Chicago

Voice recognition technology can be an amazing time-saver, allowing you to turn on the lights and cue the tunes the moment you walk in the door. It appeals to anyone who loves convenience. It can also be enjoyable telling your high-tech system what to do instead of looking for your device. And this type of technology is becoming more accessible as it is no longer a novelty, as evidenced by the massive popularity of Siri and other innovations.

At its core, voice activation is about control. When there were only one or two smart items in an entire home, it made sense to operate those things manually using the device of your choice. However, as more functions are added to our homes’ control systems, it makes sense that people will want easier ways to use them. This eliminates steps in the user interface experience, making setting the scene easier than ever.

But nothing is perfect, and as always, there may be one or two drawbacks to think about before installing new, voice-activated technology in your home.

What Is Voice-Activated Smart Home Technology?

Many families use a tablet, remote control or wall mounted keypad to control appliances or tap into a shared network that they can then use to control lights, thermostats and sound systems independently. Some prefer controlling part of all of their systems via voice control. Having a digital voice assistant included in your setup allows you to bypass other controls – hand free – providing you with direct, faster access to your commands.

What Are the Pros of Voice-Activated Systems in Your Home?

It started with voice-activated features on our laptops that were able to answer basic questions. Today, 72% of people who own a voice-activated speaker use their devices as part of their daily routine, according to Google. Voice activation can be especially helpful to, say, a parent on child duty whose hands are full, as well as the elderly and people with limited physical abilities. 

The options have only expanded. Folks with voice-activated systems use them to:

1. Set the proper reading scene
2. Turn the volume up or down
3. Control their indoor environment
4. Control zones within the same room

As our appliances become more complex and technology more advanced, homeowners’ abilities have only expanded. Imagine setting the temperature to 72 degrees and adjusting the brightness in your living room to 50 percent, while adjusting the color of the lighting in your entertainment room – all with your voice. 

But it’s not just luxuries like ambience and scene setting that are expanding with voice-activated systems. Home security is one of the biggest areas in smart home technology to date. Your home security can also be enhanced with additional controls. Ask your system to lock the front door at 8 p.m. – no need to physically set the timer.

Potential Downsides of Voice-Activated Systems in Your Home

Still, there may be limitations as to what your voice-activated system can accomplish. In addition, some questions remain about whether there could be any unintended consequences of incorporating a system with voice-activated capabilities. Cybersecurity has been a growing issue in recent years as more of our personal information is shared online. When it comes to installing security systems that can recognize our voices, privacy and data collection remain a concern for some. In one survey, a third of Americans said the fear of voice assistants recording them was their main reason for not purchasing these types of devices. 

Ask a Service Provider About the Safest, Most High-Quality Voice Activated Options

It’s quite understandable that, as the technology gains both popularity and potential, people are going to have some questions. One thing worth noting is that companies designing and selling the products tend to stay ahead of security concerns, as it benefits them that users have positive experiences.

At the end of a long day, it can be a small, refreshing break from yet another task that has to be done. Because the control system can be pre-programmed, people are imagining the perfect setting they want to wake up to in the morning – and then using their voice to make it happen. Not much of a morning person? Ask your automated shades to open at 7:30 a.m. and your shower to start shortly after. 

At MediaTech, our specialists are ready to answer all of your -activation questions and help you determine the best control system for your space. We back all of our work with a one-year warranty, extended maintenance agreements and 24/7 emergency service. Call us today at 630.454.9509 to set up a free consultation.