A recent Realty Times article discusses several technologies that are expected to be found in new homes within the next few years. You know that floor lighting that the flight attendants explain will come on in the airplane in case of emergency? LED light emitting flooring is the next generation–while also a safety feature, this lighting will be available in different colors allowing for its use as a design feature to create a specific atmosphere as well. In a classic “less is more” shift, the article predicts that there will be fewer “clickers” and other gadgets to control the tv, home theater, gaming systems and music systems in the house. They will all use the same surround sound speakers and screens so there will be fewer controllers and wires. Yay!
Some of you might be old enough to remember the “Clapper” which was a light that was activated by the clapping of hands. “Clap on, clap off!” Apparently, we will soon be able to arm and disarm home alarms, turn on and off all different kinds of lights and other electronics. This “gesture control” sounds straight of of Star Trek to me, but what do I know? Similarly, appliances will be communication-friendly so that you can change your thermostat or turn your oven on when you’re not even home.
Personally, I think the most useful advance mentioned in the article is “smart windows” which become clear or opaque depending on the sunlight levels. Not only will this eliminate the need for drapes/shades in some cases, but it should save on energy bills and keep furniture and rugs from fading as well. My guess is that in the four short years until it’s 2020, we will see many more advances than these….stay tuned.
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