One proven way to engage clients is to talk about the future of home technology. Where are we going in terms of surveillance and security? What will homes be like in ten years? What sort of technology investments should I make to increase the value of my home?
A phrase you’re likely to hear more about in the next few years is the “Internet of Things.” Coined by Kevin Ashton in 1999, he defined it as “uniquely identifiable objects and their virtual representations in an Internet-like structure.” Basically, it translates as enabling the everyday objects of our lives to communicate and/or be controlled by other objects and interfaces. We’ve come to know a bit about the Internet of Things through all things “smart.” Smart cars, smart phones, smart home thermostats.
Indeed, it is our homes which will see the first great wave of the new “Internet of Things.” As Nest has reinvented the thermostat and hopes to do the same with smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, there are big bets being placed right now on systems and devices which will reinvent how our homes work.
For a little bit of a primer on the background and the players, we recommend you check out these two articles from Mashable:
This Product Will Make Your Home Smarter
http://mashable.com/2012/12/12/smartthings/
SmartThings Gets $12.5 Million to Develop the Internet of Things
http://mashable.com/2013/11/12/smartthings-series-a-funding/
What do you think about the Internet of Things? Are you ready to embrace a bigger network, or do you think it’s a step in the wrong direction for homeowners?
