''Smart homes'' not too far away

Smart homes are not too far into the future according to experts in the house building industry, as the desire for new technologies and the need to save energy drive consumer demand.

A smart home has a computer network that links multiple computers and household appliances. All of the home''s electrical functions, such as lighting, entertainment and security, can be controlled from a central computer.

The idea of the smart home was first put forward by Microsoft founder Bill Gates in the 1990s, although it was generally thought of as something only the very rich could afford.

But now advances in technology mean that smart homes are more affordable, and as consumer demand for home entertainment systems, broadband internet and other technologies grows so too will the demand for smart homes.

As well as being convenient way or homeowners to control systems and appliances, smart homes can also make a big contribution to energy saving, and so as concerns about energy efficiency become more apparent smart home technology will become much more accepted.


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