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Smart Home in 8 Weeks

Name: Smart Home in 8 Weeks
Rating: 3.8 (67 reviews)

Learn How to Build a Smart Home From Scratch Without Getting Confused or Wasting Money, Start Your Smart Home Journey!

Created byGerard ODriscoll

Last updated 6/2021

English

What you'll learn

Install your own smart home automation system that will cost a fraction of purchasing a traditional home control system.
Configure your smart speaker(s) and smartphone(s) to do all kinds of awesome things that will improve your family’s general lifestyle convenience.
By the end of the course, you will live in a home that is safer, more enjoyable and convenient to live in!
Confidently buy and install various smart devices that will ‘talk to each other’.

Course content

9 sections • 84 lectures • 5h 13m total length

Welcome from Gerard1:56
A big warm welcome from Ireland :-) Here is a short video I put together to explain a little further on what to expect over the next number of weeks.
Know your “why”0:19
In this lecture, we need to think through what to expect from your new smart home.

Section Introduction2:22
A snapshot of what's included in this week's challenge.
Do I Need Improved Wi-Fi4:11
In this video lecture, Gerard provides some insight as to whether you need to make improvements or not in your existing Wi-Fi setup.
How to Improve Your Home Wi-Fi System4:08
This video lecture describes options for improving your home WiFi.
Mesh Wi-Fi Overview Article2:33
Meet Smart Home Mesh Wi-Fi5:48
This video describes the key elements of the end-to-end Smart Mesh Wi-Fi system.
Secure your Wi-Fi Network3:33
Security is paramount when it comes to your home and is a major concern for most of us. This video lecture explains security features baked into your router and provides a few tips on how you might enhance security levels.
Review1:40
A recap of what we covered so far.
Complete Assignment: Complete a Wi-Fi Network Survey1:34
Now that you understand how Wi-Fi mesh networks operate it is time to identify mesh Wi-Fi equipment locations in your home. Not only will you need to maximize coverage inside your household, but will also need to ensure Wi-Fi signal reaches outside to areas such as driveway and garden(s).
Okay, let us create a Wi-Fi heat map to visually display Wi-Fi coverage in different rooms. Specialized software apps are available to identify areas in your home that have weak Wi-Fi signals.
To start with please download a Wi-Fi signal strength analyzer (the Netspot app).
Once you have your app installed on your laptop or mobile device; walk from room to room and identify areas that have poor Wi-Fi coverage.
Wi-Fi SweetSpots and inSSIDer are other good options.
Please note that at the end of this assignment, you will know whether your Wi-Fi signal coverage is adequate to install smart home devices.
How to Set-up a Nest Wi-Fi Mesh System4:41
In this video, the lecture watch over Gerard’s shoulder to see how he installed a new Nest Wi-Fi system.
Expanding a Nest Wi-Fi System3:36
In this lecture, Gerard demonstrates how he went about expanding the O'Driscoll mesh Wi-Fi system.

Section Introduction2:07
A snapshot of what's included in this week's challenge.
Understanding AI & Voice Assistants3:29
In this video, Gerard provides an overview of AI and smart speakers within the context of a smart home.
Meet the Smart Speaker4:53
In this lecture, Gerard describes key features and building blocks of smart home speakers.
Smart Speaker Privacy2:34
In this lecture, Gerard examines the privacy features of smart speakers.
Review1:06
A recap of what we covered so far.
How-to Install and Setup an Echo Show 83:14
In this video lecture, Gerard provides a step-by-step demonstration of how to set up an Amazon Echo Show 8.
How-to Install and Setup a Nest Hub9:16
In this video lecture, Gerard walks you through step-by-step how to set up a Nest hub.
How-to Install and Setup a HomePod Mini4:05
In this video lecture, Gerard walks you through step-by-step how to set up a HomePod Mini.

Section Introduction1:13
A snapshot of what's included in this week's challenge.
Smart Alarms Overview3:27
Usually, a smart alarm is wireless, so they're less complicated to install than a hardwired system. This video lecture introduces smart alarms.
Smart Alarms Building Blocks5:18
Smart wireless alarms have the very same components as a standard home alarm (control panel, keypad, activity sensors, outside siren, and so on). In this video lecture, Gerard describes the key elements used to build a wireless smart security alarm.
Plan and Implementing a Smart Alarm3:21
In this video lecture, Gerard provides some tips about planning and setting up a wireless smart security alarm.
All About Smart Wireless Alarm Systems Article6:15
Review1:59
A recap of what we covered in this section.
How-to Install and Configure a Ring Smart Alarm11:38
In this video lecture, Gerard demonstrates step-by-step how to set up install, and configure a Ring smart alarm.
How-to Install and Configure an Abode Smart Alarm4:53
In this video lecture, Gerard walks you through step-by-step how to set up install, and configure an Abode smart alarm.
How-to Install and Configure a HomeKit Alarm2:27
This video lecture demonstrates the setup of a HomeKit compliant smart alarm.
Smart Assistant Interfacing: Alexa Alarm Setup1:32
This lecture shows you how to integrate a new smart alarm with the Alexa voice assistant.
Smart Assistant Interfacing: Google Alarm Setup4:12
This lecture shows you how to integrate a new smart alarm with the Google voice assistant platform.

Section Introduction2:21
A snapshot of what's included in this week's challenge.
Understanding Smart Lighting2:30
This video lecture introduces you to smart lighting.
Introduction to Smart Bulbs5:41
Cost savings, improved home safety, easy setup, and having fun controlling lights on your smartphone are the key benefits of smart bulbs. In this video lecture, Gerard provides further detail on the key characteristics and technologies used in smart bulbs.
Smart Switches Overview5:20
In this video lecture, Gerard explains the basics of smart switches.
Smart Plugs and Outlets Overview3:51
This video lecture, explains key features and steps associated with setting up smart plugs and outlets.
Smart Wired Lighting4:27
In this video, Gerard teaches the basics of wired-based lighting control systems.
Review2:22
A recap of what we covered in this section.
How-to Setup a Lifx Smart Bulb3:27
In this video lecture, Gerard walks you through step-by-step how to set up a Lifx Wi-Fi bulb.
How-to Setup a Philips Hue Smart Lighting System4:22
In this video lecture, Gerard walks you through step-by-step how to set up a Philips hue smart lighting system.
Philips Hue HomeKit Integration2:09
In this video lecture, Gerard demonstrates how he went about linking various smart bulbs around the O'Driscoll household with Apple HomeKit.
How-to Setup a Amazon Smart Plug2:54
In this video lecture, Gerard walks you through step-by-step how to set up an Amazon-branded smart plug.
How-to Setup Hue Smart Bulbs With Alexa1:41
In this video lecture, Gerard explains how to set up Hue smart lights on Alexa.
How-to Setup a Hue Smart Bulbs With Google Home1:19
In this video lecture, Gerard demonstrates the integration of Hue smart lighting with Google Home
How-to Setup a Wi-Fi Smart Bulb With Alexa1:40
In this video lecture, Gerard demonstrates setting up a Wi-Fi bulb with Alexa.
How-to Setup a Wi-Fi Smart Bulb With Google Home1:18
In this video lecture, Gerard shows you how to connect a Wi-Fi smart bulb to Google Home.

Section Introduction2:03
A snapshot of what's included in this weeks challenge.
Smart Thermostats Defined3:06
In this video, Gerard outlines define a smart thermostat, introduces you to some features compared to traditional thermostats, and concludes with an overview of how to control these smart devices.
Benefits of Using Smart Thermostat2:54
In this video lecture, Gerard describes the key benefits of smart thermostats.
Inside a Smart Thermostat3:27
In this video lecture, Gerard describes the technologies and components that reside inside a smart thermostat.
Planning and Installing a Smart Thermostat4:44
As the name implies, Gerard provides some insights on some issues that you need to consider whilst planning a smart thermostat installation.
Smart Thermostats Overview Article7:00
An article about smart thermostats worth checking out.
Review1:48
A recap of what we covered so far.
How-to install a Nest Thermostat24:12
In this video lecture, watch over Gerard’s shoulder to see how Gerard arranged install of a Nest Thermostat.
How to integrate Nest with Google Home App1:30
In this video lecture, watch Gerard set up Nest thermostats within the Google Home app.
Integrating Nest Thermostats with Alexa1:44
In this video lesson, watch Gerard set up Nest thermostats within the Alexa app.

Section Introduction1:59
A snapshot of what's included in this week's challenge.
Introduction to Smart IP Cameras2:00
In this introductory video lecture, Gerard introduces you to smart cameras.
Key Smart IP Camera Features3:53
In this video, I describe the key features and associated benefits of smart cameras.
Inside Smart IP Cameras3:30
In this video lecture, Gerard describes the technologies used by smart cameras.
Plan and Install Smart Camera(s)2:37
In this video, Gerard provides some tips about installing a smart camera.
Smart Home Camera Article6:03
Review1:31
A recap of what we covered so far.
How-to Setup a Ring Indoor Smart Camera6:30
In this video lecture, Gerard walks you through step-by-step how to set up an indoor Ring smart camera.
How-to Setup a Ring Outdoor Smart Camera3:44
In this video lecture, Gerard walks you through step-by-step how to set up an Outdoor Ring smart camera.
How-to Setup a Nest Indoor Smart Camera8:49
In this video lecture, Gerard walks you through step-by-step how to set up a Nest smart camera.
How-to Setup a Nest Outdoor Smart Camera2:38
In this video lesson, Gerard walks you through step-by-step how to set up a Nest outdoor smart camera.
How to Integrate a Smart Camera With the Alexa Voice Assistant0:32
As the name implies, this short video lecture demonstrates the process of adding a camera to the Alexa app.
How to Integrate an Indoor Smart Camera With Google Home Assistant0:47
This short video lecture demonstrates the process of adding a camera to the Google Home app.
How to Add a Smart Outdoor Camera to Google Home0:37
This short video lecture demonstrates the process of adding an outdoor smart camera to the Google Home platform.

Section Introduction1:57
A snapshot of what's included in this week's challenge.
Importance of Smart Safety2:26
This video lecture introduces you to fire risks and how to mitigate them.
Inside Smart Smoke Alarms7:50
In this video lecture, Gerard will take you through key features and building blocks of a smart smoke alarm.
Planning and Installing Smart Smoke Alarms3:00
In this video lecture, Gerard provides some insights and tips into planning an installation of single or multiple smart smoke alarms.
Review2:35
A recap of what we covered so far.
How-to Install a Nest Protect10:33
In this video lecture, watch over Gerard’s shoulder to see how he installed a Nest Protect.
How-to Install a Nest Protect (2021)4:07
In this video lecture, watch over Gerard’s shoulder to see how he installed a Nest Protect in 2021!
How to Install a HomeKit Compliant Smart Smoke Sensor2:53
This how-to video lecture explains how to set up a HomeKit compliant smart smoke sensor.

Section Introduction0:53
A snapshot of what's included in this week's challenge.
About Smart Home Automation4:24
In this video lecture, Gerard outlines how automation is structured.
Popular Automations5:44
In this video, we will examine different automations that can unleash the power of your smart home!
How-to Setup Google Assistant Automations6:50
In this video lecture, Gerard walks you through step-by-step how to create smart home automations with Google Assistant.
How to Setup a Smart Lighting Automation3:27
In this lecture, Gerard shows you how to automate some of your lights.
Conclusion and Thanks0:58
A final few words from Gerard to say thank you.

Requirements

You don't need to know anything about smart home technologies in order to take this course - I'll teach you everything you need to know.
No smart home products are required. However We will recommend some specific smart devices in this course. These products are optional based on your preferences.

Description

What If You Could Use Smart Home Products To Improve Your Family’s Security, Safety & Enjoyment Levels?

Here are key everyday examples of how smart home automation could work in your life:

Use your phone to remotely view your home via a smart camera, arm your security alarm, and adjust your lights and thermostats while away from home?
Be reassured that your home and family are safe and protected — whether you’re there or not?
Receive text and email alerts on your Smartphone once an intruder enters your home or smoke is detected?
Save up to 10% on your energy bills!

Smart Homes Can Deliver the Above Benefits; BUT….

You could be forgiven if you find the notion of connecting your home a bewildering, overwhelming, confusing, and expensive process.
You may have bought different types of smart home devices from various manufacturers ending up with smart home devices that cannot communicate with each other.
You are faced with a myriad of smart device brands, trying to piece everything together, and transitioning to a smart home can be a little overwhelming, and don’t know where to start.
You may not realize the impact that a smart home can have on your daily life.

Are you finding it difficult navigating the vast array of smart devices that are changing by the day and need help?

Good News! Introducing Smart Home In 8 Weeks Course

If any of the pain points above sound familiar, then you’ve found the right place. To avoid these pitfalls international smart home automation expert, Gerard O’Driscoll offers this comprehensive 8-week course program to show you everything on how to turn your home into a smart home, which will reduce energy consumption, create a comfortable family environment & protect your home against intruders.

As someone who has already spent thousands of dollars buying a variety of smart devices ranging from smart bulbs and thermostats to cameras and smart smoke detectors, I’m going to save you hours of frustration that I went through; and fast track building your own smart home.

What Are You Going To Get From This Course?

I will take you from zero (no smart devices installed in your home) to living in a fully functional smart home!

Through a series of lectures, I will show you how to install smart speakers, smart bulbs, smart security sensors, smart thermostats, smart plugs, smart safety alarms, and smart cameras in your own home.

Here are some of the things you will learn and be able to do after completing this course:

Confidently buy and install various smart devices that will ‘talk to each other’.
Install your own smart home automation system that will cost a fraction of purchasing a traditional home control system.
Configure your smart speaker(s) and smartphone(s) to do all kinds of awesome things that will improve your family’s general lifestyle convenience.

By the end of the course, you will live in a home that is safer, more enjoyable, and convenient to live in!

So How Does This Course WORK?

During the 8-week course, you will be challenging yourself to build a smart home from scratch. Each week I will be giving you different step-by-step assignments to smartify different areas of your home.

When looking to make your home smarter, there are two routes.

A DIY approach, where you buy various devices and connect them up over one of the popular smart home platforms, namely Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or Google Home.
The second approach is to pay a systems integrator that comes to your house to install a specialized smart home technology system such as Control 4, Savant, or Crestron,

The route you take will be based on three key factors, namely budget, comfort levels with self-installing smart home devices, and to what extent you plan on expanding smart technologies into your daily life.

For most of our weekly challenges, the focus will be on purchasing and installing mainstream DIY smart home products. This self-directed program provides a roadmap to make your home smarter over time. Every week in the course, I challenge you to focus on a new smart home function!

One step at a time, until you have created a smart home transformation!

If you don’t want to spend money on a smart home system that does not work? then Enroll now!

Who this course is for:

Anyone who needs assistance in getting their smart home up and running in 8 weeks
Home owners interested in controlling their lighting, alarm, safety, heating and entertainment systems on their smartphone while out and about or at home
This course was created especially for people curious about lifestyle-enhancing benefits of integrating light control, independent living 2.0 systems, Internet cameras, home automation, smart alarm systems, multi-room music, smart speakers, automated blinds, smart thermostats, and much more into a home!
This course is for you even if you are new to smart home systems and unsure of where to start or what to buy. Installing the first smart home device is the hardest so that is why I wanted to develop a step-by-step system to get you there as quickly as possible.
This course is also for those of you who might be feeling a little frustrated with using old technology devices and considering a refresh to make your home smarter.

Smart Home in 8 Weeks

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Welcome to the Smart Home in 8 Weeks Challenge2 lectures • 2min

Week 1 Challenge: Implement a Wi-Fi Mesh System10 lectures • 34min

Week 2 Challenge: Choose a Voice Assistant Platform8 lectures • 31min

Week 3 Challenge: Setup a Smart Wireless Security Alarm System11 lectures • 46min

Week 4 Challenge: Adding Smart Lighting to Your Home15 lectures • 45min

Week 5 Challenge: Adding Smart Heating & Cooling Control to Your Home10 lectures • 52min

Week 6 Challenge: Add Smart Camera(s) to Your Home & Life14 lectures • 45min

Week 7 Challenge: Install a Smart Smoke & CO Monitoring System8 lectures • 35min

Week 8 Challenge: Add Smart Home Automation Functionality6 lectures • 22min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: