Smart homes: How your appliances are working together to protect your property
Smart homes are now much more than turning your lights on from your phone.
Now, your devices are talking to each other and working as a team.
Imagine a backyard sensor spots movement, your TV flashes an alert, and your driveway flood lights shift colour to warn you something is up.
Even your fridge could message you if the door opens in the middle of the night while you are asleep or away.
At Samsung's recent House of Wonder event in Sydney, that kind of connected living was on full display.
So, how does it all work?
At the heart of it is Samsung's SmartThings app.
Think of it as the home's operating system.
It connects TVs, lights, fridges, sensors, and even gadgets from other brands.
And with built-in AI, it starts to learn your routines like when you dim the lights, turn on the heater, or settle in for a movie.
Then it automates all those things, making your home feel more responsive and, frankly, smarter.
That includes how you watch TV.
Simon Howe from Samsung Australia expects AI customisation mode to be a big hit.
'You can select between sport, movie and general,' Howe told 7NEWS.
'Firstly, you select what brightness you like, secondly what contrast you like and colour that you like to see and the colour tone.'
Are we opening the door to hackers?
When everything is connected, cybersecurity becomes just as important as home security.
Every smart device is a potential entry point for hackers, so it is crucial to lock things down.
The biggest tip is to future-proof your home by choosing products that offer long-term software support.
Before buying, check:
How often software is updated
Whether updates happen automatically
If the device has any third-party security certifications
Other major smart home ecosystems include:
LG ThinQ also integrates appliances, TVs, and energy monitoring tools.
Google Home and Apple HomeKit connect everything from smart lights to locks and security cameras, and all are controllable via voice assistants like Google Assistant or Siri.
Amazon Alexa links Echo devices with a growing list of compatible smart gadgets like lights, the oven, and your coffee machine.
Video doorbells are getting smarter
The first line of defence often starts at the front door.
Ring has rolled out AI-powered video search, making it easier to find specific events like when a parcel was delivered or removed, without having to scroll through hours of footage.
Meanwhile, Swann's Xtreem4K video doorbell steps it up with AI-powered detection and an ultra-clear night mode, so yes, it can see who or what is there even in total darkness.
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Just swipe down from the top of the screen, tap one icon, and it'll all go away. Ahhhh. What a relief. If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool What do you get? The MG S5 EV has a low price, but a long list of standard equipment across all grades. Here's the rundown. 2025 MG S5 EV Excite (49kWh and 62kWh) equipment highlights: 17-inch alloy wheels with aero covers LED lighting front and rear Cloth interior trim Manual seat adjustment 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless smartphone mirroring DAB+ digital radio Four-speaker sound system Satellite navigation iSmart connected app services Climate control with rear air vents Mobile Bluetooth key Keyless entry AC charging cable Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality Mode 2 AC charging cable Essence variants add: 18-inch alloy wheels with aero covers Rain-sensing wipers Panoramic sunroof Power tailgate Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel Synthetic leather/fabric trim Heated front seats Power-adjustable driver's seat Six-speaker sound system Wireless phone charger Voice control Rear centre console Rear seat lighting Online entertainment (YouTube, TIkTok) Surround-view camera system To me, the step up to the Essence isn't just an investment in better stuff – it'll be a better resale proposition, too. If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Is the MG S5 EV safe? The MG S5 EV has just been awarded the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, with solid results across the strictest criteria to date. As standard it comes with the following safety technology and equipment for all versions: Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Blind-spot camera (kerb side) Rear cross-traffic alert with braking Driver monitoring system Lane-keep Assist Intelligent speed limit assist Safe exit warning Reversing camera Rear parking sensors Essence variants add: Surround-view camera The best bit about the safety tech in the MG ZS EV is that it is so much simpler than many rivals when it comes to customising the stuff you don't want on, and setting that as a quick action on the media screen drop-down menu. So if you get annoyed with speed alerts and driver monitoring cameras that constantly get it wrong, this car could be a walk-up start for you. I found it so impressive to be able to tailor elements of the drive without diving deep into sub-menus each time I drove the car, as is the case in something like a Kia EV3 (which takes a dozen screen presses just to get it how I want it!). There are seven airbags in the S5 EV, including dual front, front side, front centre, and curtains for both rows of seats. If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool How much does the MG S5 EV cost to run? MG has a stellar 10-year, 250,000km warranty for its model range for private (non-commercial) buyers, and the battery even scores the same level of cover. That's right, a decade of backing for the battery – no other brand offers that in our market. If you're curious, the warranty for commercial buyers is seven years or 160,000km for both the car and the battery. Private buyers get access to 10 years of roadside assistance included, no matter whether the maintenance is carried out with MG or any other certified workshop. The MG S5 EV has a five-year capped-price servicing plan, with maintenance due every 12 months or 25,000km. If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool CarExpert's Take on the MG S5 EV I am convinced this is the best affordable EV on the market. There's less compromise when it comes to the tech and safety systems, it feels primo inside in Essence form, and the price is better than competitive. The mega warranty? Just the cherry on top. It drives great, is easy to live with and spacious enough for a young family. Apart from lacking driving range in the entry-level variant, there's not a whole lot to dislike about the MG S5 EV. Interested in buying a MG S5 EV? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here Pros So sweet to drive Great price and standard gear Easily switch-off-able safety tech Cons
