The Internet of Things (IOT), or devices that communicate together wirelessly are increasing every year. If we have learned anything about the future it’s that smart technology will be more and more a part of our everyday lives. Products such as Amazon Echo, Google Assistant and Apple’s HomeKit are currently in use by 60% of customers. It’s enough to make George Jetson right at home. (Those born after 1987 may need to Google George Jetson.)
It’s no surprise that now we have even more products and advancements that demonstrate how smart tech is getting smarter.
What if all the devices in your life could connect to the internet? Not just computers and smartphones, but everything: clocks, speakers, lights, doorbells, cameras, windows, window blinds, hot water heaters, appliances, cooking utensils, you name it. And what if those devices could all communicate, send you information, and take your commands? It’s not science fiction; it’s the Internet of Things (IoT), and it’s a key component of home automation and smart homes.
Here’s a look at the Top 10 trends that you can expect to see:
INCREASED HOME SECURITY AND SAFETY: Home video surveillance continues to improve each year and you will see more of it. Updated products like doorbell companies (think Nest and Ring) provide detailed video of your entrances, and neighbouring cameras will coordinate for additional views with neighbour permission. We are also seeing smart locks that allow you automatic locking capacity and access via an app or voice technology. Additional safety features that are trending include warnings of water leaks and fires, allowing you to catch the issues sooner.
CLEANING: With each passing year continues to bring advances with vacuum robots. One of the ongoing issues of having to constantly empty the vacuum has been fixed with iRobot Roomba i7 that automatically cleans itself. The new laser sight technology allows them to attack dirtier areas and they have the ability to automatically leave and return to the charging station without you lifting a finger.
APPLIANCES: Advances including self-cleaning toilets and stoves as well as Wi-Fi controls for washers, dryers, stoves and dishwashers.
HOME FRAGRANCE: Fragrance is the biggest extension of the beauty tech category. Products from companies like Kompoz and Moodo become your personalized home fragrance concierge. They use a jukebox-style system to deliver ambient scents to suit your mood or occasion.
BATHROOMS: The biggest news is smart toilets. They are motion activated, and light up when you approach. Not only do these toilets provide light, and seat warming but they now self-clean. The Kohler Numi even has a foot warmer. Other areas in the bathroom seeing advances are voice-activated shower and tub controls and increased tech with mirrors that allow you to check the weather.
KITCHENS: We are seeing a lot of interaction with smart screens that provide more information and interaction in the kitchen. The Samsung Family Hub refrigerator has built in screens that function like a tablet. You can download directly from the internet or download apps that specialize in all things food related, including delivery apps for easy ordering. You can check your calendar, create a shopping list, get the kid’s hand drawn notes, and enjoy your favourite TV show or music. These screens also interact with doorbell security, lighting, and other IOT devices such as Alexa and Google assistant.
SMART TV: The big news is that TV’s are getting larger, more detailed and some models even fold like a roller shade like the LG Display 65” Wallpaper TV. The LG OLED Gallery series with speakers, and sound built in the TV while the unit is as thin as a picture hanging in a gallery. Alexa and other devices can start your favorite shows and adjust volume control without the need to stare at, or search for your controller.
BABY TECH: Technology can help you track your baby’s breathing, vital signs and movement as well as record video, and more accurately hear and speak to the baby. Nanit’s Breathing Wear is a swaddling blanket that works with associated cameras to provide monitoring without cumbersome foot or hand bands. A new baby smart sock with camera can monitor your babies every move and be comfort for the child to wear.
PET TECH: Welcome to the dawn of digital daycare for pets has arrived, allowing you to care for your pets while you are away, avoiding the cost of day care. Advanced microchip technology will track your pet’s whereabouts and communicate wirelessly with pet doors, allowing your pets in and keeping intruders out. Installing a Sureflap micro-chipped pet door reads the pet’s chip code before allowing your pet in or out of the house. In so doing you eliminate any unwanted fur guests entering your home.
There is more focus on devices that track, monitor and report your pet’s every move using advanced cameras, LCD displays and detectors. Your pets will be able to call you, and I’m told they will! You will also find increased focus on automatic pet feeders and waste disposal such as self-cleaning litterboxes and even a new smart toilet for dogs called InuBox.
SMART HEALTH AND FITNESS SOLUTIONS: Beginners and advanced training can be accomplished with machines using 3D sensors and artificial intelligence technology to suggest the appropriate weight you should be lifting for each move, counting your reps, and offering real-time feedback about your form to keep you honest and safe. Peloton offers on-demand workouts with knowledgeable, motivating instructors with on line streaming for classes live classes.
You will continue to see more and more smart tech each year which means we can expect more in the way of convenience. The devices will take on all the tasks you hate and make the home life easier and more fun.
What’s not to like?