting. Efficiency while only semi awake.

The internet connected IoT devices that make this possible have been around for some time, the difference now is they are becoming dirt cheap, thanks to an Australian firm. It means many more people can get into home automation.

For some, home automation sounds a totally frivolous pursuit. Why bother asking Alexa to switch on a light, when you can walk two metres and flick it on yourself?

There are many facets to home automation. You can control your lights and appliances from apps on your phone, from anywhere on the internet. If you're going to be late home, you can delay your slow cooker from switching on. If you forgot to turn a light off when leaving home on a trip, you can switch it off. You can have an outside light turn on as your car enters the driveway.

Apps that control internet connected lights and switches usually also offer schedules. You can specify lights and appliances to switch on or off at particular times of the day. You can bundle groups of lights as a "room", and switch them all on or off in one go.

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