Home automation is smart––a smart home that is. No longer is controlling the devices in your home from afar a science-fiction scenario.

Today, with a Wi-Fi connection and your smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can be in Paris and instruct your Shelby Township, MI, window shades to open or your air conditioner to shut down.

Home automation, or a smart home, is connecting to home devices from an offsite location and controlling them via voice commands or a button. In turn, these devices can send you information and, in some cases, communicate with one another.