What’s Next for Home Automation?
As new technology progresses, it’s clear that the home is becoming increasingly connected. With smart thermostats like Nest that allow you to monitor and adjust your home’s temperature from an app on your phone, it’s only a matter of time before you can control many items in your home from your phone.
Although there are many independent appliances and pieces in your home that can be controlled separately, it’s obvious that they are beginning to come together to be centrally controlled. Every indication shows that the controller will be your home’s thermostat.
If you didn’t know, Nest was purchased by Google last year which showed that home automation is something that Google is going to be more involved in. Earlier this year, Nest purchased Dropcam, a home wi-fi video monitoring company, for $555 million dollars. This is a huge move showing that Nest (and Google) is trying to build out the devices and applications that can be controlled and integrated with the Nest Learning Thermostat.
Dropcam sells a small wi-fi connected video camera that can be used for monitoring and security. This camera can be viewed and controlled from a mobile device, such as a smartphone. Additionally, there is a built in mic and speaker that allows you to communicate with people (or pets) in the room where the camera is located. Some other features include setting a schedule for when the camera is on, receiving alerts depending on what the camera is seeing, and the ability to see in the dark.
You might be thinking, “This is great, but what does this mean for me?”
Well, we are just at the beginning and the current technology allows you to monitor and adjust your thermostat from wherever you are. However, technology is rapidly expanding and the future probably will look a lot different. Experts believe that in the next 2-3 years, you will be able to have all of your major appliances and home systems connected to a central command center (like your thermostat). Additionally, you will be able to control all of them from your smartphone or computer. Lastly, if something goes wrong – like your fridge turns off or your water heater stops working – you will be notified immediately.
It’s important to note that just because the technology might be there to do this, it doesn’t mean everyone’s home is going to be connected in this way in the next two years. However, given how fast technology is changing, there are going to be some significant changes in how you can control and monitor your home in the next few years.
Do you have questions about automating your home or being able to control your thermostat from your smartphone? Give us a call at 800-994-2577. We would love to answer any questions you have.