#SmartHomeChat Recap – Tech, Trends & Insights

In the first edition of #SmartHomeChat we were joined by 30+ different users including media, custom integrators, fellow industry manufacturers and tech-loving consumers. We were excited to tweet alongside so many bright minds and share real, truly valuable information surrounding the evolution of today’s smart home. And a very special "thank you" to our fantastic moderator, Residential Systems Editor-in-Chief, Jeremy Glowacki. The conversation was certainly fast paced, but was chock-full of home automation information, testimonials and of course some humor.

Below we have compiled a high-level overview of the past week’s chat, including the questions and a snap shot of some of the great responses and interactions. To keep tabs on all things #SmartHomeChat, you’re encouraged to use the TweetChat tool which aggregates all tweets tagged with the hashtag; or simply search #SmartHomeChat in your Twitter search bar. Happy tweeting!

Q1: What does a smart home mean to you? #SmartHomeChat

A1: A home that eliminates the responsibilities of constantly managing security, entertainment and more! #smarthomechat

— Yale Real Living (@YaleRealLiving) December 10, 2014

A1: A home where ALL systems can be controlled through ONE simple interface. #smarthomechat

— Dave Dryland (@GibsonDaveD) December 10, 2014

A1 To me, a #smarthome is a house that can just about predict my needs and cater to them. #smarthomechat

— TecHome Kelly (@TecHomeBuilder) December 10, 2014

A1: To me, a smart home means that my home adapts to my lifestyle, with minimal input from me. The technology "disappears." #smarthomechat

— Dennis Burger (@DennisBurger) December 10, 2014

A totally integrated home with A/V, security, ltg & climate providing ease of use & autonomous operation 1st & foremost. #smarthomechat

— Phoenix Unequaled (@PCCMEM) December 10, 2014

A1: Smarthomes need to be seen as less of a gadget and more of a way to enhance your living environment #SmartHomeChat

— Jason Girardier (@JLGEE) December 10, 2014

Q2: Building off that last one, describe your ideal smart home. #SmartHomeChat

Q2: Ideal smart home is not just bits and pieces, but integrated. Any pieces bought should be easily expandable. #smarthomechat

— Matt Turley (@MattTurls) December 10, 2014

A2: It's a personalized system that is customized for ME. That's what makes a truly smart and connected home. #SmartHomeChat

— Crystal Watts (@C4CrystalWatts) December 10, 2014

A2 - a home that can provide me with a single interface to control & monitor the property at home or away. #SmartHomeChat

— #LiveInstall (@LiveInstall) December 10, 2014

A2: One app to make sense of dozens (hundreds) of devices in my house. I'm not techy so it has to be EASY. #smarthomechat

— Lisa Harmer (@lisaharmer) December 10, 2014

Q2. The ideal #smarthome should seamlessly integrate into one’s lifestyle. Non-techies should be able to use it effortlessly #SmartHomeChat

— MMB Networks (@MMBNetworks) December 10, 2014

Q3: How does a homeowner interact with their smart home? #smarthomechat

A3: homeowner needs to be given options. Smartphone/app not always best. Still need remotes, voice, geofencing, etc #smarthomechat

— Matt Turley (@MattTurls) December 10, 2014

A3: The best way to interact with a smarthome is, to limit the interaction. Kids TV's turn on at 6 am to start waking them. #smarthomechat

— Mark Ingham (@maingham) December 10, 2014

@resisys A3: One app yes but voice control is awesome to have and so convenient too. #smarthomechat

— Shannon Lazovski (@ShannonLazovski) December 10, 2014

A3: Usually from an my iPhone or iPad. The great part is that I can check in on my home from anywhere at anytime! #SmartHomeChat

— Amber Mansfield (@AmberBoo87) December 10, 2014

A3: I want easy, intuitive access to the system (wall-mounted touchpanel, remote), even when I can't find my phone #smarthomechat

— Jeremy Glowacki (@resisys) December 10, 2014

Q4: How can my smart home be personal and customized to me? #smarthomechat

A4: The best home automation systems can be tailored specifically to every user, room, and property. #SmartHomeChat

— Dave Dryland (@GibsonDaveD) December 10, 2014

A4: Personalization requires a good integrator who not only knows the tech, but also takes the time to understand your needs. #smarthomechat

— Dennis Burger (@DennisBurger) December 10, 2014

A4: by partnering up with a certified Integrator who listens to your needs they can help create a personalised experience #SmartHomeChat

— Alan Chow (@alan__chow) December 10, 2014

The home should cater to the owner's specific needs, whether it be energy efficiency, security, entertainment, etc. #smarthomechat

— TecHome Kelly (@TecHomeBuilder) December 10, 2014

Q5: Is smart home technology affordable? Is a system scalable? #smarthomechat

A5: Scalable, definitely. We just added lighting to upstairs and downstairs, 1 yr after original. Heaven. #alloff #smarthomechat

— Lisa Harmer (@lisaharmer) December 10, 2014

Basic systems are becoming more affordable every product cycle, and scalable tech is a must for the future #SmartHomeChat

— Bruce Garipay (@BruceGaripay) December 10, 2014

A5: A Smart Home system that is able to grow and develop just like the family using it is a must! #smarthomechat

— Paulson'sAudio&Video (@PaulsonsAV) December 10, 2014

We hope you enjoyed participating in our first Twitter chat – and for those who missed it, we hope this summary keys you into a few of the hot topics we explored and motivates you join us next time around! We’d love to grow #SmartHomeChat into a regular discussion that benefits all interested in smart technology, IoT and more. We welcome your ideas and topic suggestions; be sure to drop us a line on Twitter at @Control4!