smart
“ It ’ s going to be everywhere soon enough .”
– Stacey Higginbotham , tech expert
By Melissa Erickson More Content Now
The connected home is here , and people of all ages are embracing technology that can turn on lights with a voice command , answer the door without leaving your seat , and learn your preferences and habits to keep your home a comfortable temperature while lowering your energy bill . While it might be new to some people , “ it ’ s going to be everywhere soon enough ,” said Stacey Higginbotham , a technology expert and host of the Internet of Things Podcast . Within the next two or so years , most newhome construction will incorporateww smart features , Higginbotham predicts . These may include things like keyless locks and video doorbells , smart thermostats and alarm systems , and entertainment features . “ Millennials love this stuff ,” but other generations can be just as captivated by new technology , Higginbotham said . It ’ s also great for people aging-in-place or those with special needs , she said .
For example , with a connected doorbell a person can be sitting down watching TV , and when the doorbell rings , they can pick up their smartphone and see who ’ s at the door . If they know the person , they can unlock the door and tell them to come in , all without getting out of their chair , she said . It may take some getting used to , but once on board users report greater levels of satisfaction with their upgraded smart features than their non-smart features , according to the Houzz Smart Home Trends Survey . We ’ re even willing to pay more for smart features , according to a study by Wakefield Research . Eighty-six percent of millennials and 65 percent of baby boomers are happy to pay an additional 20 percent to rent a home outfitted with remote-controlled devices or automated features . The main reasons homeowners are embracing smart features are for safety and security , followed by energy savings , automation and entertainment , Higginbotham said .
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