Have you gotten in on the trend of making your home “smart”? People are upgrading their homes, and many companies such as Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung have already created technology to make your home “smart.” These devices can turn on lights, lock your door, and control all the devices in your home, but what is their limit? These smart technologies may be extremely advanced, but they only work with companies that are connected to them or share a partnership with them, which makes choosing smart devices and products very limited. This is where a new technology comes into play: Project Connected Home with IP, or CHIP.
WHAT THESE DEVICES CAN CONTROL
Whole house: lights, thermostat, security cameras, and door locks
Office: computer and printer
Kitchen: stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, etc.
Living room: television, speakers, video game consoles, and DVD/Blu-ray player
Bedroom and Bathroom: hair appliances, tub/shower, and sink
THE FUTURE IS COMING
Project CHIP is the new innovative technology in the long list of smart home devices that can control everything in your home no matter the brand. This new technology is open sourced and will unite all products in the home. It will allow you to use the products you already own and combine them with this new protocol. Google, Apple, Amazon and the Zigbee Alliance are collaborating on a board called the Working Group to discuss how they may be of help and how they can contribute. These companies along with a dozen others, including Comcast, Ikea, and Signify, signed on to complete this task. They will make their products available to be shared across networks. These companies are working together to create this one sourced technology for a new style of smart homes. Get ready for everything to change.
HOW IT WORKS
CHIP brings Wi-Fi and other products together into one source that will power up all devices, using Internet Protocol (IP), which opens communication between devices in the home. IP is how manufacturers and companies create networks. CHIP will connect to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the Thread to create communication between products in the home. It will also be compatible with and connect with all previous smart home devices you may already have. You will simply update them with the new protocol to establish communication with the product. Your interface will not change either, as this product is only meant to enhance what you choose so they can all collaborate. The IP will work with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home Kit, and other smart home devices and allow open communication between them so the devices in your home can be bought from anywhere, not just one particular company or brand. Any product that is electronic or plugged in will be compatible with this device. Think of it as an invisible product, something you do not even have to pay attention to. All of the work will be in the background; it just needs to be set up, and then you are done!
TIME FRAME
Project CHIP is currently being created and developed. The Working Group is looking for more companies to become part of their plan, and more companies are signing up. This product is meant to be compatible with smart home devices and allow them to work together without the need to buy new products. The Working Group is addressing some security gaps and hopes to have a first draft by the end of 2020. The first draft will allow access to doors, alarms, cameras, smart plugs, thermostats, and locks. It will start with safety devices first but will be followed by the other devices in the home as well. They will start work on the final product to be distributed to the masses in 2021.
Project CHIP will revolutionize the idea of smart homes, and it will essentially make all devices and products compatible. You will be able to use all brands together, such as having Alexa and being able to use Google and Apple products with the device. This technology will truly change the game for smart homes. So, get ready for the future; it’s almost here. 
Jade Paredes
Home and Yard Magazine
