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Smart Home Trends and New Technologies Products, A Beginner’s Guide

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Smart Home, Video surveillance, Wi-Fi Thermostat, Lighting Control, Home automation

Smart Home Technologies for Home Automation

Whether you’ve recently purchased a new construction house, or you happen to live in a historic home, there are several things you can do to make your home more technologically advanced. From unique features on kitchen appliances to the latest security accessories, where do you begin when it comes to upgrading to a smart home? Read on for some Smart Home Trends and New Technologies tips, tricks, and easy hacks that will help you discover how to make your housework harder and smarter for you. See some of our latest offerings from Crestron  home automation and Lutron lighting, motorized shades and thermostat products.

Originally posted on Porch.com

Smart Home Trends and New Technologies

If you’re thinking about creating a smart home, there’s certainly no shortage of incredible technologies available. One of the most tried-and-true products that can make your home more efficient is smart lighting. These modern light bulbs, lighting systems, and accessories have been around for years, and they’re an easy way to upgrade any space to make it more modern. Smart lighting can change colors, turn on and off, and do a variety of other things with just the press of a button or the sound of your voice. The same applies to other appliances in your home like surround sound speakers, thermostats, and security systems. And, while these are starting to be considered “old school” products, new developments are making them more streamlined than ever.

There’s certainly no shortage of new products and ideas for trends in home technology. Today’s updated versions of smart products are more efficient and easier to use than ever before. They’re also much safer than some of their previous counterparts. What once required manual programming is now automatically plug-and-play for most items. Combinations of buttons can now be controlled faster with just the sound of your voice. Even items like smart irrigation systems are being developed and sold that make watering your lawn and garden an easy task with minimal effort required. Thanks to these new developments in smart home technology, you can easily enjoy the things you know and trust with simpler operation than ever before.

Smart Home Features That Make Life Easier

Smart Home Trends and New Technologies range from productivity apps on your smartphone to a home security system. The smart home products of today are designed to make your life easier. You can even save money with some of these products. Many are specially designed to make your home more energy-efficient. Let’s break down some of these items on a task-by-task basis. You can determine which ones will suit your needs and lifestyle.

Productivity

Whether you work from home or just need some help to make your life more productive, there are several things you can do to get more out of every day Smart Home Trends and New Technologies.

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    Apps: With a simple download to your smartphone or tablet, you can enjoy improved productivity. Apps like Slack are perfect for collaborating with coworkers and clients from afar. And while having a paper agenda is still a great thing, calendar apps like Google Calendar make keeping appointments in one place easy. There are even apps designed to improve your level of focus and creativity. Try Brain.fm if you need help staying focused, and there are countless apps available that are designed to inspire you and encourage creativity to help you through any task.

  • Wi-Fi Enhancers: a Wi-Fi enhancer can help if you’re running into problems with your Internet connection. These products are a cinch to install, and you’ll notice faster Internet speeds and better signal, even if you’ve been struggling in the past. This smart home product is perfect if you work from home or live in a rural area with a weak signal.

More Productivity Ideas

  • Smart Appliances: Even your refrigerator can help you be more productive these days. Look for a “smart fridge” with a screen built into the door that allows you to make grocery lists, look at your calendar at a glance, and collaborate with family members.

  • Smart Vacuums: Keeping your home clean can take a lot of precious time. Consider a robot vacuum that can do the majority of the work for you. These awesome smart home products “learn” your home’s layout and can easily transition from carpet to solid floors to clean up dirt, dust, and debris. It’s a great product for busy people who just don’t have the time or energy to worry about daily vacuuming.

Security

Another of the Smart Home Trends and New Technologies are Smart security products. They are some of the best things you can purchase for your home. These items give you more control over your home and improve your sense of security no matter where you are.

  • Smart locks and cameras: For the ultimate home security, use a smart lock that you can control from anywhere. These durable locks also monitor whenever someone comes in and out of the home. You can assign users to operate the lock when you’re out of town. Cameras are another essential product that can keep your home and family safe. Look for cameras that include an app so you can monitor activity in and around your home remotely no matter where you are.

  • Gates: If you have kids or pets, you want to keep them as safe as possible. Look for automated gates that can keep Fido in until you’re ready to let him out. Many of these newer gates can be opened and closed remotely with the push of a button.

  • Baby Monitors: The concept of baby monitors has been around for a long time. Today’s version is more convenient than ever. HD cameras offer a clear, crisp resolution. You can download an app to watch your little one from another room without having to get up from your chair.

Other Security Products

  • Safe Outlets: Do some baby proofing with smart outlets to keep little ones from getting injured. Try a pop-out outlet that recesses into the walls so your baby or toddler can’t get their little fingers inside.

  • Cyber Security: Aside from home security to keep you safe, it’s important to keep cybersecurity in mind too. Identity theft protection is available from a wide range of services. It will alert you whenever someone tries to access your account or use your private information to steal your identity or credit. You can also install software on your PC or Mac to prevent viruses and hackers from affecting your computer and your information.

Cutting-Edge Entertainment New Technologies

Today’s consumer wants fast access to entertainment at all times. There are plenty of exceptional Smart Home Trends and New Technologies tech products and apps. You can find then to enhance your home entertainment experience.

  • Video Games: New consoles from Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo feature larger memory capacity. You can immerse yourself in a realistic world. These cutting-edge consoles are in conjunction with new games that feature realistic worlds and characters. You can even interact with others as you play, making video games a more social experience.

  • Smart TVs and other Gadgets: You can make your dumb TV set smarter with high tech smart TVs. These televisions have a crisp, clear picture and usually include built-in apps. This gives you streaming and on-demand entertainment whenever you want it. Products like the Roku can be supplemented with your smart TV so you can watch almost anything at home, whenever you want.

  • Apps: Most entertainment services include an app so you can take your entertainment with you when you’re on the go. These apps are easy to use and link to your account so you can watch your favorite shows and movies anywhere and at any time.

Energy Efficiency Trends New Technologies

Smart Home Trends and New Technologies are one of the most important of the ways is through the use of more efficient products. Whether you’re into saving water or saving money on your energy bill, energy-efficient products can make it happen.

  • Energy-Efficient Products and Appliances: Today’s major appliances use less water while still giving you the functionality you need. Look for washing machines that use less water to get clothes clean. Refrigerators that keep food cold without the need to use a lot of power. Keep an eye out for the Energy Star logo. You can be sure you choose products and appliances that will help you save money and the planet.

  • Smart Lights: LED smart lighting lasts longer and costs less to operate. Look for new smart lighting that you can integrate into your home. Watch your energy bill go down.

  • Solar Energy: If you really want to save, consider switching to solar energy. It’s the most eco-friendly way to enjoy the comforts of home without straining the power grid. Talk to a local solar company about having panels installed on your roof and watch the savings roll in.

Must Haves Around the Smart Home

Aside from all the high-tech gadgets, you should also have some basic Smart Home Trends and New Technologies in your home at all times. A fire extinguisher in the kitchen is certainly a must-have item. It will keep your home and family safe. Stock a first aid kit with essentials in case of minor injuries. You should also create an emergency kit and a go-bag if you need to evacuate during a natural disaster or other serious emergencies. Look for ultra-bright flashlights with LED bulbs. Place several throughout your home in case of a power outage. Be sure to buy some backup battery packs for your smartphone, tablet, and other tech items. It is in case you can’t charge them in an electrical outlet. These crucial items should be in every home just in case you need to access them when an emergency strikes.

Look for these high-tech gadgets that will make life easier whether it’s a smart thermostat, a robot vacuum, or a security camera system. You don’t have to be a pro to enjoy the perks of having access to a few smart tech products. Upgrade the major components in your home like lighting, security components, and appliances. You will reap the many benefits that a smart home provides.

Motorized shades provide precision control of daylight – all at the touch of a button!

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Motorized shading, motorized shades

Motorized Shades Protect Furnishing From Fading

Lowell/Edwards offers complete motorized shades as well as custom window treatment services. This includes selection to professional installation. As an authorized dealer for Lutron, we carry a wide variety of options.  This will easily enable you to find the perfect window treatment solution for your home. Lowell/Edwards has a showroom in Hackensack, NJ where you can visit them. In addition they can come to your home.  They will help you select just the right product to accomplish the look you are seeking.
motorized shading


Some advantages as well as features of a Lutron motorized shading system from Lowell/Edwards  :

Motorized Shades Save Energy

Utilize your motorized shading system to save additional energy. “Winter warm” opens the shades.  This will take advantage of warming sunlight. “Summer cool” does the opposite. Lowering the shades will block solar heat gain. This will also reduce your cooling costs. In addition, Lutron shading fabrics are made from sustainable materials.  This provides complete environmental and energy savings. Elegance & Ambiance Lutron controls are designed to look as well as work beautifully. Stylish control and fabric options coupled with innovative technology elegantly transition a space to create the right amount of light for any activity. Motorized shading align precisely within 1/16 in of each other for a balanced, beautiful look to a row of windows.
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Convenience A single wall station does not restrict managing daylight in your home.  Keypads, IR remote controls, wireless controls, in addition to a 24 hour time clock can control motorized shading systems.
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Safety & Security Utilize a whole-home shading system for total control of all shades. Set up a scene for “Away”. Then simply select this button when leaving. This will close all shades. In addition, it will restrict the view inside your home.
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Reduce Glare & Protect Furnishings   Lutron shading systems diffuse light as well as prevent glare. This keeps light from washing out a computer or television screen. Motorized shades will protect furniture, fine art, rugs, as well as wood surfaces from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Stay cool in the summer as well as warm in the winter. Use shading systems to deflect or harness solar heat.
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Join us at the D&D Spring Market

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You’ are Invited!

We would love to have you join us at the D&D Spring Market. On May 15 2014 at 11am, we have an exciting and innovative presentation. Come along to see unique and stylish ways to integrate the latest technology into your home!

The D&D spring market schedule is a jam-packed, two-day event with more than 30 showroom programs and informative events. 

If you’re in or around New York City, we’d love to see you at this unique and special event. Save the date! Add it to your calendar now.


http://bit.ly/1mH6luW

 

New at Lowell/Edwards!


In addition, we are very excited to be unveiling the new Metro Frame Collection from Frame My TV. The new Metro Frame Collection features  beautiful sleek modern frames to disguise your TV with flair, with 28 finishes to choose from that will complement any contemporary decor

Perfect for luxury high rise urban living spaces as well as complimenting the modern home. The Metro Frames Collection is available in a variety of profiles as well as finishes for contemporary minimalist spaces where less is more.

A framed TV provides an elegant, finished look,  as well as hiding those unwanted cords and cables.  You can choose from 1000’s of different artwork that will turn your TV into a masterpiece that will wow your guests. It’s a real conversation starter!

Another popular option is to cover your TV with a framed mirror to create a stunningly beautiful centerpiece that compliments any room. 

Visit our website to design your very own framed TV. 


Check it out!


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A great home theater is more than just a big screen and speakers!

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A great home theater is more than just a big screen and numerous expensive speakers. Recreating an authentic movie experience at home requires imaginative architecture, theatrical lighting, precise acoustics, and unparalleled comfort. That is what a private Lowell/Edwards CinemaTech Theater  is all about.

Lowell/Edwards CinemaTech Theaters are made-to-order home theaters, tailored to each client’s specifications. You will not receive a “theater-in-a-box”, but instead a one-of-a-kind custom design. Every Lowell/Edwards CinemaTech Theater is designed and engineered by a team of talented designers specialized in home theaters and hand crafted by a team of artisans. Lowell/Edwards CinemaTech has created several Signature and Classic Series theater designs that allow Lowell/Edwards CinemaTech’s clients to completely alter and customize any theater design into their very own. Lowell/Edwards CinemaTech also provides design services to create a completely custom environment for our clients from scratch.

Incorporating the finest elements of one-of-a-kind custom theaters, Lowell/Edwards CinemaTech’s Signature, Classic, and Custom theater designs capture all the splendor and spirit of a legendary movie theater. From the budget conscious to the ultra-high-end consumer, Lowell/Edwards CinemaTech’s custom theater designs transform any room into a fully functional yet aesthetically and acoustically pleasing home theater with your personal touch interwoven throughout the design.

So, invite your friends, impress your business associates and enjoy the awe as they take in the wonder of your Lowell/Edwards CinemaTech Custom Theater.

The many benefits of Home Automation Systems

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Imagine living in a home that “thinks” for itself! Wouldn’t you like to take control of your busy lifestyle, and better manage your time? Be able to monitor your home security while you are out via your smartphone or tablet? Reduce energy costs and save money along in addition to helping the environment? Installing a Home Automation system can do all of this for you.

Thanks to the amazing world of technology we now live in, it’s possible! Unify all of your home electronics into one integrated wireless network today with the latest technology from Lowell/Edwards.

Our home automation systems are capable of making any home “smart”. Ultimately improving the safety, comfort, and efficiency of your property.

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What Can I Control With Home Automation?

With the broad selection of home automation options offered by Lowell/Edwards, you can control just about anything you want in your home.

Lighting

Wireless home automation allows you to manage the lighting in any room in your home using a small handheld device. Control individual lights located in different parts of your home from your bed, the sofa, or while lounging next to your outdoor pool. Headed away on vacation? Then simply pre-program the system to automatically manage your lights in your absence. Take control by gaining full authority over your home’s lighting, wherever and whenever you want.

Home Security Systems and Access Control

Home automation programs can be wired to work with your home alarm system. This provides you with security and peace of mind. A wireless home automation system won’t just alert the authorities or  your monitoring agency. It will also alert you on your cellphone, keeping you informed of any suspicious activity in and around your home. Integrated cameras and intercom systems can let you see and talk with unexpected visitors. Networked door locks can be controlled remotely to accommodate friends and family members.

Home automation systems can also improve the safety of your property by using wireless security lighting programs. For example, with a home automation system you can set up your outside security lights to automatically “see” you and activate when you pull in the drive. You can also turn lights on inside your home before you arrive, meaning you will never have to come home to a dark house again!

Comfort and Entertainment Upgrades

With a home automation system, you can finally have the convenience of total control over your electronic devices. You can even program your coffee pot to turn on at a specific time. 

Home automation systems can control thermostats, phone systems, home theater systems. Some can even be hooked up to control your lawn sprinklers!

Enjoy the Many Benefits of Home Automation

The ability to control and automate just about every device and appliance in your home certainly has its perks. Imagine being able to preheat your chilly bathroom floor before rolling out of bed on a cold winter morning? Or wouldn’t it be nice if you could dim the lights while sitting watching a movie? Without having to get up and flick the switch? That’s the convenience of home automation!

Efficient and effective, home automation systems can also help you save money on your utilities. No longer will you be spending money on household appliances left running by accident. Plus, you’ll save on gas. You will never need to drive home in order to check to see if you’ve turned something off. These cost-saving reasons alone are often enough to justify the expense of a home automation system.

iphone

New website launch provides inspiration. Ideas to prevent the TV taking over your room.

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Hide your TV

With the price of flat panel TVs becoming more affordable, many home owners are now discovering that these large black screens are dominating the room when not in operation.  Instead of the room decor catching your eye, the blank TV has become the main focus. This dramatically ruins the atmosphere you went to so much trouble to create. tv conceal bedroom

New Website

A visit to the Lowell/Edwards newly launched website http://lowelledwards.com reveals numerous innovative and stylish ideas to disguise your TV. We offer many options to compliment the design and decor of your home.  Custom motorized pop-up TV cabinets. Flush mount picture frames with artwork that retracts to reveal the TV. A mirror that conceals TV behind it. These are just some of the inspiring designs that you will see on our new website.  Image result for artscreen tv Lowell Kaps, president, says “The demand for TV concealment has increased dramatically in recent years as the trend for larger screens continues. Our design team specializes in creating stunning tailor made solutions.  These solutions seamlessly integrate with the latest technology into your home or business.” (https://www.lowelledwards.com/custom-cabinetry.html)

An Invitation

In addition to inviting you to visit their new website, you are cordially invited to visit the Lowell/Edwards showroom in Hackensack, NJ. Here you will be able to view these unique options in person as well as discuss your individual requirements with a member of their design team. Lowell/Edwards was Formerly located for over 20 years in New York City’s world renowned D&D building.   They are one of the nation’s leading custom home theater, home automation and custom cabinetry designers and installers.

Location

Contact Lowell Kaps Lowell/Edwards, 15 Warren St. Penthouse West, Hackensack, NJ 07601 Phone: (212) 980 2862  Fax: (212) 980 2862

Brands we Represent

Lowell/Edwards represents the following Product lines in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area. Autonomic Controls, Cinema Tech Seating, Crestron, Denon, Fortress Seating, Frame My TV, KEF Speakers, Leon Speakers, LG, Lutron Serena, Lutron Radio RA2, Lutron QS, Middle Atlantic Products, NAD, NAD Master Series, Onkyo, PSB Speakers, Runco, Sonance, Speaker Craft, Stewart FIlmscreen, Samsung, Seura Mirror TV, Toshiba, Triad Speakers, Vutec ArtScreen.

Welcome to Lowell/Edwards Home Theater/Automation and Custom Cabinetry Blog!

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 Welcome to the Lowell/Edwards blog!

Lowell/Edwards can help you with sound proofing, beautiful cabinetry, motorized seating, lighting control, touch screen remote controls, motorized shades as well as ingenious ways to hide your TV.   
Lowell/Edwards Custom Home Theater

At Lowell/Edwards, we specialize in the following services and more:
  • Home Theater
  • Home Automation
  • Custom Cabinetry
  • Framed Art TV’s
  • Framed Mirror TV’s
  • Motorized Shades.
 

Custom Design

At Lowell/Edwards we can provide a tailored custom to suit you and your lifestyle. No project is too big or small. Both residential and commercial projects are welcome. We use only superior products paired with custom designed systems that are professionally installed by our highly skilled installation team. In addition, our customer service coordinator will schedule any service as needed in the future.  We offer top-notch, fast response customer service. We also take pride in getting the job done right the first time. With over 20 years in business, we have the knowledge and experience you’ve been looking for. We are known for having an eye for perfection.  Review a list of our product lines on our website.  https://www.lowelledwards.com Contact us to find out how we can help you.
Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your new project.

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Lowell/Edward represents the following Product lines in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area: Autonomic Controls, Cinema Tech Seating, Crestron, Denon, Fortress Seating, Frame My TV, KEF Speakers, Leon Speakers, LG, Lutron Serena, Lutron Radio RA2, Lutron QS, Middle Atlantic Products, NAD, NAD Master Series, Onkyo, PSB Speakers, Runco, Sonance, Speaker Craft, Stewart FIlmscreen, Samsung, Seura Mirror TV, Toshiba, Triad Speakers, Vutec ArtScreen

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