Priests and prophets seduced and terrified us with visions of Heaven and Hell. Today’s technologically driven society recasts that ancient drama in new guises. On the one hand we’re threatened with spies, drones, cybercrime and viruses, and on the other beguiled with VR fantasy worlds and digitally implanted superpowers.
The wise pilgrim keeps his fears and comforts close to home, and improves his own security and living space.
Home Automation is no Pipedream
All modern appliances are fruits of a well established aspiration to free ourselves of repetitive labour and discomfort, liberating us to explore and enjoy life as we individually see fit. The Internet of Things and the smart-home are the latest wave in a relentless and inevitable tide. There are 15 billion objects wired into the internet of things already, and that could rise to 50 billion by 2020. The home automation market was worth $6 billion in 2015 and will rise to $15 billion by 2020.
Smart homes will understand our individual likes and dislikes, regulating climate, switching on lights only where and when needed, preparing meals for our return home, locking up at night, and connecting us closer to the people who matter most. For vulnerable people they will be a godsend, giving care to the infirm and maintaining their homes.
For now their most common use is for home security and entertainment
Home automation company like https://digitalinteriors.co.uk/ are already busy installing smart home systems we will all soon aspire to – home theatre, hi-fi and communication systems that respond to our voice and follow us round the home as we work, relax or talk to distant friends.
Standards
Not all smart devices yet talk to each other because they run on different protocols; ZigBee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth and WiFi amongst others. Look into this before choosing which to invest in. There is a trend towards “multi-lingual” devices. Microsoft is developing an operating system called HomeOS and Apple are pushing a framework called Homekit, which integrates them with iPhones and iPads.
Environment
Smart automation is freeing the environment of burdens earlier inventions heaped upon it – choosing their most economical settings and standing down when not needed. Networked homes bring the world’s best services, resources, opportunities, knowledge and friendships to us, saving us from commuting hundreds of miles on congested roads and railways.