Artificial intelligence and connected objects in real estate.
Smart homes represent the cutting edge of technology-driven luxury in real estate. Their development has been accelerated by the recent advancement of two key tech trends – artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT). A combination of internet connected devices and machine learning software has allowed developers to design homes that can be regulated, controlled and automated remotely. This can usually be done at the touch of a smartphone or mobile device.
Smart homes create a new dimension of functionality for the places where we live. Imagine the convenience of knowing that when you arrive home, the lights and heating will be on, the oven warming up and you’ll be welcomed by your favourite streaming playlist. And by the same token, smart home residents can simply leave in the morning without worrying about locking up, setting alarms or turning devices off – it is all taken care of automatically.
Famous smart home owners
Aside from the clear security, cost and convenience benefits, smart homes carry a lot of cachet for those with an interest in technology. Owners are among exclusive company – some of the tech industry’s biggest players are famous proponents of the smart home.
Microsoft Founder Bill Gates was one of the trend-setters for connected homes back in the ’90s. Visitors to his house were provided with an electric pin which activated automated services throughout his 66,000 square foot mansion. The futuristic functions provided were tailored to specific individual tastes. Lighting, heating, music and even the art displayed on the wall would automatically change to create an ambience based on personal preferences.
The smart home trend has also been adopted by Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg. Taking things a step further, Zuckerberg developed ‘Jarvis’ – a virtual butler powered by artificial intelligence and based on a character Marvel’s ‘Iron Man’ films. Jarvis uses speech and facial recognition to process commands. According to Zuckerberg, he can perform all the usual smart home functions, make toast and even operate a T-shirt cannon!
High-profile smart homes
Recently, Monaco real estate such as the Odeon Tower has been featured in the news due to its unparalleled luxury and technological capabilities. The 170-metre tower boasts digital connectivity for its residents throughout, including touch-screen access to a virtual concierge offering a range of services.
With this kind of technology already in use, what is the future of smart homes likely to hold for residents? First and foremost, increased data sharing and integration with the big technology companies is very much on its way. For example, allowing Amazon access to automated, continuously updated data about the contents of a fridge means the device could automatically order and re-stock items as they are used. Just think of the possibilities – never running out of milk in the morning again!
Technology is advancing at such a rapid rate that it is difficult to predict exactly what the future will bring, or what the ‘next big thing’ in any sector will be – real estate included. But one thing is for sure, it will be fun to find out…
