Here are four trends that will help make South African homes smarter in 2024.
These days, South Africans are increasingly adopting smart home innovations, and the phrase “home is where technology is” has come to define modern life. These advances continue to adapt and evolve in functionality, not only increasing convenience and security, but also reducing energy consumption and contributing to cost savings.
This is according to Dr. Andrew Dickson, Engineering Executive at CBI-electric: low Voltage, who believes that by 2024, homes will become even more powerful in terms of efficiency, functionality and personalized living experiences. He says it will be high-tech.
“While it may still be a few years before the homes we dream of in sci-fi movies become a reality, we are already well on our way to making smart technology not a luxury but a necessity in the modern home. ”
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Below, he shares four trends that will help make South African homes smarter this year.
1. Increase internet speed: Early this year, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) will hold another auction of radio spectrum, including 5G. What the further rollout of 5G means for smart homes is super-fast internet speeds, instant communication between devices, and the ability to connect even more gadgets within the smart home ecosystem for seamless integration and control. It also improves stability and reliability, making it especially useful for remotely monitoring and controlling critical systems in real time. Ultimately, the rollout of 5G will improve the capabilities of smart home technology, making it even more intelligent and efficient.
Additionally, WiFi-7 is set to roll out in the country this year and promises to improve internet connectivity to devices in the home, extend coverage, and deliver speeds nearly five times faster than Wi-Fi 6. . However, this is also the case. It is dependent on the release of more spectrum and regulatory approvals.
2. Introduction of artificial intelligence (AI): Leveraging data analysis and processing capabilities, AI identifies patterns in users and uses these insights to predict and implement future decisions and choices for homeowners. By integrating AI into smart home devices, these products can learn and adapt to your habits and preferences to optimize efficiency, intuitiveness, and responsiveness. As a result, homes will adapt to the unique needs and preferences of their residents. One example is a smart lighting system that uses AI to automatically adjust lighting throughout the home depending on the time of day and user activity. AI also helps non-tech-savvy homeowners by providing the opportunity to implement advanced automation using smart devices without the need for manual programming.
In the future, generative AI will make smart homes even smarter. Soon, these tools will not only help identify home appliances that need preventive maintenance, but also help set up appointments with service providers for maintenance based on the homeowner's schedule and availability. It will be.
3. smarter security: Technological innovations are increasingly being incorporated into various smart home security systems. For example, consider the evolution of smart locks. Smart locks can currently be activated through a variety of interfaces, including fingerprint recognition, PIN code, voice recognition, and phone apps. Blockchain will also play a key role in strengthening smart home security systems, making them more resistant and resilient to potential hackers. Additionally, AI could analyze occupant behavior patterns and instantly notify homeowners and security companies in case of deviations or unusual activity on the premises.
Four. Energy optimization: With an expected energy deficit of 20,200MW in 2024, homeowners are turning to smart home technologies like the CBI Astute series of products to monitor and manage energy consumption. These technologies collect and analyze vast amounts of data to help users identify areas for improvement. Plus, automation can help you adjust your usage even when you're not at home.
Additionally, more South Africans are turning to rooftop solar power, and smart technology makes it easy to integrate renewable energy sources to combat the effects of load shedding, while ensuring that the electricity generated is effective and It will be used more efficiently.
“In 2024, smart homes will become a mecca for innovation, enriching the lives of South Africans and ushering in a future where homes understand, adapt and even proactively meet the unique needs of their residents,” Dixon said. concludes the doctor.
For more information, visit https://cbi-lowvoltage.co.za or follow CBI-electric: low Voltage on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. XThread or YouTube.
About CBI-electric: Low voltage
- Founded in 1949, CBI-electric: low Voltage is a manufacturer and supplier of high-quality low-voltage power distribution, protection, and control equipment. The company, formerly known as Circuit Breaker Industries (CBI), specializes in the design, development, and manufacture of circuit breakers, household current devices, surge protection, wiring accessories, and measurement products.
- Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, the company is a subsidiary of the renowned JSE-listed industrial group Reunert, with international operations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States.
- CBI-electric: Low voltage is used in almost every home and has been around for the past 72 years, serving authorities, utilities, manufacturers, commercial real estate developers, industrial, mining, telecommunications, and general power distribution applications. Over the years, we have established a solid market leadership position. .
- In 2021, the brand launched a range of smart IoT (Internet of Things) home automation products called Astute Range.
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