As smart home technology grows in popularity across the nation, we can expect to see more integrated devices and systems that are even easier to control. Homeowners are thinking beyond entertainment, heightening their home's security through smart devices. Companies like Coastal Homeworks already offer smart integrated systems that make your home convenient and safe, and we're keeping an eye on what will soon be more popular in the home security sphere for 2023. Here are three major shifts we anticipate seeing in the next year.
Emphasis on Cybersecurity
All the smart devices you use in your home encompass the Internet of Things (IoT), in which appliances are operated through an Internet connection. While this increases your home's efficiency, it also raises the chance of hackers conducting a cyber attack through multiple points of entry. The majority of IoT devices, such as smart lights or thermostats, have very low security standards when compared to computers or smartphones. As a result, we anticipate seeing tech companies respond by heightening cybersecurity in their systems and devices, or security companies offering new ways to shield your devices from hacks.
Rising Usage of Video Analytics
The smart home industry is noticing more users interested in securing their front doors. Video cameras play an integral role in keeping a permanent guard over your entry for packages, visitors, or potential break-ins. When you add smart solutions, they only improve the way you can integrate cameras into your doorbell, or add analytics functionality by connecting to your Wi-Fi network.
In fact, manufacturers are incorporating advanced features like facial recognition into video cameras and smart doorbells. Advanced cameras can distinguish between your family and friends and even send you a text reporting their arrival. You can even integrate facial recognition into certain smart locks, which will automatically unlock for members of the family. We anticipate video analytics in doorbells to increase as they become more affordable and popular among homeowners, especially when so many come equipped with options like infrared technology for visibility at night and two-way audio so you can speak to someone at the door even when you aren't home.
New Kinds of Sensors
The flexibility of sensor technology makes it essential to an effective security system; in fact, the majority of cameras utilize motion sensors to trigger security lights, an audible alarm, a text notification, or even a call to the police. You can place sensors around the interior and exterior of your house to capture motion, leaks, and anything else out of the ordinary.
Window and door sensors around access points can be used to prevent burglaries or even a fridge that someone accidentally left open. Flood sensors detect leaks from burst or cracked pipes soon after they occur to minimize the damage. Glass-break sensors know the difference between a break-in and a clumsy family member bumping into furniture. Advanced motion sensors can detect between people or pets entering a space, or even count the number of people occupying the room.
These device manufacturers are beginning to move to Wi-Fi, radar, and ultrasound to create sensor technology. For example, Amazon’s latest models of Echo smart speakers incorporate ultrasound to detect occupancy, so it’s possible that your audio-visual equipment can double as security too! This increase in product functionality is a sign of the further integration of smart devices that can do it all.
Greener Energy Consumption
Consumers are becoming more concerned with minimizing their carbon footprint, and our homes provide a big opportunity to go green. Smart thermostats work at optimizing your energy usage to grant you savings by automatically adjusting the temperature based on outdoor temperatures and user preferences. In case of a fire emergency, the system can automatically shut off HVAC operations to minimize the spread of a fire. Certain energy companies even offer consumers a rebate for the installation of a smart thermostat.
More consumers are also concerned with living in homes that are powered by solar energy. There are already solar-powered security lights and cameras available on the market that will begin to drop in price as the technology becomes more prevalent. Living in a solar-powered home also grants homeowners the ability to save excess solar energy that will continue to supply power to their homes in case of an outage in the traditional energy grid. Having heat and light during a rough storm will help everyone feel safe and secure no matter what the weather brings.
Secure Homes for the New Year
The new year will bring all kinds of new challenges for homeowners, but these smart security solutions are ready to bring you peace of mind. If you're interested in sensor technology for your home or have more questions about the extent of video analytics capabilities in video cameras, contact Coastal Homeworks today to begin!
