My article published in Times of India (TOI) -Hyderabad edition Dated - 29th March 2008. Times property Special Report - Home Affair. Page 15.

Gadget Homes

Luxury has gone digital. Read on as Ajit Nair goes about putting together gadgets for a smart home!

Gone are the day's when people just cared about a house with walls and roof above. Today the community cares a lot and exhibit genuine interest in value adds that a home brings along with it. It is the age of Hi Tech and smart homes with a whole host of gizmo/gadgets that come into play. The gadget's being high on safety and comfort with features like closed circuit TV (CCTVs) systems that can transmit images from the patio, the backyard, or the front door, and a security system that monitors more than just break-ins and fires. Luxury has gone digital now. We have homes which have automatic temperature and lighting control system linked to all the important and necessary electronic/electric gadgets like the television, music system, the microwave, refrigerator, ovens in the kitchen and the important lights, these being switched on or off when not in use. Today's advanced homes are Wi-Fi enabled with instant/wireless internet connectivity anywhere in the house, the house have separate in house amphitheatre giving the residents a feel of a large screen movie watching experience never heard of before. Anything and everything to do with solar power is a must have in such homes as they are advanced and energy efficient (saving). Solar heaters/lamps are the most sought after devices in general. Of course, smart homes are not just about going digital or having a lot of gadgets and gizmos but technology properly utilized can make our homes more efficient, safe, comfortable, and fun. Some of the latest gadgets that being gas leak sensors, fire alarms/extinguishers, locker safes, foot massagers, recliners, data tacks (a device which is shock proof and a holding point for multiple pug ins), temperature control feature Jacuzzi's and weight scale which has add on features like body fat monitor and body water percentage calculator. To top it all you have touch screen enabled remote controls which handle multiple jobs like blinds and curtains movement control, controlling the house lights, Air Conditioning control etc. These hi-tech systems can now add a new dimension to convenience and comfort and it has been well received. With the changing times and social displacement an important event in any new urban landscape in India, homes have become more culture independent. These paradigm shifts can also been seen in the flats, villas and other independent constructions of today as they adopt/implement more and more up to date and latest gadgets in their respective homes. Developers today are constructing different kinds of buildings at the same time - from houses and condominiums and have attracted sizeable foreign investors. This has lead to the builders providing a lot of value add in the flat itself; a typical case being advanced security systems which include finger imprint systems, door sensors, movement sensors, and entrance videophones. Whether its security, entertainment, or lighting a smart home addresses all these issues. So one can definitely quote the quote that - Intelligence is a matter of interest.