Smart Homes of the Future

Improvements to broadband infrastructure and developments in smart tech for homes means there are now around 2.2 million smart homes in the UK. And if you have any network-connected smart devices in your home, you’re one of them. A YouGov survey showed that a quarter of Britons own one or more smart home devices (excluding smart meters), while one in ten now have two or more, underlining the growth in the smart tech industry. These devices include smart lighting, smart security, smart speakers and smart thermostats.

As technology continues to evolve, it’s only natural to think about how homes will evolve in the next ten, five or even one year. In this guide, we’re exploring the smart homes of the future and what handy features could soon become the norm in your household.

Popular smart devices

Smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular around the house, and there’s already a steady stream of great devices on the market.

Google Chromecast

Chromecast is designed to make the most of the apps and entertainment already on your phone. Plug Chromecast into your TV[1], power it on, and stream right from your phone or browser.

Stream from Android and iPhone® and enjoy your favourite shows, movies, live TV, YouTube videos and entertainment from apps such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Disney+, Spotify and much more[2].

Google Nest Mini

Nest Mini is a voice-controlled smart speaker that also doubles up as a control hub. It acts as a personal assistant for the whole family, helping you manage everyday tasks, giving you information straight from Google and playing your favourite songs. Plus, you can control it with your voice. Just say “Hey Google” to control compatible connected home products and play your favourite music from Spotify, YouTube Music, and more[2].

Philips Hue Starter kit

A smart home needs smart lighting, and a Philips Hue starter kit allows you to connect your lights via your Wi-Fi router and control them remotely. You can use your smartphone or a Google smart device to switch your lights on and off, and have greater control of the lighting in your home. These lights are also more energy efficient, as they are LED bulbs, which will help you save energy and reduce your bills.

TP Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug

Using a TP Link Kasa Smart plug means you can control appliances from an app on your phone. A smart plug inserts into a socket and connects to the internet, which then allows you to control devices plugged into the socket remotely. You can schedule your electronics to turn on and off with when you want, as well as set a timer to do this automatically. With this smart plug, you won’t need a separate hub either as it works with any Wi-Fi router.

Google Nest Doorbell

Otherwise known as Nest Hello, the Google Nest doorbell adds extra security to your home. It has 24/7 live streaming, HDR imaging and night vision, which lets you see what is going on outside your home even when you’re not there.

What new products and devices can we expect in the near future

As technology continues to evolve, homes will only become smarter. This will have several benefits for us, from convenience to health. In the immediate future, we can expect a continuation of devices that connect to the internet and make life at home that much easier - such as a robotic vacuum that will clean the house autonomously, controlled by an app on your smartphone.

We can also expect devices such as scales that can tell you how fit you are and mirrors with integrated smart technology. Plus houses with features such as smoke detectors that can also detect dangerous gases and let you know where they are located.

Looking further ahead, the next 10 years and beyond should be even more evolutionary. Homes of the future will be able to power themselves through thin-film solar panels.

What will be the driving forces of these products?

One of the driving factors for these future products is our thirst for knowledge – the desire to know more to help us live better lives. Other factors that will contribute to the homes of the future include the growing interest and awareness of the need to reduce our carbon footprint. Smart devices can make your home smarter in terms of your energy usage; giving you more control of your heating and lighting, and integrating self-generated power systems, such as solar panels, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure at home.

Another factor, spurred on by the onset of the pandemic this year and a global shift in ways of work, is increased time spent working from home. As we spend more time at home in the future, new properties and builds will come with home offices to meet this growing need.

Ageing populations will also play a role in the homes of the future, with houses having alert systems that tell caregivers if an elderly person falls. And it won’t be uncommon to see things like pill bottles that sense when they’ve been used and care bots that help people stay independent.

Increasing populations will also lead to homes that are easier and faster to build, with modular homes already becoming an increasingly popular option. Modular homes can be built in a factory and then easily transported to a location, cutting down construction times dramatically.

To make the most of the smart devices on the market, you’ll need a fast, reliable broadband connection at home. Check out the broadband packages offered by Shell Energy to ensure you’re always connected, as well as the smart technology we can bring into your home.

Visit the Shell Energy Shop to browse and buy top smart tech products. We're offering free delivery on all orders over £50.

[1] Requires a compatible TV with an HDMI port and a compatible mobile device. Learn more at g.co/cast/req
[2] Subscription(s) are required to access certain content.