It’s that time of year again! That time when predictions are all over, from what will be the year’s most popular color to what will happen on Wall Street.
Over here in the world of home security, our predictions are a bit more pedestrian as we look into our crystal ball and think about what 2017 might bring about for homeowners like you and me.
We took a look at what pundits are saying, threw out the outrageous, and focused on those predictions that make the most sense for those of us who care about home security issues. Here are our top eight:
Prediction 1: Home automation will become more popular and widespread for controlling thermostats, lighting and even entertainment systems.
Home security systems have been evolving into home automation systems for a while now and will continue to do so in 2017, getting even more popular with the older generations—as opposed to being gimmicky and appealing only to the younger ones.
Prediction 2: Home security will get more comprehensive as homeowners choose to have more features.
Our second prediction stems from the first one. As 2017 gets underway, customers will want even more of the additional features that are now available with home security and automation systems, like video surveillance on your smart phone, speaking to someone at your front door even when you’re not home, climate control and much more.
Prediction 3: Smart home technology will become commonplace, no longer seen as something for the geeky younger crowd.
When “smart homes” were first a thing, it was the techies and the young ‘uns who went for it first, but now smart home technology, like everything described in the first two predictions, will simply become what we’re used to—the new normal.
Prediction 4: Wireless will continue to be the first choice.
Homeowners can choose between hard-wired and wireless home security systems. Wireless is a popular choice because it is flexible and doesn’t require drilling holes nor running wires. As more and more homeowners upgrade their systems or move and leave the hard-wired home security system behind, wireless will be the obvious choice.
Prediction 5: Video technology will become more commonplace in home security, including video doorbells.
Yes, video doorbells so that when someone rings the doorbell and you’re not home, you can still see them and communicate with them. In addition, wireless video cameras that can go just about anywhere, indoors or out, are getting more common.
Prediction 6: Self-monitoring by homeowners will become commonplace.
Although your home security system will come with monitoring by the vendor you’re buying from, homeowners get real peace of mind by monitoring their homes, family and properties themselves. Doing so from a smart phone will get even easier to do in 2017.
Prediction 7: Home security devices will get smarter, smaller and more efficient.
Have you see how tiny the video surveillance cameras are now? That trend toward small—and therefore hidden—will continue.
Prediction 8: Voice control will become more common.
Voice control is the ultimate in ease of use. By the end of 2017, you should be used to telling your home automation system what to do—so much so, you might forget which buttons to push if you don’t use your voice!
If you’re shopping for a home security or home automation system, keep these trends in mind. You’re investing in your family’s safety and your peace of mind. Make sure that investment is keeping up with the trends.
