The insanely cool smart home tech that's coming out in 2019
Smart home technology is booming right now, thanks in part to huge global interest in smart speakers like the Amazon Echo. From smart bathroom appliances through to hi-tech security systems, smart technology is touching every part of the way we live.
But what’s around the corner? We took a look at some upcoming smart home technology due to be released in 2019.
Tetra countertop dishwasher
This connected dishwasher sits neatly on a kitchen countertop and uses its own water reservoir to deliver faster dishwashes using less power, even in the tiniest flats. It’s such a technological innovation that it has been chosen for a CES 2019 ‘Best Of Innovation Award’ at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Unlike every other dishwasher out there, it doesn’t need to be plumbed in. It washes dishes, plates and baby bottles with less than a gallon of water. It uses 80% less water and electricity than normal dishwashers, and does a wash in just 10 minutes.
Alexa hunches
Announced that ‘hunches’ were on the horizon in late 2018, the Amazon Echo smart speakers could become so intelligent they predict the future… or at least develop ‘hunches’ about what to do next. So, for instance, if you will be able to go to bed and say, “good night”, but if you’ve left the heating and lights on the devices in-built voice assistant, Alexa, will pipe up and suggest you turn them off.
You will also be able to find out if Alexa has any ideas of something you might have forgotten by saying, “Alexa, do you have any hunches?” Alexa will offer hunches for connected devices such as plugs, lights, locks, and switches, with the service expected to land at some point in 2019.
Klevio keyless entry system
This smart intercom system allows users to open their doors remotely using an iOS or Android app, and issue one-time ‘keys’ to visitors such as couriers. It’s perfect for people using a property for Airbnb or those that have frequent visitors. Unlike most smart locks, it works with existing electric strike locks and with intercom systems. That means it could be a perfect choice for people who live in flats and is rolling out across 2019.
Deep sentinel security system
This hi-tech security system blends AI and human intervention with a rapid alarm system designed in conjunction with police experts that is designed to deter burglaries before they happen. The system uses smart cameras, motion sensors and an AI processing hub to detect and identify potential burglars at the perimeter of a property.
Once a burglar is detected, the system sets off a strobing red light on each camera and alerts a manned response centre. People in the response centre can speak through loudspeakers, telling the burglar they have been spotted.
Den smart switches
In the future, ordinary light switches and plugs will be transformed by technology, with London-based start-up, Den, offering ‘smart’ switches which will warn homeowners if they’ve left the iron on.
With voice command by Alexa built in, the Den system lets users switch any appliance or light on from anywhere. You can keep track of which appliances are using the most energy by placing a tag on a device and it will be tracked wherever it goes.
‘Clan’ sensors
An ongoing trend for next year will see previously ‘dumb’ objects such as light bulbs and windows transformed into smart devices by cheap sensors. Tuya Smart partnered with British start-up, Time2, to launch a range of cheap ‘smart’ objects, controlled by one simple app.
In 2019, the range will expand to include flood sensors, door and window sensors, smoke detectors and a video doorbell, all controlled simply by one app. The entire range will be Alexa-compatible for voice control, the company promises.
