A start-up creates a solution for integrating all your smart devices into a single app
NOWADAYS, many people have started to make their home smarter by installing smart devices.
However, there is one issue with using multiple smart devices — many are made by different manufacturers and run on their own applications. From switching on the air purifier with voice command to having a video doorbell that recognises your visitors, they have to be managed separately. Rather than browsing many apps on your smartphone and tediously managing your devices one by one, sometimes, you just want everything to be done on a single platform.
This has given an idea to Gary Low, founder of LinkUp Smart Solutions, to come up with an app that will make life easier for people who use multiple devices at home.
WHAT IS IT?
LinkUp Smart Solutions integrates multiple smart devices in a single app for simultaneous functionality.
The solution controls a user's devices without storing any data in the cloud to ensure privacy while maintaining a low deployment cost for those on a tight budget.
"Previously, our projects also included automated systems for retractable roofs with rain sensors, security systems that utilise image processing and facial recognition," said Low.
What's great about LinkUp is how its multi-vendor-supported system works with various brands and manufacturers, and enables them to integrate into a single platform.
In short, it is a solution tailored for home security for users who can no longer endure the hassle of managing their devices separately.
"By designing our own 'Smart Hub' from scratch, we can support at least 1,000 different products, which include application programming interface (API) and tokens. Besides that, we also entail home automation such as gate control and lighting, remote surveillance, home security and smart gardening," he added.
HOW IT STARTED
It all goes back to when Low was working in IBM Corporation, where he was required to travel within the Asean region.
"Travelling has left me with no choice but to be apart from my wife for quite some time. Leaving her unattended is risky, especially with no extra security involved.
"That's when I started to delve into developing an intelligent system that allows products from different brands to work together, providing flexibility and convenience," Low reminisced.
After finding out that there's a lot more the technology has to offer, especially the ones that haven't been introduced to the market, he started to expand his brand and created LinkUp in 2019.
His vision was assured after being praised for his ingenious solution by his friend, particularly an engineer from One Earth who adopted his solutions after using and experiencing it.
"He requested a system like LinkUp and for me to create a sophisticated automation for the products to work together.
"For instance, a Xiaomi door sensor that can turn on the Philips Hue lights, which cannot be achieved with the current smart home systems in the market. We're able to integrate different devices into the LinkUp Smart Hub through the open application programming interface that these devices provide," Low explained.
ADVANTAGES
If you're living in condominiums or landed property, it's time for you to use LinkUp as a bridge to all your smart home devices and for additional security.
Aside from managing all your devices in an app, LinkUp's built-in security solutions also allow services such as face recognition, object detection, and converting alarms to smart alarm features.
"For example, by using your existing closed circuit television (CCTV), LinkUp can integrate it into our smart hub and embed a human sensing function into the camera. Once it detects human movement, it will trigger the alarm system to deter intruders from breaking in.
"Of course, the user will also be notified and get the security footage of the incident," said Low.
CHALLENGES
Building something from scratch is no walk in the park, especially since LinkUp is new to the market.
"To get funding and reach out to the right resources for our development are tricky. Not to mention we needed to test our products multiple times for them to excel.
"Plus, convincing customers is never easy, especially since we're so new, and naturally many had doubts on what we do and offer," Low added.
Despite the hurdles, LinkUp was lucky to have the right team, especially the Cyberview Living Lab Accelerator (CLLA) programme.
"Being a start-up, we tend to get lost in our tracks and not communicate effectively with our clients. However, the CLLA programme has helped us a lot in harnessing our skills, convincingly pitch our solutions and sell our products, as well as setting up a proper structure in our organisation.
"Without CLLA, we wouldn't have realised the things that we should improve on. And I don't think we'd be able to get this kind of support anywhere else. They've helped us for the better," said Low.
FUTURE PLAN
Over the last two years, LinkUp has been on the lookout for talent, IT developers, and homeowners to enhance its smart home solutions and stay ahead of its competitors.
"We also plan to partner with property developers, appliances, and electronic manufacturers to reach our development process in enhancing lifestyle convenience and security of homeowners," Low said.