Latest smart home trends that define futurtistic way of living

Technology influences different aspects of human life, transforming how we communicate or travel from one place to another. In this digital era, we cannot imagine managing our day-to-day activities without using our smartphones. Similarly, smart homes are another important technological innovation that promises to become an indispensable part of our lives. Smart home features aim to simplify household tasks and make life comfortable. Tech-integrated homes are modern residential spaces equipped with automated systems based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), for lighting, security and various other areas of household functions. The emergence of smart homes is one of the noteworthy developments in the Indian real estate sector in recent years. In this article, we will explore the latest smart home trends and innovations witnessed in recent years.

See also: Top 5 must-have smart home appliances for modern living

What is a smart home?

Smart homes are residential properties that are integrated with modern technological systems to facilitate the automation of household functions, such as HVAC operations, kitchen appliances, climate control, entertainment devices, etc., while ensuring energy efficiency, thus promoting sustainable living. These household systems can be operated majorly with the help of smartphones or voice commands.

How do tech-integrated homes differ from traditional homes?

Smart homes are mainly developed to ensure maximum comfort and convenience for the residents by incorporating home automation technologies. From opening the curtain blinds or turning on the lights to operating the coffee machine or adjusting the air-conditioner, one can use technology in a number of ways in their daily routine in a smart home. On the other hand, traditional homes are standard residential properties where operations such as switching on the lights or operating the air-conditioner are based on manual control rather than the use of technology.

Factors driving tech-integrated homes

Advancement in technology is a major factor that have influenced the growth of smart homes around the world. Technology is constantly evolving and influencing different areas, including the development of residential and business spaces. All this is aimed to make lives simpler and ensure faster completion of various functions in a household. Similarly, the growing awareness of sustainability and the need for energy efficiency is another major factor facilitating the growth of smart homes.

Benefits of smart homes

• Convenience: Nowadays, busy working professionals are unable to find sufficient time to complete their daily chores. The need for comfortable living and faster completion of household tasks using technology is a key driving factor for the growth of smart homes.
• Enhanced security: Smart homes come with advanced security systems, such as remote monitoring of the home, which increase the level of safety for the residents.
• Energy efficiency: Smart homes are developed to ensure energy efficiency as they optimise use of energy and help lower energy bills.
• Increased property value: Residential properties equipped with smart technologies buyers are likely to have higher resale value, attracting potential buyers.

Key features of tech-integrated homes

#1. Smart kitchen and utility appliances

Smart appliances are designed to carry out the mundane household tasks. Some examples are smart refrigerators and ovens with touch screens, automatic coffee makers, wi-fi slow cookers, energy-efficient dishwashers, etc. These smart appliances are enabled with wireless connectivity and sensors, which allow remote control or autonomous operation based on user input. All these features allow the residents to ensure smooth administration of kitchen and laundry functions.

#2. Energy-efficiency lighting and HVAC systems

Smart homes come with energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems that help reduce electricity bills. Smart thermostats are devices that control the heating and cooling equipment, thus optimising the HVAC operations. LED lighting and smart light controls is are prominent features of smart homes. One can connect the smart lighting system to their other smart home devices and assistants and control their operations. For example, you can turn on or off the lights using a remote or a smartphone and can even schedule the lights to turn off when the room is empty. Similarly, users can use a voice command or their phones to control the air-conditioners.

#3.  Security and surveillance systems

With the growing need for efficient security systems in modern homes, technology plays a crucial role in building a secure environment for the residents. Nowadays, biometric security systems in modern housing societies are common. These feature fingerprint scanners, facial recognition systems and iris scanners, enabling homeowners to get better access control. In addition, there are smart locks and cameras, doorbell cameras, smoke detectors, motion sensors, smart alarms, etc.

#4. Entertainment and connectivity

Home automation is also incorporated into the area of entertainment in modern homes. For example, home theatres, multi-room audio systems, smart TVs and streaming devices are all tech-enabled. The application of voice-activated assistants such as Alexa and Google extends to playing your favourite song besides setting daily reminders or managing other household functions. You can also use mobile applications to manage the entertainment systems.

#5. Health and wellness

Tech-integrated homes promote health and well-being with features like air purifiers, smart beds, tech-enabled fitness equipment, etc. There are mobile applications that track one’s physical activity, promoting wellness, while smart appliances to help track nutritional value of food and measure ingredients, promoting healthy eating habits. Similarly, smart air purifiers detect pollutants and allergens in the air and adjust the system to create a healthy indoor environment.

#6. Virtual concierge services

Virtual concierge services are a key feature of smart homes that have become popular in luxury living projects. Residents can take the help of AI-based virtual assistants to execute home maintenance tasks, access amenities, book travel arrangements, access community events, etc.

Housing.com News Viewpoint

The advancement of technology is driving the growth of tech-integrated homes. While investment in a smart home may come at a high initial cost, the use of cutting-edge technology for a number of household functions will promote sustainable living and reduce expenses in the long run.

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