Much of the world may have slowed down this year, but the technology industry has continued to innovate and create. Here find the latest Home Technology In 2021 information.
The move to home working and people spending more time at home, in general, has encouraged the growth and development of at-home technology. It seems that the more time we spend in our homes, the more opportunities we spot for time-saving, convenient technology.
So, let’s look ahead to 2021 and see what’s in store.
5G Integration
5G has been with us since 2019, but it has encountered a number of challenges during its rollout.
As of June 2020, 5G Coverage in the US is at 60% but the prediction for 2021 is 75% coverage. This means that smaller cities and towns can expect to have access to 5G networks next year.
However, the major problem with 5G at the moment is the number of compatible devices. This is called device penetration. In 2020, device penetration was at 2%. By 2021 we can expect to see that figure rise to 4%.
Device penetration will still be fairly low next year, but it is on the rise. What this means for your home is that you can expect to see more smart devices arriving with 5G capabilities.
With 5G predicted to peak in 2023, you might want to plan ahead and purchase 5G capable devices in 2021. This is especially important if you are making large purchases that you intend to use for a number of years. Essentially, you are future-proofing yourself by buying 5G ready devices.
Smart home zoning
In recent years, smart home technology has gone from gimmick to genuinely useful. It’s predicted that by 2022, 65 million homes will qualify as ‘smart homes’ in America.
The process of setting up a whole smart home can seem overwhelming and complicated which is why many smart home technology companies are encouraging the establishment of smart zones within a home.
In essence, a smart zone is a room fitted with the internet of things (IoT) devices. These are all your internet-enabled appliances and devices.
A smart zone may have smart lights, a smart TV, and other smart appliances like a fridge or a washing machine.
The idea behind smart zoning is that it is easier for consumers to set up and visualize. They can identify what technologies would be useful in a particular area or room much easier than across a whole house.
The ultimate aim is to continue establishing smart zones until the whole house is integrated. Once this happens, zoning becomes a way of differentiating when and how smart systems should work.
For example, you can establish audio zones in a smart home. This will allow your hubs or audio devices to select appropriate music for the living room and different music for your study.
HVAC systems can be integrated into your smart home and zones can be established to allow occupants to set temperatures in their zones.
2021 is likely to see a rise in the first generation of smart zoning, those isolated rooms. Future years will see smart zoning become a way of personalizing each room’s environment and experience.
Decor Compatible Smart Devices
With the number of IoT devices expected to increase in 2021, one of the main concerns facing manufacturers is how to create products that fit in with consumers’ home decor.
Gone are the days when you could just slap a screen on an appliance and call it ‘futuristic.’ We’re embracing home automation but we want that technology to embrace our home style as well.
We can look forward to smart speakers, lights, planters, and blinds that come in designs, colors, and patterns to match the room they are placed in.
IKEA already has a smart home range that looks genuinely sleek and stylish. We expect to see more of this in 2021.
Foldable Technology
Trends are cyclical. I’m sure we all remember the flip phones of the 00s. Well, folding phones are likely going to be the new vogue in 2021.
Samsung is set to introduce 3 foldable phones in 2021, including an update of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and the Samsung Galaxy Flip. Some of these are clamshell designs with a hinge down the middle others use flexible glass.
You’ll also want to keep an eye on foldable laptops. I know what you’re thinking, laptops are inherently foldable. That’s their whole deal.
Well, Lenovo has already announced that they are taking things further with the Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Fold. They are using ultra-thin glass technology to create an 11-inch screen that can fold and work as a laptop.
Head over to this site to get advice on technology and keep your ear to the ground for new releases and ideas.
Final Thoughts
If we were going to sum out predictions for 2021 up in a word, it would be ‘integration.’
You should look out for 5G integrated technology to start integrating into your smart zones. At the same time, that technology should be able to integrate seamlessly into your home.
And then there’s foldable technology. What can we say? It’s cool.