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The Big Voice
Trend Ahead in
Smart Home
Technology
What are the big developments in smart home The Josh voice activation
technology? And what’s on the horizon in the next system was honored as
year or two? the best new product of
Gordon van Zuiden, founder of the San Francisco 2017 at the CEDIA awards.
home technology company cyberManor, has the
answer to both questions: Voice control. Whether remodeling a home or building a new
The range of devices that can be controlled by one, early consultation with an integrator is
voice is limitless. Stoves and fridges have joined important. Voice control devices are yet another
smart thermostats and lighting in the category stressor on residential Wi-Fi, and having an
of appliances that can be adjusted by speaking. integrator prewire a home will provide much
Simply put: If it’s got power, there’s the potential for more reliable performance and help solve the
voice control. issues of interoperability: With more and more
“What’s happening right now is that voice disparate — and complex — devices being pitched
control is evolving the same way that the personal to the consumer, the chances that those things
computer or the internet did when they were first won’t “talk” to one another rises exponentially.
introduced: Things begin as complex systems, A good home technology integrator can ensure
become simplified, and then so ubiquitous we that the end result isn’t a pile of frustrating
don’t even think about their presence much,” said gadgets, but rather a terrific smart home
van Zuden. experience. Consultation at the outset can hold
“We’re in the transition phase from complex to down costs and — more importantly — reduce
simple when it comes to voice control. It’s a march client frustration.
towards the ‘frictionless home’. A march toward Eventually — and that moment isn’t far off at all —
the ultimate goal of: ‘I think something. I want voice control will begin to recognize individuals in
something. It should do something,’” he said. the home, and then interact with individuals in a
For van Zuiden, that frictionless home will allow more personal manner. That platform, whatever
immediate recognition of a user’s wants: Can its name might be, will know who it’s talking to,
one family member say “Hey, Mom?” while that and know that user’s preferences, from music
person’s in their bedroom — and have Mom to movies to lighting and shopping lists. Voice
appear on a video screen from the kitchen, for control — when coupled with other sensors — will
example? ultimately become a virtual assistant.
That day’s coming soon, and it will require The elegant summation from van Zuiden: “It’s
thoughtful design. home as personal concierge.”
NAHB MAR 2018
30 APRIL 2018 | GREATER SAN ANTONIO BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
