As we venture further into the age of the smart home, 2023 marks a year of significant advancements in connected technology. As more and more people value eco-friendly and efficient smart home technologies, cutting-edge inventions are revolutionizing how we live and interact with our homes.

From energy savings and home security to added convenience and comfort, there are many benefits to making your house a smart home. Here’s a look at what the year holds in store for these exciting and innovative technologies:

Kitchen Appliances with Connected Technology

a photo of a woman in an kitchen surround by smart appliances iStock

The evolution of smart kitchen appliances has taken a leap forward in 2023, with an increasing focus on integrating smart home systems. Pre-programmed settings and automated cooking times are becoming standard features in modern appliances, allowing for seamless and efficient meal preparation.

Furthermore, brands are creating smarter appliances that evolve over time, enhancing performance and providing consumers with new features and cooking methods through connected technologies. Imagine being able to turn on your oven from any location or having the ability to monitor its temperature in real-time. Some ovens even have built-in cameras and sensors to monitor cooking progress, ensuring perfect results every time. No more excuses for burned dinners!

Refrigerators have also seen significant advancements, offering inventory tracking, automatic grocery ordering, and meal planning based on available items.

See Samsung Smart Appliance Lineup Here

Smart Showers

Kohler Statement Collection Kohler

Customization and personalization will be at the forefront of smart shower innovations in 2023. Digital showers have user profiles that control temperature, duration, flow, and even optional features such as audio therapy, chromotherapy, and aromatherapy. Integration with virtual home assistants and voice activation offers additional convenience, while built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allows users to connect to their favorite music or audio apps.

Smart showers can be equipped with additional technology to collaborate with other smart devices, such as thermostats, which help maximize energy efficiency and savings. For instance, when someone is in the shower, the thermostat can adjust itself to account for higher humidity levels, lowering energy consumption.

KOHLER 26293-BL Statement Oblong 12 in. Single-Funtion 2.5 gpm Rainhead, Matte Black

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Touchless Faucets and Smart Toilets

Handle-Free Moen Smart Faucet with Motion Control Handle-Free Moen Smart Faucet with Motion Control

Hygiene and water conservation have become essential factors in the design of touchless faucets and smart toilets. Touchless faucets allow users to interact with their fixtures without physical contact, reducing the spread of germs and conserving water. Infrared sensors and advanced algorithms ensure accurate activation while minimizing false triggers. Additionally, built-in water temperature and flow control features provide a customizable and comfortable experience.

Smart toilets have gone mainstream, focusing on sleeker designs and hands-free operation. Bidet seat integrations and electronic toilets are gaining popularity, providing users with features ranging from instantaneous warm water to warm air drying. Advanced smart toilets also include self-cleaning features, UV sterilization, and odor-reducing technology, creating a more hygienic bathroom experience.

Smart Toilet One Piece Toilet with Heated Seat, Modern Smart Bidet Toilet Auto Flush, Auto Open/Close, Warm Water and Dry, Multi Function Remote Control

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Eco-conscious Smart Water Networks

Rachio's Outdoor Smart Watering Technology includes new Smart Hose Time, Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller and Tempest Weather Stationwww.gearbrain.com

Smart home trends in 2023 are placing a strong emphasis on environmentally friendly practices, particularly when it comes to water management. Eco-conscious smart water networks, including sprinkler controllers and wireless soil sensors, are designed to optimize lawn care and water usage both indoors and outdoors. These innovative features give users total control over their water consumption, encouraging better habits and reducing environmental impact.

Smart sprinkler controllers use weather forecasts and historical data to create custom watering schedules, ensuring that plants receive the optimal amount of water while minimizing waste. Wireless soil sensors provide real-time data on soil moisture levels, allowing users to monitor and adjust their watering schedules based on actual needs.

Rachio 3 Smart Bundle: Includes Rachio 3rd Generation-8 Zone Smart Sprinkler Controller (Alexa Compatible w/ Hyperlocal Weather Intelligence Plus & Rain Skip) & Rachio Weatherproof Outdoor Enclosure

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Smart Home Exercise and Wellness

The Mirror includes live classes as part of a $39 monthly subscription Mirror

Health-focused smart devices are becoming increasingly popular in 2023, offering new possibilities for staying healthy while connected. From wearable fitness trackers to intelligent air purifiers, these devices aim to improve physical and mental well-being within the smart home ecosystem.

Smart exercise equipment, ranging from treadmills to stationary bikes and rowing machines, can be combined with wearable technology and virtual trainers to personalize user workout routines. Additionally, these technologies enable users to receive real-time feedback on their performance as they stay active. These devices can also connect with smart home systems, syncing lighting, temperature, and entertainment to create a customized exercise environment tailored to the user's preferences.

Intelligent air purifiers monitor indoor air quality and adjust their settings accordingly to ensure optimal air conditions. Some models even include built-in sensors that detect harmful particles, allergens, and pollutants, providing real-time data and insights into the home's air quality. Integration with smart home systems allows users to set preferences and receive notifications if air quality falls below their desired levels.

Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, 40+ Exercise Modes, Sleep Tracking and more, Waterfall Blue/Platinum, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

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Biometric Security and Privacy

Level Touch Smart Lock, a biometric smart lock. GearBrain

As smart homes become more connected, security and privacy concerns have risen to the forefront. Biometric security solutions, notably fingerprint scanners and facial recognition, are gaining traction in smart homes as they provide enhanced safety compared to passwords or keycodes.

Door locks equipped with biometric scanners can be programmed to recognize specific individuals, providing customized access to different areas of the home. Similarly, smart security cameras with facial recognition capabilities can identify known individuals and notify the homeowner of any unrecognized faces detected on the property.

Solar Energy Integration

Tesla solar roof panels look like regular tiles Tesla

With the growing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, solar energy integration has become a key trend in 2023's smart homes. Solar panels can be installed on rooftops or walls, capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity to power the home's smart devices and systems.

By combining solar energy with energy storage solutions, such as batteries or smart grid technologies, homeowners can store excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours and use it during lower production or higher demand. This reduces the home's reliance on traditional energy sources and significantly lowers energy bills and the home's carbon footprint.

Conclusion

The latest innovations and trends in smart homes aim to improve the overall quality of life, convenience, and sustainability. From connected appliances and smart showers to eco-conscious water networks and biometric security solutions, 2023 is a year of major advancements in smart home technology. As these innovations continue to shape how we live and interact with our living spaces, we can expect an even more connected and efficient future.

Check out The GearBrain, our smart home compatibility find engine, which can help you find, buy and connect any smart device. It can also help you find compatible products that work with your existing smart devices, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.