Trends in smart home automation technology – what’s next?

by Maulik Unadkat, Founder, Beyond Alliance

0
284

Over the past two decades, the smart home automation sector has undergone a dynamic revolution. As technology continues to advance, the potential to improve efficiency, security, and comfort in our homes is growing at an unprecedented rate. Platforms like Apple Homekit are giving end users the intuitiveness and ease of use that they deserve and desire. You can control everything from the home screen or swipe down the control center of your Apple devices. In the future, more convenience, sustainability, and interconnectivity are expected from smart home automation, as giants like Apple, Samsung, and Google will dominate the user interfaces. 

According to a recent market analysis, the Indian smart home market is anticipated to generate $6.5 billion in revenue in 2024. Furthermore, by 2028, individual household penetration will have increased to 22% from the current figure of 10.7%. Given that a smart home is now seen as an essential component of luxury homes in our more technologically advanced society, it is anticipated to see more trends that will meet the desire for high-end, futuristic, and globally inspired residences.

The idea of a ‘smart home,’ is becoming more widespread as we approach a new era of technology. With the advancement of connectivity and artificial intelligence, home automation has transformed from a luxury to a need. Accepting home automation means accepting a more comfortable lifestyle with a secure and convenient living. 

At a press of the power key on the iPhone, home automation systems enable users to ask Siri to control anything from music in any zone of the home to lighting and indoor temperature control. Siri, Google, and Alexa include machine learning and natural language processing algorithms, which these systems use to comprehend and interpret commands, improving their accuracy and responsiveness over time, resulting in safety and effectiveness in life. Keeping up with the newest home automation trends and solutions makes sense because technology is evolving quickly and meaningfully.

Imagine living in a house where everything is conveniently connected, adjustable, and customized to one’s tastes. The AC and fan are regulated to suit your sleep pattern. One wakes up to sunlight instead of alarms as your curtains open asthe sunrisenrise timings of your geolocation. In the ever-evolving landscape of home technology, one name stands out as a beacon of innovation and sophistication: Crestron. As we stride into 2024, Crestron home automation, a ground-breaking system that seamlessly combines comfort and contemporary technology, has firmly established itself as the definitive trendsetter in smart homes. With their new Home OS4, it’s raising its own bar.

Maximizing the potential of the next smart home innovations:

Voice operated system

Try telling Siri, play ‘Summer of 69’ in ‘Living Room & Balcony’, and this happens seamlessly. Voice command platforms include machine learning and natural language processing, to comprehend and interpret the instructions without making any irritating repetitions. Voice-activated systems are easily integrated with any smart or non-smart devices using home automation solutions, offering additional flexibility and control. Moreover, voice commands can also order groceries, lock and unlock doors, and activate and deactivate security systems.

Geo-Fencing

Thanks to smartphones, the exact location of each user can be tracked and as soon as one is nearing the residence, the home can be set up as desired. The sheer curtains can be shut, the AC could be turned, and your favorite music could welcome you back home. Each time the last person leaves a set routine could happen like all ACs, lights, and fans must be shut. When the first person enters, foyer lights could be turned on. These are all routines that can be set based on location tracking.

Home Theatre Solutions 

This system considers each person’s lifestyle, making it the new normal. People are more aware of the value of a high-quality lifestyle at home, with efficiency and productivity at the center of design, especially after COVID-19. To escape the bustle of the city, the Ultra Short Throw 4K projectors are quickly becoming essential for binge-watching an OTT series or experiencing a theater-like experience at home. A flawlessly adjusted 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos surround sound system draws the viewer into the action and drama of the video even deeper.

Audiophile Solutions

Modernization always tends to go back to old school every once in a while. Believe it or not, globally, turntables and vinyl discs are a rage again. Playing old LP records and listening to music in its purest form is a good break from streaming audio digitally. Nothing beats analog, high fidelity music. Sitting right at the center seat of two floor-standing or bookshelf speakers and listening to the magic of the soundstage where you completely lose localization of speakers is truly an immersive experience. It just gives a nostalgic break from the hustle of hectic routines.

Automation of the home with artificial intelligence integration

Thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), people’s lives are becoming increasingly convenient and efficient. AI-powered virtual assistants, like Apple Siri, Google Assistant,, and Amazon Alexa, are already widely used in many households. In addition to operating smart devices and responding to queries, these smart companions can also provide weather and general current information. Each user’s frequently used commands are learned by Apple,  and it can recommend which 8 commands deserve to be on your control center home screen. If multiple locations,  like one’s home and office, have smart devices, the HomeKit app automatically shifts to the current space based on location tracking. Artificial intelligence is anticipated to play a bigger role in home automation in the upcoming years. An AI-driven smart home is expected to create a perfect environment that will be seamlessly adjusted to the habitants’ everyday routines.

Biometric and enhanced security systems 

Face Recognition entry systems unlock your home just like how you unlock your phone. It’s quick and secure. Cameras with motion sensing and AI capabilities are among the most value-for-money utilities in any space. Fingerprint or biometric scanners for walkin wardrobes are another trend picking up. 

Wifi 6 Mesh Networks

Just like electricity changed how mankind lives, so has WiFi. It’s essential to create WiFi6 mesh networks to ensure maximum throughput. It’s amazing how WiFi technology has evolved to extract maximum bandwidth from the same crowded 2.4GHz band without causing any cross-device interference. Users love to stream 4K content on smart TVs without having to lose quality or face interruptions due to buffering. An average user owns more than 4 smart devices and the WiFi must be capable of handling this volume.

IP Communication

Now that we are blessed with robust data networks, the communication industry has also moved to IP. Gone are the days of landlines and cordless devices that cannot be used beyond a room. WiFi handheld phones can roam across the house. An app on your mobile device could be your extension. Whether you are in the office, at home, or on a trip, calls can be transferred to you like an extension. Your bedside phone could be an Android screen from which you can stream music or even attend Zoom calls. Endless possibilities evolve as IP becomes the chosen platform.

Aesthetics 

Artificial intelligence and augmented reality have led to the development of reconfigurable furniture materials that provide personalized living environments. Augmented reality is used by smart furniture and cushions to alter texture, colour, and fabric. One can choose the colour and engraving of the keypad from hundreds of options and finishes. Switches are an obsolete concept. Marble, glass, veneer, metal and trend setting finishes enter to spoil the user for choice. Motorized projectors and TV lifts help hide those ugly devices when not in use. Concealed flush-mount speakers give the space a clean look without compromising on the experience. Bars can be hidden in a camouflaged cabinet and pop up on demand. 

Internet of Things (IoT) expansion

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an interconnected network of gadgets that will significantly impact home automation in 2024. Coffee machines and washing machines, lights and fans, ACs and geysers, irons and ovens are all IOT-enabled now. Everything we think or do can be made to happen on a pre-defined schedule, as part of a voice-enabled scene or at the click of a button.

With so many smart home gadgets on the market today, plenty of options exist to improve the home lifestyle. There is a smart home option for everyone, whether they are looking for basic IoT devices or for end-to-end intricate setups. These developments streamline our interactions with technology at home, increasing productivity and improving the comfort of daily living. The opportunities for integration and personalization will only increase as the home market grows, enabling people to design houses that uniquely suit their requirements and tastes and offer a plethora of options for a connected and convenient lifestyle. There is no better time to invest in these path-breaking systems than now, as all devices made are compatible with the emerging lifestyles of mankind.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here