I think we’ve all dreamed of owning The Jetson’s home and all the wonderful technologies inside. We’re not quite there yet, but it certainly looks like that’s where we’re headed in a couple of decades.
Home automation systems aren’t really a new thing, after all, Popular Mechanics science magazine predicted the appearance of remotely controlled devices back in 1939, but we certainly have witnessed a rise in popularity and accessibility, especially in North America.
So what exactly entails having a smart home? For the tech enthusiasts, it’s all about control: you can manage lighting, security, home theaters, heating systems and even your kitchen, all with one nifty device.
The biggest problem about smart homes? They’re a fragmented industry, meaning that there is no one single protocol to connect devices and you’re stuck with the one you install. If you want to upgrade, you’re going to need the money to completely change to another provider. This means that you can’t just go to the store and buy a new gadget for your home. You have to do your research and get one that works for the system you already have. A little too much extra work, if you ask me.
In any case, smart homes appear to be on the rise, although the steep costs seem to limit its target audience. As for me, I think for the sake of my budget, and my own paranoia, I’ll stick with my old lamps and coffee makers; after all, it isn’t that much harder to make them work on my own.