As homes become futuristic, there are several technologies that are being used to make homes savvy and smart. Using next-gen Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, voice-based intelligence, wireless network protocols such as Zigbee and more, homes are becoming connected and controllable. Companies like Amazon and Apple have helped unify the fragmented smart devices market into universally compatible products across platforms like Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit and the like. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the utility for home automation than ever before. Affordable integration for programmable lights that changes colour of light based on time of day for your Zoom call or setting up pre-programed scenarios and scenes in your living room for your Netflix binges at a single voice command are all part of the new Home Automation deal. The best part is that cell phones are the principal remote control or driver for these technologies. The one platform that connects all the technologies eventually becomes either your smartphone or your tablet or iPad. We list five innovative tech items for your home interiors below.

Voice Commands

These are voice activated commands that can switch on and off lights, disable security systems, and activate entertainment systems. The basic idea is that these devices would carve out a niche for themselves in your home. This technology, which essentially follows your voice command, also collects a large amount of data, and communicates with networks outside of your home.

Smart Lights

Lights that switch on and off sensing human presence is a great way to save electricity too. This works on the Lux level, which means the amount of light required, lights with motion sensors turn on automatically in a room. If the required light in a room is not met, the sensor automatically finds the Lux level of the room and opens curtains as required. Lights can also be dim or bright depending on the Lux level, thus conserving as much energy as possible. A timer can also be set to switch on and off the light for the night or for the day in common areas like corridors and parking.

Water Wise

Water is a key component in a home and having a shower system that can be controlled by a touch panel is gaining popularity. Homes today have specific technologies that connect to the shower touchpads to allow control of several multimedia functions with a simple hand touch. You can watch videos, listen to music, enjoy the different shades of colour lighting and several additional settings are all functions that can be controlled through a simple touch. Faucets with water-saving aerator solutions allowing savings up to 40 per cent of water are available today that can reduce the water flow from 11 to 7 liters per minute.

Stay Safe

Security is one of the cornerstones of a smart home where you can remotely control door locks, thermostats and more using your smartphone’s app. Smart security systems that can be customized with professional installation and monitoring are trending today. You can also have a surveillance system in place where local fire and police departments can be contacted automatically when alarms are triggered. If you are on vacation as well, you can have a system of monitoring movement of your home from anywhere using your phone or tablet, including video doorbells, motion sensors, smart locks, and indoor and outdoor security cameras.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Since the pandemic, the importance of air quality in homes has become paramount for the health and wellbeing of the family. With everyone largely staying at home whether children who attend online schools or office goers working from home, indoor air quality (IAQ) is a key concern. Therefore, there are air quality monitors that can be installed at home. These systems can detect chemicals, particulates, and gases in your home as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and mold that are potential hazards. There are devices that have been launched that work as virus attenuation devices that can disable the Coronavirus in enclosed spaces.

This is a guest post by Bindu Gopal Rao.