Android 12 is set to include a change to support “concurrent peer-to-peer and internet connections.” That’s a complicated way of saying that your phone will be able to connect to both your home’s Wi-Fi access point and a smart home gadget for its setup process.

While the pandemic has been an unprecedented challenge, it has also given us a lot of insights into the shortcomings of past practices. For instance, the greater usage of technology in smart homes is now expediting the effectiveness and the efficiency of various processes.

Apple publicly affirmed its commitment to the Matter smart home standard, which will enable smart home devices from rival companies play nicely together.

Samsung has updated the user interface for its smart home app SmartThings, replacing the slightly muted color scheme of the old app — full of grays and earth tones — with a new UI and overall fresher look.

Apple is taking a different approach with its smart home strategy than it does with its main platforms, such as iOS and MacOS, where it builds the hardware and controls the software. New features include a way to unlock your front door with an iPhone through a digital key in the Wallet App and Siri integration with third-party gadgets.

With 2FA implemented, any ill-intentioned hackers would have to get through the second level of access before modifying his device. And that’s harder. 2FA often relies on a second device, dongle, USB key, or constantly rotating numeric code. Text messages are used for 2FA as well, but they’re inherently insecure.

There are some important steps to complete before handing over the keys, especially when it comes to your privacy and security – but also the privacy and security of the property’s new owners. Devices like security cameras and door locks need to be fully logged out of, and you should aim to provide proof to the buyers that you no longer have access to the devices.