Smart Home Technology Trends of 2021
Smart technology has been around for quite some time now. We see it daily, in nearly every aspect of our lives, some form of smart technology.
From smart phones and televisions to security systems, smart appliances and more, the capabilities of smart technologies are only growing.
And now it’s becoming more popular within the home with increased opportunity for smart technology integration.
In this article, we go over the basics of smart home technology, the advantages of smart tech integration and the benefits when you begin the process of integration with a certified IT company.
What is Smart Home Technology?
With everything beginning to transition to smart technologies, it’s important to note first what exactly smart home technology is.
Simply put, smart technology is the definition applied to any technological device, appliance or other form of equipment that connects to the internet and responds to user-commands to improve daily living.
Imagine all of the devices within your home connecting to the internet, communicating, sending you information and responding to your demands. It sounds like an imaginary dream to be able to control elements of your home from a centralized and, perhaps even remote, location.
While it sounds fictitious, it’s actually just the Internet of Things (IoT) and it’s crucial to home automation and smart homes.
Home Automation
Controlling items around the home from the simple push of a button or voice command, and the overall ability to automate control over these items is home automation. It’s an integral part to successfully integrating smart technology into your home.
Smart Home Technologies
There are a wide number of things that can be considered smart technology for the home. Because this is a fairly general term to the basic home amenities, it applies specifically to communication technology that enables either degrees of automation or remote controls.
These can include:
- Appliances – fridges, washing machines, ovens, air fryers, grills, etc.
- Electronics – phones, tablets, computers, smart plugs, vacuums, etc.
- Entertainment systems – speakers, televisions, lighting, displays, etc.
- Home security systems – security cameras, locks, gates, doorbells, integrated systems, etc.
- Environmental controls – thermostats, air conditioning units, bulbs, heating, cooling, etc.
6 Trending Smart Tech Features That Enhance Your Way of Life
Generally speaking, there is typically a list of criteria when it comes to automating your home. Whether you are interested in home-zoning or automating the entire home, smart technology users want integration that considers these trends:
- Security
- Functionality
- Ease-of-use
- Connectivity
- Longevity
- Voice Integration
1. Security
Of course, security is always a top trend with any technological device. It’s important to put an emphasis on the level of security and data privacy of whichever devices you decide to integrate within your home.
Whenever you buy any type of smart device, be sure you understand the type of consumer data collection that comes with it. Most smart home devices use consumer data to optimize both the quality of service and the ability to take commands, providing a more efficient and streamlined process of home automation.
2. Functionality
Functionality, of course, is one of the dominant reasons as to why consumers purchase smart home technology.
You need something functional to enhance your home. Having enhanced functionality within your smart technology plays an important role when it comes to the adoption of new and improved devices.
3. Ease-of-Use
You need ease-of-use, also known as management capabilities, for your smart home technologies when you begin the process of automating your home.
As one of the more enticing features of smart home tech, user-friendly equipment allows management of the whole house to be in a centralized network. This allows homeowners to control multiple aspects of their home environment, all with the touch of a button or use of a singular device.
4. Connectivity
When intelligent devices and systems fail to properly connect and communicate with each other, the ease-of-use and efficiency of your home technology falls to the wayside.
To fully capitalize on your devices, ensuring they are able to connect with other devices and IoT systems in your home is the first step.
Some examples of IoT connectivity technologies include:
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
- Mesh networks
5. Longevity
Simply put, having technology that is long-lasting is essential for seamless home automation. With all smart home technology making a rise in trendy home additions, we recommend you purchase, install and integrate only systems, devices and technologies that are dependable and reliable for years to come.
6. Voice Integration
Imagine a world where your home responds to your voice demands. It seems futuristic but with a full-service IT company, it’s efficiently feasible.
Being able to control appliances, devices, systems and other technological equipment through voice commands is quintessential in smart home trends.
Connect With A Structured Cabling Company For Smart Home Automation
It can be relatively stressful to try and fully automate your home by yourself. With the help of an experienced and credible IT company based in Richmond, VA, you won’t be burdened with that stress.
At NTS, our OEM-certified subject-matter experts and technicians are trusted to get the job done and to get the job done, right.
Looking to transition your home into smart home automation? Then give us a call today today to discuss how our structured cabling services can provide for you audio/visual services, access control and low voltage and high voltage cabling for your smart home.