Smart home technology: 2016 and beyond

Sci-fi movies have been filled with cool gadgets that put just about anything at your fingertips, with the push of a button. From George Jetson to James Bond, fictional characters have had all the fun. Now, it’s our turn.

Smart home technology is automating everything in the home, from opening the doors and turning on the lights to tracking your sleep patterns and watering your plants. Today’s smart home technology lets you keep an eye on your dog when you’re away from home, alert you when your dinner is done, and warn you of leaky pipes. In 2017, the GSMA expects we will spend $44 billion dollars on connected home technology, more than four times the projected sales of $10 billion this year.

In the kitchen, appliances like the smart refrigerator seem to be capable of doing everything except preparing meals. The touchscreen lets you listen to music or watch your favorite cooking show. Using LG’s HomeChat app, you can find out what’s in your fridge, perfect for when you’re at the grocery store without a list—as well as check on your other smart appliances.

Even your bathtub has become smarter. The Kohler VibrAcoustic Bath, for example, pumps sound waves through the water for a gentle massage, or acts as your bathroom sound system with your own playlist, whether the tub is empty or fill.

When you get out of the tub, use the Oral-B smart toothbrush to make sure you’re brushing properly. Check your weight, body mass index, and heart rate on the Withings Smart Body Analyzer—and get the local weather forecast while you’re on this smart scale.

Dim the lights, lock the door, start your coffeemaker, adjust the thermostat, manage your smoke detector, turn on your sprinkler system, open your garage door, and even light your way in the dark. It’s all possible with the connected home and smart technology.

If you don’t want to coordinate all these functions, bring Amazon Echo home. This voice-activated home automation controller can operate your smart home technology with just a command. Ask it to play your favorite music, turn down the lights, and give you the latest news and weather update.

Are you keeping up with your home’s intelligence? Your life could be a lot easier if you do.