Smart home of the future now a reality

An exhibitor demonstrates a Samsung Smart TV that can be operated with a smartphone.

An exhibitor demonstrates a Samsung Smart TV that can be operated with a smartphone.

Published May 21, 2012

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Living in the era of rapid technological advancement means consumers have grown accustomed to being able to access vast amounts of information in a minimum amount of time.

Technology that once filled a room now fits in the palm of your hand and some gaming consoles have more computing capacity than a space shuttle computer. So what is next, asks Adrian Goslett, chief executive of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.

Could the next step be a smart home? With network connections and advancements in the ability of technology to transform our daily lives, it seems the next trend will be homes that are fully operational through computers.

A home could have technologies designed to allow the owner to access and control appliances and automated features via a broadband connection.

“While there are currently a few affluent consumers worldwide that already have homes that can be controlled from a distance, for most the technology is just too expensive at the moment,” says Goslett.

“However, while the cost of the technology is keeping it from the mainstream homeowner, as more developments in the technology occur it will become cheaper and more accessible. We may even see future housing built with the technological gadgets already installed as a feature.”

Goslett notes that electronic devices essential to making a smart home a possibility have already become dramatically less expensive and more easily available. Advancements in devices that use Wi-Fi and other wireless connections have made it easier for users to integrate their home electronic systems with items such as smartphones and other equipment.

“From a security perspective, the ability to monitor and control elements within a home through a broadband connection will give the homeowner the peace of mind to travel without worrying about their greatest financial asset,” says Goslett.

“Some security companies in the US have already launched security packages for smartphones that include the installation of their security sensors. The cost of these applications and services are in line with packages that do not include a smartphone service, which means they are readily available to the man in the street.”

With current technology there are certain limitations to what a smart home can do, but with the rapid rate at which technology changes the possibilities are endless. Features that have entered the market in certain countries are services that include automatic regulators that adjust air conditioning units when nobody is home.

“With global warming and energy usage a burning issue, homes being built with energy-management systems are not too far in the future,” says Goslett.

“Currently consumers are able to judge their power usage by the cost they are billed monthly; however, developments are under way to allow consumers to monitor the amount of electricity passing through an individual outlet.

“This way the homeowner will be able to detect outlets that are experiencing higher than average output and they will be able to rectify the situation.” - Saturday Star

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