Alexa I’m Home
In 2017, at the consumer electronics show, there was a solo entrant for home voice automation. Alexa. A year later, you’ll find Amazon Echo, Siri and more in the growing field. This trending home tech allows consumers to take control of a wide variety of tasks inside the home. You can open (or close) the blinds with a simple command. Answer and electronic doorbell or check a video camera to see the kids playing in the backyard.
Thoughtful Integration
This is now. Your smoke detector detects smoke. It communicates to the oven: “turn off.” Your doorbell rings. You check your smart device and see a stranger is out front of your house. You can communicate right through the doorbell with that person – even if you are not even home. Add a fridge cam (starting $149). Check what’s inside your refrigerator while you are at the store. Stop doubling up on perishables and don’t forget the ingredients you are really out of and need for tonight’s dinner!
Battery Backup For The Home
Tesla has pioneered electric batteries for automobiles. Firsthand, let me tell you these are great cars. I know some families with two; great reason to buy a bigger home with at least a two car garage. But the batteries are finding their way into our houses as well. In lieu of noisy generators, power systems such as the Tesla Powerwall make for an excellent home back up should the power fail.
Imagine having this trending home tech during the flooding that hit Boulder CO a few years back. Rather than lose food in your fridge or be unable to charge devices, a powerful battery back up (or solar system in the day) can help home owners overcome the worst power outages.
Black is Back
As you shop for appliances and trending home tech in 2018, keep the color black in mind. It’s back. Matte and satin black finishes are the rage. Remodeling experts are turning to the color as a nice neutral for everything from appliances to cabinets and even flooring.
Integrating Mobile Devices and The Home
We have really been living with some of the hottest trending home technology for years now. The Nest thermostat seamlessly combines our beloved cell phones with the mundane task of keeping our house appropriately heated or cooled. Now, in my own home I’ve added a garage door opener that can be opened from my cellular device. Security experts can install a system you can monitor from your device. You can answer the door for a package delivery while sunning on a beach — the person at the front door can’t see you, but you can see him.
Mobile App opportunities are expected to continue to grow in popularity as the primary way to interact with our homes in a technology based sort of way.
Check The Refrigerator From The Store
Modern appliances have computers built into them. Mostly for the process of running the appliance. But also, to allow consumers to have even greater information about what to purchase the grocery store. A number of firms offer a refrigerator that will keep you informed that you are low on milk or eggs or butter. Since 2016 Samsung has offered a model with a touch screen built in. You can order groceries as you look through the fridge. Seriously convenient.
Or, use the best trending home tech to restock the fridge. The Samsung Family Hub™ Refrigerator has three interior cameras, so you can check what’s needed while at the grocery store! Totally awesome.
Another sharp feature, the ability to quickly cool or super freeze your fridge. Bosch offers an opportunity to super cool the inside for up to 15 hours. A great system to keep fresh food fresher with that blast of cool air. Same goes for your freezer. The super freeze option lets you rapidly get new foods frozen. Again, extending shelf life and reducing waste!
Does this count for cool trending home tech? Probably Not
For the holidays, my wife gave me this really cool night light that’s designed to illuminate the toilet bowl in multiple colors. Probably not that high tech, but definitely fun. Check back for future updates, share your favorite home technology ideas!