A home whose thermostat, lights and security system can all be controlled remotely via smartphone? It’s no longer futuristic science fiction, it’s our new reality. Smart technology is crossing over from the early-adopter phase into mass-market adoption, and today’s smart home owners can count on technology to be sure the doors are all locked, the lights are all off, and even to recognize owners’ faces to deactivate alarms. The smart home industry is booming, with the biggest innovations yet to come.
Smart Kitchens
One of the biggest smart home stories in recent times is that we are approaching a new frontier in smart kitchen technology—which before now had lagged behind in the smart tech category. Smart kitchen appliances and cooking appliances that can be controlled via remote are among the exciting new retail options.
Internet-Connected Appliances
Well-known household brands including Whirlpool and Samsung are releasing smart cooking gadgets like internet-connected appliances, refrigerators with embedded touch screens, and smart dishwashers. They have some competition from brands like Google, whose artificially intelligent speaker Google Home understands voice commands and can set kitchen timers or look up recipes.
Smart Home Solutions Packages
For the homeowner who wants a single smart home solution, there’s an app for that. New complete-package smart home automation systems provide all the technology needed and ensure all those devices can communicate with each other seamlessly. Check out Vivint, a smart home starter kit that sets up users with a learning thermostat, smart locks, two-way indoor cameras, a doorbell camera and a garage opener. Or you may prefer Control4, a system that networks all lights, locks, shades, home entertainment systems and speakers to allow control from anywhere in the world. As an added bonus, you can easily “turn off” your home—i.e. turn off the lights and TV and lock all the doors—each night with a single command, and turn it all back on the morning.
Smart Home Tech for Seniors
By 2035, one in five Americans will be over 65 years old. For older Americans who are hoping to stay in their homes as long as possible, smart technology has been invaluable. Rather than moving to an assisted living facility, seniors are able to age in place for longer thanks to smart lighting, security systems and cutting-edge smoke alarms.
The Future of Smart Technology
What’s still on the horizon? How about a refrigerator that can order the foods you’re out of, or a home that can adjust the temperature and lights just how you like them upon your arrival? Devices that automatically adjust volume based on our preferences? All that and more can be expected in the years to come.
Smart home features can be built into a custom home from Compass. Get in touch with our team today to find out how smart your dream home can be!