We turn to smart technology and whiz-bang gadgetry, currently available, that are transforming functions of everyday living into intuitive experiences. Welcome to your smart home.
And that welcome is coming fast. Tech authority CNET recently partnered with Coldwell Banker for a consumer survey that revealed 28 percent of American homeowners today are already living with smart technology in their homes. Of those, 81 percent said they’d be more willing to purchase a property with smart-home tech already in place, while 66 percent confessed they’d part with their tech if leaving it in place helped sell their home faster. Travis Gray of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Annapolis likens the consumer demand for smart technology to that of other popular home features that, at one time, were on trend and are now commonplace, such as stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. “Years ago it was great if you had them but it wasn’t expected. But now you must have them. And if homeowners don’t have those features, they’re installing them to sell their homes at a better price.”
Nest Learning Thermostat
The 3rd gen Nest Learning Thermostat learns what temperature you like and builds a schedule around yours. The intuitive product replaces your old thermostat easily and begins learning the temperatures you prefer at all hours of the day, making adjustments, and saving on energy consumption/costs. $249, nest.com.
Sengled Pulse LED Bulb & Wireless Speaker
Pulse combines the energy efficiency of a dimmable LED light with the high-quality audio of a JBL Bluetooth speaker that you can control with your iOS or Android device. Simply twist Pulse into any standard light socket and enjoy the rich stereo sound of JBL speakers combined with warm, dimmable lighting — all without the fuss of speaker wires, power cords, or an independent remote control. $149/pair, sengled.com.
GE Café French Door Refrigerator with Keurig® K-Cup® Single Cup Brewer
GE’s new refrigerator technology, an evolution of its Café French door refrigerator’s unique hot water dispenser, paired with a Keurig® K-Cup® single cup ewer, meets the growing consumer interest. And GE’s connected technology allows consumers to preset the ew time via their mobile device so the water in the reservoir is ready and waiting. $3,300, geappliances.com.
Iris Home Automation Pack
Iris by Lowes is a simple, customizable smart home system that streamlines home management by connecting your Iris compatible smart devices through a single app. The Automation Pack is home security at your fingertips and includes a motion detector, window and door sensors, panic button, range extender, and other features.
Belkin WeMo Switch
The Belkin Wi-Fi enabled WeMo Switch lets you turn electronic devices on or off from anywhere. The WeMo Switch uses your existing home Wi-Fi network to provide wireless control of TVs, lamps, stereos, heaters, fans, and more. Download the free WeMo App, plug the switch into an outlet, and plug any device into the switch. You’ll be able to turn that device on or off using your smartphone or tablet. $40, wemo.com.
