Most of the time, an app is just an app and a change hardly moves us. But there are times when an app truly does simplify and improve your life, and that is worth talking about. That’s why we are so excited about the new Total Connect app—it truly gives the user much more control of Total Connect, which of course gives the user more control of their home and life.

It was not so very long ago that home security systems were very hands-on. As in, exclusively hands-on. You would have to remember to walk to the keypad each morning and disarm it before opening the door to let the animals out or to go sip coffee and read the paper on the patio. Not doing so resulted in waking and terrifying the entire neighborhood. At night, you would go through the process of locking all the window and doors, fall down in your bed exhausted from a long day and then wake suddenly remembering you forgot to arm the system. Worst of all, you rush off to work late and after an hour of traffic remember that you never armed the system.

Many people investigating home automation are at the point of decision. They have not yet opted in, but have a feeling there is something to this whole IoT. Actually, they know, like we do, that it is pretty hard to ignore that smart technology has become an integral part of our lives.The industry is exploding with options and excitement. In the last year alone, around 30 million households adopted some element of smart home technology. But what is it and why do we need home automation?