The sharing economy is a fantastic trend that allows normal people to make money by helping each other this includes using an IoT Tech Suite to do so. With opportunities ranging from peer-to-peer parking to whole-house rentals, everyone is pitching in with ways to pool resources and make the most of our increasingly crowded environments.
One of the most predominant leaders of the sharing economy is Airbnb which has gained so much traction it’s making the established hotel industry nervous. With the massive number and variety of adopters, it’s no small wonder that the Internet of Things (IoT) has found a niche providing to this incredibly lucrative market. Especially for whole-unit bookings, a great source of privacy and comfort when away from home, professional Airbnb hosts have been putting together the ultimate tech suite to enable the best possible experience for both them and their guests.
The Smart Lock
One of the amazing things about the sharing economy is how little the sharing parties need to see each other. By connecting online through apps and websites, they can arrange and pay for the share without having to meet and exchange paperwork or small talk. However, when it comes to property, normally there has to be a handing off of the keys or managing a lockbox. With the IoT selection of smart locks, hosts can both manage access codes and remotely lock or unlock the door through their mobile device or online dashboard system. This means that even if a weary guest arrives at two in the morning after a disastrously late flight, they don’t have to wake the host for a key exchange and the host will see the arrival logged in the dashboard when they wake up in the morning.
Doorbell Security
For a while, in-home intercom systems were incredibly popular as an alternative or addition to the traditional doorbell. If you’re wondering why an empty Airbnb property would even need a doorbell, remember that this is IoT we’re talking about. A smart doorbell can act as a front door security camera, online communication system, and a handy alert for guest ordered deliveries all at the same time. This allows hosts to monitor their properties, increase guest safety, and respond to doorbell-calls should a guest have trouble with their smart lock key code.
Remote Thermostat
A fantastic perk of booking with Airbnb is staying in a cozy residential home without having to pay the utilities. Of course, the host still has to worry about energy efficiency and pays the price if a thermostat is left on or a window is open when the guest departs. By combining window and door sensors with a remote thermostat, they can make sure that no property, occupied or otherwise, is unnecessarily leaking either AC or heat. The thermostat can be automatically turned off or set to a maintenance temp while the property is empty and then, an hour or two before guest arrival, can be set to something comfortable and welcoming, all from the host’s mobile device.
Mobile Garage Access
Whether you’re booking your spare bedroom or an entire investment property, where your guests park can make a big difference. Garage space provides a protected and homey welcome, but you don’t just want to leave your garage door hanging open until your guests arrive or make them call you to open it. Instead, you can use the ParqEx garage door opener to give them temporary mobile control over the garage for the extent of their stay. Then, just like the smart lock, you can shut the door behind them and remove departing guests from your access list.
Brought together by technology, the sharing economy has an incredible amount to gain from continuing to integrate new innovations that complement their business models. Smart bike chains, for instance, could enable safe bicycle sharing through approved wifi identification, while a smart security camera and remote door control can enable someone to safely share their garage with peer-to-peer parking. From smart fridges to smart dog collars, if anyone will find a way to integrate cutting edge technology into an awesome business practice, it’s the sharing economy community. The possibilities for future IoT advancements for the peer-to-peer industry are limitless. For more interesting news and information about the sharing economy, contact us today!
