Technology already has revolutionized the way we live and function in our homes, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Advances that were once the stuff of science fiction are now commonplace — with many more on the way.
We’ve spent more time than ever at home in the past two years, so it’s no surprise that we’ve sought, and found, ways to be more comfortable, safe and efficient within our own walls. In 2022 and beyond, expect these and other innovations to make your home even smarter:
SECURITY
With the pandemic keeping people at home for extended periods of time, the market for home security devices has grown significantly. Strategy Analytics estimates that 7.9 million video doorbells were sold worldwide in 2020 alone.
What could possibly top the ability to remotely see who’s at your door? How about a gadget that monitors your entire home? Amazon has introduced Astro, a multi-purpose “home robot” that can patrol your property, bring you things and much more. Astro’s “head” is equipped with a periscope camera, and it also can distinguish between faces.
If Astro sounds incredible, how about a security camera that flies on a drone? Ring is developing the Always Home Cam, which lets you see what’s happening when Ring Alarm is triggered and check anywhere in your house on demand.
CLEANING
Machines don’t handle all our housework yet, but we’re getting closer. Robotic vacuums are improving in their mapping ability and cleaning power — gaining on their handheld, upright counterparts. Good Housekeeping likes the Samsung POWERBOT R7040, which offers 20 times the suction on all floor types compared to other robot vacuums and can be controlled remotely via your smartphone or voice-enabled devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Then there’s the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra, set to be available in the second quarter of the year, which boasts AI-powered obstacle avoidance, a camera for remote home monitoring and mopping capability in addition to its impressive suction power.
HEALTH
We spent months unable to go to the gym, which has spawned a slew of home-based fitness products and services. For instance, Apple Fitness+ offers classes for 11 different types of workouts that can be streamed to your Apple devices. The ever-popular Peleton has come out with Bluetooth heart rate monitor that offers LED lights that indicate which heart rate zone you’re training in. If a Peleton bike is out of your budget, PCMag recommends the Echelon Connect EX-8S Connect smart stationary bike, which is more affordable and features a 24-inch, curved 1080p touch screen with surround sound — offering an immersive audiovisual experience.
APPLIANCES
The tools that perform our most important daily tasks are improving at a dizzying pace. Take LG’s new FX washer and dryer, a favorite of experts at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show, for instance. Using LG’s Artificial Intelligence Direct Drive (AI DD) technology, the washer detects load size, fabric type and soil level, then automatically adds the correct amount of detergent and chooses the right wash cycle. The dryer uses an infrared sensor to ensure even drying.
To increase convenience and help stop the spread of germs, Moen has launched a Smart Faucet with touchless technology that lets the user control temperature and water flow through simple hand motions. Also in the kitchen realm, companies like LG and Samsung have been developing a host of smart gadgets, such as refrigerators that serve as home communication hubs and feature interior cameras showing you what you need while you’re out shopping.