Exploring the fundamentals of a connected-home operating system. By Danielle Karr
It is estimated that there will be more than 12 billion smart devices in homes around the world by next year.
This statistic can strike both excitement and fear in the hearts of designers. Up until recently, technology has generally been seen by the design community as a gadget to add to the home after design is complete. Home technology has evolved, however, and designers have more options than ever.
Motorized cabinetry allows those with physical limitations to reach objects from above, kitchen countertop surfaces feature built-in charging capabilities for mobile devices, app-connected residential sous vide ovens inspire home cooks, mirrors double as TVs and TVs double as beautiful artwork. And, while some of the technology emerging on the market still seems a little gadget-y — like a smart salt shaker — designers should familiarize themselves with foundational tech that, when added to their design repertoire, can bring new and amazing devices together to delight clients.
A foundational smart product that will revolutionize the way clients experience their home is one many designers might not have heard of: a smart-home operating system.
A smart-home operating system (OS) expertly connects virtually all technology in the home. It can unify hundreds of connected devices and runs them through a single platform for quick and easy control of all home tech. Too many designers have experienced the difficulties of DIY technology when trying to incorporate devices into a design. A smart-home OS takes these disparate devices and connects them into one centralized system, allowing clients to access, adjust and automate all home tech with ease.
A Connected-Home OS Brings the Home Together
A smart-home OS supports and controls products across all categories of electronics, appliances and systems in the home. For example, a system like the Control4 Smart Home OS 3 integrates with thousands of different technology devices and services in the home, including:
- Connected appliances
- HVAC control
- Electric blinds and shades
- Smart lighting
- Security cameras and systems
- Video doorbell and smart locks
- Universal remotes
- Multiroom music and video
- Home theater and audio control
- Sprinkler systems, pool controls, etc.
Smart-home OS design is particularly important when incorporating kitchen and bath technology as it provides various ways for clients to access the technology. A client with messy hands in the kitchen can use a voice command to adjust lighting, or an early riser can quietly use a bedside touch screen to turn on the bathroom lights to a dim 20% so as to not wake his or her partner.
Call a Smart-Home OS Professional
Much like electrical, plumbing or HVAC experts, a smart-home professional is trained and experienced when it comes to designing electronic ecosystems. Bring a professional in early on a project — they’ll work with you to create a smart home that is comprehensive, reliable and customized to your clients’ needs. A smart-home OS will also require a rock-solid network, so the smart-home professional will make sure the tech infrastructure of the home is dependable and “future-proof” — meaning they’ll make sure the network and hardware can handle more devices, when clients inevitably decide to add them later.
Once the technology is installed and the core programming is finished, a smart-home pro will teach clients how to manage and personalize their smart-home OS to ensure they know how to access and control devices, adjust presets and create automated scenes. A smart-home expert will also provide concierge-style tech support and service for clients if they ever need to add, remove or change devices.
If you’re ready to elevate your designs with a custom smart-living experience — no matter the size or budget, new construction or old — ask a local smart home professional to help integrate a smart-home OS to your project.
Danielle Karr is the Certified Showroom Program Specialist for Control4, a leading global provider of home automation and networking systems, offering personalized control of lighting, music, video, comfort, security, communications, and more in a unified smart home system. Working with interior designers and architects, Danielle connects industry professionals with Control4 smart-home experts to help provide automation solutions for their clients.
