Who Needs Home Automation?
Look at all these rumors surrounding us every day. The biggest news to break this week was the talk of Apple going into the home automation business. The tech giant wants to take smart home technology to the next level. Of course this wouldn’t be an Apple rumor without an “I” something involved. The key or remote control to the smart home system will be – you guessed it – the iPhone.
In case you are not aware, home automation is the automated control over your house. For example, lighting systems, alarm systems, doors and thermostats can be components of a home automation system. For a few years now companies like Comcast and AT&T have all advertised ways to make your home more energy efficient and safe through home automation, and it does. However, what can Apple bring to the industry? Technology…that’s what.
As the “tech giant”, Apple can bring innovative technology to home automation. Through services offered from Comcast and AT&T, homeowners can use an iPhone to control their homes now. There is always an app for that. However, Apple is taking their patented approach – let’s make our own products and sell them in our retail stores. The idea is to create products specifically designed for home automation such as light bulbs, locks, security cameras and more, as certified Apple products. As you know, that little Apple logo goes a long way. You could put it on a pop tart and watch blueberry frosted treats fly off the shelves. The brand recognition is unmatched.
Let’s talk about easy living. Apple products are known for their ease of use. The iMac, iPhone, iPod and iPad are all iEasy. One can only imagine a home automated product from Apple will be easy to navigate. This will make consumers purchase the product. Also Apple, stepping into this industry can really shake things up. As it stands, Comcast and AT&T are at the top of the home automation game with other security companies like ADT and Brink in the mix too. Apple could take their customers.
Although you can become totally geeky anticipating what kind of technology Apple will bring to home automation, one should consider how much is too much technology. As IT professionals, we only propose this question because of past experiences. True Story: a client called because he couldn’t flush his toilet. He couldn’t flush his toilet because his plumbing was hooked up to his Comcast Xfinity home automated system and the system went offline. He actually couldn’t do anything until we got his network back up and running. Simple tasks such as flushing a toilet and opening a door become difficult when technology fails. Your home can be smart just not smarter than you.
Apple breaking into the home automation industry with smart home technology will be interesting. Although as it stands now, the rumor is all we have.