Home Automation Trends for 2017

What’s Coming Down the Road for Your Miami Home

Each new year means new smart home automation innovations to improve your Florida home’s style, convenience, and efficiency. 2017 is going to be no different. If you have already experienced the benefits of automation with a Control4 or Crestron system, then we have found solutions that will improve the way your home syncs to your lifestyle. Perhaps you have no idea how much different life can be in a smart home; these new products will demonstrate that now is the right time to be introduced. For the New Year, make a resolution to make every day more extraordinary with the intuitive technologies listed below. 

Voice Control

Voice control has already made a giant splash in the smart home world. In October, Amazon announced a partnership with Crestron and Control4 and their Alexa products. These Alexa-enable devices—like the Echo and the Echo Dot—integrate with your smart home technologies. You can, therefore, simply ask Alexa to turn on the lights, adjust the AC, or start a movie. This will make every day and every room simpler. For instance, let’s say you’re just getting in the door after work. You’ve brought home the groceries and your hands are full. When you get in the door, just say “Alexa, I’m home” and she can turn on the lights, turn on the AC, and start playing your favorite song. No more fumbling—just use your voice.

The most exciting aspect of the Alexa and automation partnership is what is to come. These controls are only going to become more intuitive. Soon, your voice control will know who is speaking and already have a catalog of their preferences. Get started in 2017 and be ready for this future.

See Also: Miami, It’s Time to Automate Your Home

New Year, New Router

When you are utilizing numerous smart home technologies, it means a lot of traffic for your router. Nowadays, there are more wireless options than ever, and that’s only going to increase in 2017. To accommodate the extra traffic, you should consider investing in a new router.

In the next year, expect to find more powerful wireless systems for your home and better looking ones too. For instance, there is an increased emphasis on mesh networking. In many homes, one router cannot cover all spaces well. These homeowners are left to add extensions and boosters after the fact, which could mean less than optimal performance. A mesh system comes with a main hub and satellites to place in different areas.

These routers have also been designed with style in mind. That means you can find a router that you won’t feel embarrassed about displaying. This may seem trivial, but the location of the router can have a large impact on its performance. You could cover more space with a well-placed router, and now you won’t feel limited by appearances.

Motorized Shades

Motorized shades, like those made by Lutron, have created quite the sensation this year. Automated drapes and shades help homeowners save energy while adding style to the home. In 2017, the design and use of motorized shades are only going to become more versatile. If your home has curved walls or windows that span the entire wall, there are now automated solutions. Perhaps this year will bring more intuitive devices, or better UV protection. Look out for the latest innovations and designs in the world of motorized shades in the new year.

Whether you’re considering adding smart home technologies or you’re already well-versed in all whole home solutions, keep an eye on these trends. At Audio One, we have won many awards for our ability to make these solutions work in all spaces. Contact us, and make 2017 the best year yet.