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Smarter Tech in 2021

The evolution of technology seems to move at a faster pace each year. Products and solutions designed with the idea of making our lives easier, both at home and on the go, have allowed for high tech to be integrated into our daily lives. It could be argued that it became even more necessary in 2020 as the shift to working and learning from home became not only a trend but a requirement across the world. Hamptons tech companies and designers share how this shift has changed the Hamptons landscape and what will be most popular for 2021.

It’s something we’ve heard Hamptons real estate agents say since they began showing homes again after the COVID-19 pandemic started – a strong internet connection is absolutely essential. More people are home consistently, either in home offices or virtual classrooms. Popular vacation destinations like the Hamptons became year-round residences for many, who may not have realized how essential an upgrade in a fast, reliable wifi network would be. Christopher William, owner of his eponymous tech design firm working in Manhattan and the Hamptons, has had an increase in home solution requests from customers in a number of areas to maximize their home experience whether for work or play.

“Transforming home offices to match the work environment, create home workout and wellness rooms for home gyms and relaxation/meditation spaces where lighting and indoor air quality solutions play a big part, and outdoor solutions including music, theaters, and lighting,” William shares as some of the popular asks, adding that educating customers on these solutions and connection changes is essential to his work.

Anyone working in tech will agree on the importance of wifi. Other popular asks among home tech companies is security cameras and monitoring, sound isolation and acoustical treatments, gate video interfaces, and having a seamless integration for these solutions into a home’s aesthetic.

Emerging trends in consumer needs have guided brands in the designs of their latest and greatest products. House Systems chief security officer Dave Bussen shares that anything voice activated or that integrates with Siri or Alexa are popular, as well as video conferencing capabilities. “Many systems such as Lutron lighting, Savant and others now support new and improved functionality via Siri or Alexa, such as the ability to activate whole house scenes via voice control,” he explains. “Manufacturers such as Savant are now offering pre-packaged ‘Zoom Room’ solutions that allow users to have professional video conferencing capabilities from their home office at a reasonable cost without the need for a totally custom one-off solution.”

Working with notable brands that meet the customer’s evolving demands is essential. Other popular brands include Sonos for home sound, Cutting Edge for speakers and projection, Bang and Olufsen and Stealth Acoustics, also for speakers, Crestron for home automation, and Sony and LG for television. The trends are always changing and keeping up with what’s new in the industry is just part of the job. It is something many find exciting.

Styles of course change. “The traditional look of in ceiling and outdoor speakers is being phased out by ‘invisible’ and ‘architectural’ speakers to blend in with the home,” says Crescendo Designs vice president Mike Brody. “Bulky on wall televisions are being replaced by slim OLED TVs, mirror TVs, and frame TVs. Cable boxes are going out of style and being replaced by streaming apps.”

There is also an evolutional aspect to trends that are fading in technology. Rather than most just falling away with the introduction of a new product, brands and consumers alike are adapting to lifestyle changes. With our phones constantly in our hands or just within reach, tech designers have noticed a shift in how customers are using their tech within their homes.

Bauer Technologies and Hampton Security president Leif Neubauer says all homes can be smart homes without having to spend thousands on high-end technology. Smart devices that can connect to the wifi of a smart hub are an affordable option. Brands like Ring offer a range of products for example that enable customers to be notified if someone arrives at their home, or they can unlock doors, turn lights on and off, and even control temperature.

“Home security cameras have changed greatly this year,” Neubauer continues. “With the new IP based 4K camera systems, you can easily capture license plates of cars that enter the property. Facial recognition, virtual perimeter detection and other amazing tools can be used to keep your property safe and secure. All available to be viewed on your phone in high resolution.”

Understanding the changes in technology trends and how our lives have shifted over the course of last year is an essential conversation home tech companies and designers must have with their clients. There has been a sharp increase in not just the amount of time being spent within the home, but also the number of people in a home and the devices being used. Again, a strong and upgraded wifi connection will prove invaluable, especially as the trend of cutting cords continues to be strong.

Making one’s home an oasis to enjoy some rest and relaxation is also critical. Considering outdoor spaces in home tech solutions is growing in demand among consumers, as well as whole home solutions like music playing in the shower. Nearly every aspect within the home is considered when it comes to technology.

As popular brands continue to reimagine and redesign their products to meet the changing demands within the industry, Hamptons technology companies and designers prepare to create even better smart homes to keep clients connected and at ease. We look forward to seeing what else is to come in home tech for 2021.

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