Smart home technology sometimes referred to as smart home automation is the concept of networking devices and equipment in the house to improve the quality of living. Through SMART home technology users are allowed to control and monitor connected home devices through the use of apps, smartphones or any other networked device. If you have enjoyed a science fiction movie over the years you may remember how it explored the idea of home automation. This idea has now become a reality for most.
In the early 20th century home appliances were an amazing achievement.
One of the first smart devices was the ECHO IV and the kitchen computer. The Echo IV was created in 1966 and had to ability to compute shopping lists, control the homes temperature and turn appliances on and off. The kitchen computer introduced a year later was a great idea. It had the ability to store recipes but the marketing strategy was flawed and tarnished by the tagline “If she can only cook as well as Honeywell can computer” no models were sold.
It was a terrible idea to insult end user of a product. Another example of home technology can be found in those famous Life Alert commercials. This was known as gerontechnology.
Smart home automation began to increase in popularity in the early 2000s. Some examples of SMART home devices include but are not limited to wireless speaker systems, thermostats, home security and monitoring systems, lighting, door locks, refrigerators and laundry machines. SMART home technology has a more affordable option.
As of 2015, in the United States the wireless speaker system was the most common SMART home device with at least 17 percent of households having one or more. Home are now being built equipped with SMART home devices. A 2012 consumer report from the National Association of Home Builders found that the most sought-after products were wireless security systems, programmable thermostats, security cameras, lighting control systems and wireless home audio systems and home theater and multi zone HVAC systems.
An additional selling point is that this technology is beneficial to the environment. For instance, being able to turn off lights or appliances that were left on remotely helps decrease energy consumption. This not only helps the environment but also can lower an individual’s utility costs. Today’s smart homes are said to be more sustainable. The goal is to increase security and live greener. “Connectivity and interactivity are driving the way families live and manage their homes. So while we are expected to be in more places due to business travel, children’s school schedules and social activities, these new smart systems provide cutting edge connectivity to your household, even when you’re far away. And when the house is occupied, the high level of automation enables more convenience, control and safety from any part of your property. It all adds up to fewer worries and increased enjoyment of life, which is something we would all welcome,” writes ADT technologies. (The History of Smart Homes)
SMART home technology does not always make life easier for homeowners. A complaint by many is that systems malfunction often. Properly maintaining and repairing these systems may be costly. Other research has stated while short term energy consumption may be reduced the effects of this technology over a five-year span can potentially harm the environment. Another concern of SMART home technology is the privacy of its users and the vulnerabilities it may pose. A smart home is also a surveilled home. This creates an environment where hackers may gain access to an individual’s most personal space. Since 2015 Google’s Nest Labs have been told to hand over data on 300 separate occasions for as many as 525 Nest account holders. In 2017, a group of criminals from Charlotte, North Carolina had gained access to more than 350 million social security numbers of dead and living individuals and 225 million employment histories.
This information was used to create fraud of $1.2 million. These criminals had purchased the Nest cameras for their properties. Investigators obtained a warrant ordering google o hand over all data related to the cameras. Shipping surveillance and personal details were compiled and it was these very cameras that led to the arrest and conviction of these criminals. While this was a gain for the Department of Justice it created a concern for other members of the public because while they may not be conducting illegal business their right to privacy was at risk. Nest responded to consumer concerns by stating “If a US government agency presented us with a search warrant to investigate a crime they think was captured on a Nest Cam, we wouldn’t just hand over user data.” “We’d analyze the request to be sure the warrant wasn’t overly broad, then we’d make sure the information they requested was within the scope of the warrant.” (SMART Home Surveillance) In the second half of 2015 Nest provided requested information for nearly 60% of request. This number is significantly higher than current stats. It is reported that Nest provided data to less than 20% of requests in the first half of 2018. This information should provide the end user with some relief that their privacy is somewhat protected.
In conclusion SMART home technology like many other things has its advantages and disadvantages. An individual who chooses to participate in this technology must inform themselves and determine what is best. In 2016 the market had setbacks while attempting to transition from the early-adopter phase to the mass-marketing phase but usage has increased dramatically. More products are targeting senior citizens in an effort to improve their quality of life and security. Big brand technology stores have more expert associates available who can educate consumers. Recently I saw a flyer at a local Department of Aging for a computer class for seniors. As stated above it is becoming a standard in homes being built. Individuals may not have a choice but to adapt to this new way of life. CNN prophesies that we may be living a very Jetson like lifestyle in the near future. SMART home technology may not be for everyone but it most certainly is here to stay.
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