What was once an amenity that people with big pocketbooks could afford is now within the financial realm of most households. What used to be an home improvement that required endless visits from a professional installer can now be up and running in a couple of days. What used to involve reading a manual to operate is now so intuitive that even tech newbies can use it with ease. These are just a few of the positive changes happening in the smart home systems marketplace. Across the board, manufacturers have broadened the appeal of their systems by lowering prices, implementing new technology, and offering increasingly attractive packages. Here is a closer look at some of the industry trends that are helping turn smart home systems from a small niche luxury into a mass market amenity.
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Nest Smart Thermostat Officially Works with More Home Automation Systems
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Several custom smart home automation systems boast Nest compatibility. Now 4 of them make it real.
Get the GuideSamsung to Buy Smart Home Company SmartThings
The Summer of Smart Home continues to be hot
If SmartThings becomes part of Samsung, this will be another huge awareness boost for the whole DIY market.
Get the GuideMy Favorite Things from 2013
These are a few of our favorite things we wrote about, learned about or used in 2013.
These are a few of our favorite things we wrote about, learned about or used in 2013.
Get the GuideTrends In Affordable Home Automation Systems
Home automation for everyone
Who says you have to be rich to automate your home? New systems let anyone control lights, security, thermostats and more.
Get the Guide'Intuitive Home' Will Put High Tech in the Toilet
Famous physicist says ubiquitous computing will make the living room, garage and bathroom have the most high-tech rooms in the home.
How intelligent wallpaper and robotic doctors in the walls could cause chaos in our homes.
Get the GuideHome Control Touchpanels Now $100 Cheaper
For home and A/V control, the iPad 2 is as good as the new model, just cheaper.
The biggest Apple news for the home control market is the price drop of the iPad 2.
Get the GuideMotorola Gets Smart with 4Home Home Control
The 4Home home automation platform now tightly integrates with Motorola Mobility, including new Smart Actions rules engine.
The 4Home home automation platform now tightly integrates with Motorola Mobility, including new Smart Actions rules engine.
Get the GuideHome Control on a Budget
Unhappy about the high price of home control, a determined couple searches for an affordable option—and finds it.
Unhappy about the high price of home control, a determined couple searches for an affordable option—and finds it.
Get the GuideHAI Firmware Addresses Connectivity Needs
HAI's firmware update brings added features and expanded connectivity to the Omni and Lumina systems.
HAI’s firmware update brings added features and expanded connectivity to the Omni and Lumina systems.
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