As people grow more familiar with the Internet of Things, smart home tech is set to proliferate. Yet while there’s a demand for certain specific devices, most people either don’t know how the tech works or are put off by high prices. So is the smart home revolution really around the corner?

These days, technology often prompts images of The Cloud and virtual reality headsets that promise to make us more efficient, healthier and bestow us with knowledge. But tech brands are looking beyond virtual worlds, in the hopes of enhancing the physical spaces we inhabit.

The anxiety that comes with leaving one’s property alone has many people installing web-connected cameras for a sense of security. With the Amazon Cloud Cam, the online retail giant is strengthening its position in the smart home market, establishing Alexa as more than just a personal assistant.

While many smart home devices are focused on convenience, Ring’s intelligent doorbells are designed to make people safer. The Wi-Fi-connected devices use motion capture to detect when people are near a user’s home and allow the homeowner to see if it's a friend or foe.