5 Articles: Home Sweet Connected Home

What comes to mind when you hear the term “smart home technology”? Well, I asked around and here are some of the answers I received:

• televisions with internet capabilities
• automated home energy climate management systems
• standalone virtual assistants like Amazon Echo and Google Home
• refrigerators with Wi-Fi enabled touchscreen tablets for multitasking
• automated security surveillance systems managed by mobile apps

All those answers are definitely forms of smart home technology. Yet, according to analysts these examples are just the tip of the iceberg when considering the potential of smart technology for the home. What was once just a concept of science fiction (check out this video from the 1960s), is now a reality as well as an integral part of today’s innovation for the future (now check out this 21st century video of a “smart home”). The possibilities are endless as designers and architects continue to think of new ways to eliminate mundane daily tasks by embedding smart technology into standard devices and systems.

Here's a look at five recent articles exploring the rising prevalence of smart home technology. You can read these articles using CPL's Online Resources, but I've also noted if an article is available freely on the web.

“New Study Finds Safety and Comfort Are Main Factors Driving Smart Home Technology Purchases” by Kristin Alm
Business Wire, December 15, 2016 (also available on the Business Wire website)
Who doesn't love finding a new time-saver? Who doesn't want to feel safe and secure? Alm explains why these factors and others are the primary motivating force behind the increased adoption of smart home technology.

“Smart Home Products Provide New Benefits for Consumers, and New Opportunities for Retailers”
Furniture Today, July 31, 2016
Furniture Today provides an in-depth look at the evolution of smart home appliances and systems from the kitchen to the garage.

“Keep Your Smart Home Safe From Hackers; As Internet-connected devices in homes grow more popular, so do the risks of unwanted intruders” by Leigh Kamping-Carder
The Wall Street Journal, May 17, 2016
This brief article provides some simple yet key tips from online-security experts on how keep your smart home technology secure from hackers.

“How Echo, Google Home, and Other Voice Assistants Can Change the Game for Content Creators” by Erik Martin
EContent, March 2017 (also available on the EContent website)
Martin explores how publishers of Ebooks and Econtent are taking the next leap from smart phones and tablets to smart home technology devices, specifically smart voice assistant speakers.

"In the Privacy of Your Own Home"
Consumer Reports, June 2015 (also available on the Consumer Reports website)
Shhh, not so loud the coffeemaker is listening! While smart home technology has amazing capabilities and uses, it also has a downside in regards to privacy. In this in-depth article Consumer Reports warns that most smart home devices are quietly collecting data on consumers’ habits and explains why it matters.

So what’s your favorite smart home technology? As for me, I’m eagerly awaiting the Star Trek-inspired home food replicator!