Long gone are the days when people had to get up and walk to the television to the change the channel or manually open the garage or front gate.
Soon, the days of using a remote control and light switch will be gone too.
As technology continues to develop in the digital age, we’re finding ourselves less dependent on doing things manually or even by remote control.
Although it sounds lazy, it can be attributed to the emergence of ‘smart’ technology, which includes voice and finger print recognition that you see on iPhones, iPads, et al. After taking over our phones and electrical devices, it will only become more prevalent in the home this year.
Here are just a few ‘smart’ home trends to expect this year.
Home automation
Home automation allows you to control multiple connected devices at the touch of a button, allowing for easier access and increased productivity in the home. It combines radios with a software platform, which looks similar to a broadband system hub, and can control your entertainment devices through an app.
This revolutionary technology can also be of use to the elderly and disabled, as it can make it possible for them to stay in the comfort of their own home, rather than go into full-time care.
There is no need to worry about driving up energy costs as much, though, as you can control the lighting and electrical devices to switch off when not in use. However, an initial installation cost is to be expected, as well as running costs, especially if you’re using a cloud-based or wireless service.
Bluetooth connectivity
Bluetooth is no stranger to our lives, as it has been established in mobiles phones for many years, as well as our laptops, allowing the transfer of files and making hands-free phone calls. But, have you considered controlling the lights with it?
From a headset to a light bulb, lighting at home and work can now be controlled via Bluetooth, modernising the way in which it is used. Not only will it save you having to get up and flick the switch, it will allow you to turn off lights or set them to turn on when you’re not going to be in.
‘Smart’ appliances
The rise of the ‘smart’ kitchen is taking hold and Samsung, the large multinational conglomerate, has devised a way so you can watch TV while cooking or make phone calls. Its Kitchen TV fridge, synced with a Samsung television set, allows you to continue viewing on an LCD screen. The company also offers a ‘mirroring’ function, which syncs up with a Samsung smartphone and allows you to do everything on it through the fridge LCD screen.
There are also products on the market, and phone apps, which can control oven temperatures, as well as washing machines.
As technology continues to progress, the ‘smart’ home is only going to expand and reach more and more households.
Something for pets
In some households pets make a house a home and are considered one of the family, so it is no surprise to see technology spread to animals. Exercise is important for any pet, especially dogs, and there are now a range of products that can track their fitness regimes or even let you talk through a built-in camera and speakers – in the form of Binatone’s Motorola Scout 5000.
It may seem ‘out there’, but, like humans, animals need to keep in shape too!