What new developments are in store for smart homes?

So this seems like a good time to take a closer look at some of the new smart home features showcased at this event.

The smart home concept is constantly evolving, presenting us with more and more opportunities for automating boring everyday tasks around the home. So what can we expect to see in the future? And what were the hot topics at IFA 2023? We were there to find out about some of the innovations on show in Berlin.

Matter – the new IoT standard

With smart homes set to become even easier to use and install in future, a new universal connectivity standard – Matter – has been developed and is gaining support from most electronics companies. More and more smart products are being launched and eventually it will be possible to install devices bearing the “Matter” label on any compatible platform and control them from there.

So you can say goodbye to the hassle of having to work out which devices work with which gateways!

Robot vacuum cleaners for your home

The latest robot vacuum cleaners are becoming increasingly advanced when it comes to keeping our homes clean. Many models now come with a charging station that also empties the dust container and fills a water tank for mopping. They can even drain out the dirty water and wash the mops after finishing cleaning.

Robot vacuum cleaners are also getting even better at detecting obstacles or objects left on the floor and neatly navigating their way around them, instead of getting caught on things and dragging them around the house. These home helpers are proving increasingly popular – after all, who wouldn’t want to come home to a clean house after a busy day at work?

A stronger focus on saving energy

Another topic that was in the spotlight at this year’s trade show was saving energy, along with other developments aimed at relieving the strain on the environment. Batteries and solar panels featured more prominently than in previous years, almost certainly thanks to the high electricity costs many people faced during the colder season.

One way of dealing with this issue is to use blinds and shutters that regulate the amount of light and heat getting into your home to help reduce heating costs. One solution presented at IFA 2023 controls your roller blinds automatically based on the position of the sun in relation to your windows.

White goods are not only getting smarter and becoming increasingly connected; they are also being optimised to reduce both consumption and the amount of water used for things like washing. Washing machines with an automatic dosing function ensure that only the necessary amount of laundry detergent is used, which is better for the environment. It’s great to see so much effort being put into making consumption more environmentally friendly.

Security cameras keep watch for you

As usual, there were also plenty of security cameras on show. At a time when many of us don’t always feel secure and are keen to keep our loved ones safe, a security camera can be helpful. The latest cameras are designed to protect your integrity – which is very welcome! Outdoor cameras that deter unwanted visitors can also give us a little extra peace of mind.

Generally speaking, all security cameras can now be monitored from anywhere via an app on your mobile phone. The cameras will send a notification to your smartphone whenever they detect something and you can easily see what’s going on and then decide what to do.

Smart lighting always brightens the mood

Since we’re such big fans of smart homes, we couldn’t finish without mentioning smart lighting. This simple way of conjuring up a cosy atmosphere in your home is proving as popular as ever. In fact, lighting is often how people get into smart homes in the first place.

Smart lighting is easy to implement and offers so many benefits – not least the fact that LED lighting uses much less electricity than traditional options, which also makes it more environmentally friendly. Smart light bulbs often last much longer than older ones too, so you’ll have less rubbish to throw away. That’s something we can all appreciate!

Smart lighting is also incredibly easy to incorporate into a smart home and add extra functionality. Imagine your bathroom lights turning on automatically when your roller blinds open in the morning – what a great way to start the day! Have you had a chance to discover the benefits of smart lighting yet?