Over the years technology has been growing exponentially, and the smart home sector is not an exception. New home technologies consist of devices and services that are connected to the internet and to each other. The user can access and manage them remotely using mobile devices.
According to Gartner: “Consumer spending on connected home devices will total $189 million in 2018, and increase 18% from 2017”. Analysts also predict that by 2020 the number of connected things will reach 20,4 billion worldwide and 12,8 billion of them will be for the household and not for business. In 2018 we already see a rise in new home automation technology such as connected home appliances.
Forecast market size of the global smart home market from 2016 to 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Source: Statista
The graph above proves why many startups and enterprises are investing in new smart home technology. We all want to know that our house is properly secured and that even when we are away, we can still control and monitor our house using mobile devices. The adoption of the Internet of Things has already captured smart home enthusiasts. We noticed new smart home technologies that are appearing and leading companies are embracing these new trends.
In this blog post, we are going to look at some key trends in smart home app development that will transform our everyday lives in 2018 and beyond:
Voice assistant integration
The competition among voice assistants is getting tougher. Thanks to it, more new smart-home products that can be managed by one or more voice assistants appear on the market.
In the past five years, voice-based technologies have experienced rapid growth in the consumer market. Market leaders such as Amazon, Google, Apple, and Samsung continue to enhance their product lines. According to Parks Associates, over 37% of U.S broadband users find it appealing to use voice to control smart home devices.
For example, Whirlpool has already started building voice assistants into its appliances. During CES 2018, the manufacturer presented numerous appliances that a person can control using Alexa or Google Assistant. You can now set and start your dishwasher remotely by your voice or change the temperature settings of your refrigerator.
With a smart home platform like Insteon Hub, a homeowner can control lights and appliances using a voice command to Google Home.
In the future, we expect to have a number of voice-activated smart devices in our houses. We might no longer use light switches but instead give voice commands asking to turn and off the light. The same will be with HVAC systems, TV, and any other device.
Air quality monitoring
Most of our time we spend indoors, thus it should go without saying that indoor air quality greatly influences our health. The quality of air in the home can deteriorate while cooking or cleaning. Until recently it was difficult to measure the CO2 and dust in your air. With the growth of new home technologies, the situation had changed.
Nowadays, there are several air monitoring products on the market that send messages about the air in your home. These devices can be set up in the smart home and improve the quality of the air we breathe. Take a Footbot as an example. Footbot is a smart device that is capable of tracking four different air quality measures: particulate matter, chemical pollutants, humidity, and temperature. Footbot uses light from blue to orange to indicate air quality. If the light is blue the air is good, while orange means a decrease in quality.
Another example of a device that tracks indoor air quality via the app is Awair. It displays a score out of 100 and offers tips on what to do if things turn bad. The higher the score the better. Awair measures harmful chemicals through Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). The chemicals can come from anything (detergents, glue, etc.). Awair also has a dust feature, which displays the level of dust in the air. In addition, it can also measure humidity and temperature in your apartment.
Leak detection and control
One of the biggest concerns for most homeowners is water leaks and their consequences. Especially areas with frequent floods and hurricanes suffer from the damage caused by the leak.
Unfortunately, by the time we notice a leak, it's usually too late and the house may already be damaged. For this reason, systems of leak detectors and valve controllers sound promising, Agree, that being able to prevent your apartment and the apartment of your neighbors from unexpected leaks is what we all need in our houses. Take a look at the Guardian, a system of leak detection and a valve controller. In case the system detects a leak, it automatically shuts off your water thus preventing further damage. The system has simple installation and navigation.
Energy consumption monitoring
According to EIA, electricity prices have increased by nearly 20% from 2007 to 2017. For this reason, many consumers are considering adding home energy monitoring systems to their homes. With the help of these devices, it becomes possible to track how much energy your home is using. Based on this information, a homeowner can consume energy more efficiently.
For instance, the Wall Plug Fibaro that was showcased during the CES 2018, allows you to monitor and manage devices using Z-Wave technology. By connecting the Fibaro to a standard power outlet, a homeowner can monitor energy consumption. The crystal LED ring changes the color reflecting the amount of energy that’s being consumed. In this way, you can identify which devices consume the most power. The blue color means that less amount of used energy is consumed (e.g. lamp), while the purple color shows that the device temperature increases (e.g. washing machine).
All-in-one-systems
Home security solutions allow residents to monitor each room. With sensors and alarms being installed throughout the house, it is possible to discover any changes in the building. Whether it is smoke detection, open doors, or motion detection, the smart home system notices users about those changes.
Unlike most home security systems, all-in-one systems require minimal installation. Each device comprises live-streaming cameras, motion sensors, arming and disarming functionality, and integrated sirens.
An example of such a system can be, Ajax, a wireless security system that can be easily installed, armed and disarmed, and monitored using your mobile device. Here is another example of a home safety solution. Our team has developed an app where residents are able to receive temperature and humidity data from their apartment, as well as alarms for low battery level, fire, or motion. The solution has already been awarded the CES Innovation Honoree award during CES 2017.
Temperature monitoring
A remote temperature monitor in your home ensures the comfort and protection of your family and home. A digital thermometer tracks change in temperature and then sends data using wireless technology. A user receives data from a mobile device and can control thermostats and temperature levels anytime anywhere. With a digital thermostat, you can control any area of your home: pantry, aquarium, refrigerator, wine cellar, vacant residence, etc.
At CES 2018 a home security provider Alarm.com had presented a smart thermostat, which monitors HVAC system and prevents homeowners from possible emergencies. A user can place remote temperature sensors in any room, attic, or basement and the thermostat will notify each time when the temperature is too low or high and also balance humidity and temperature to prevent mold and ensure comfortable living.
The future of smart home technology is getting smarter
Several years ago, the idea of controlling your home appliances and security systems remotely using smartphones would have sounded unreal. But 2017 and 2018 prove that the smart home market is gaining momentum and new innovations coming out all the time.
Initially, smart home technology and mobile security software were used to control HVAC systems, but today the use of technology in a way that almost every electronic mechanism in the house can be included in the system. In addition to turning on and off the devices, smart home technology can monitor what’s happening in the house when the homeowner is away.
By utilizing smart home devices we can automate our daily routines and make our life more comfortable. It is likely that the adaptation of smart house technologies will soon become mainstream and an integral part of every apartment. It is no doubt that the future of smart home products and platforms is promising and worth looking forward to.
If you have an idea to build an innovative home automation product, get in touch with our team so that our experts can give you technical advice on how to build new technology for the smart home. We're offering the best mobile security solutions.
