Galleries: Trends & Inspirations
Meeting Each Client’s Individual Tech Needs
Broan-NuTone has developed a cloud-connected, whole-home indoor air quality system called Overture. The system, which is integrated into a home’s supply and exhaust ventilation via a new build or a remodel, monitors the air quality and turns the appropriate ventilation fan, range hood, ERV/HRV or supply fan on automatically when levels are low. Overture can be controlled by a phone app and can be used with new or existing products by using specialized switches and frees-standing sensors to meet client tech needs. http://overture.broan-nutone.com/
The Chime Video Doorbell from Control4 allows users to see and speak with a visitor, and they can also unlock the door, turn on the lights inside and outside and/or disarm the security system all within the same app. These actions can be automatic or initiated by the user. Chime offers motion detection with five adjustable zones, it is available in black or satin nickel, and its features include a 180-degree field of vision and a built-in night mode. MSRP is $400, and four models are available. www.control4.com
The ECO-Touch Auto IAQ controller from Fantech senses the presence of VOCs in the home and automatically increases the exchange of outdoor for indoor air. It can also monitor humidity levels and adjust fresh air intake for client tech needs. A control panel alerts homeowners of their clean air status – three leaves indicating when the air quality level is optimal. The ECO-Touch Auto IAQ has an MSRP of $165. www.fantech.net
Legrand has designed the all-in-one GFCI USB Outlet for built-in charging anywhere in the home, including kitchens and baths where GFCI protection is required. The outlet includes USB connections for traditional Type A and the newer Type C for adapter-free support and meets the National Electrical Code requirements for ground fault protection. Price is $54.98. legrand.us
The Nobi Smart Lamp was designed to monitor the movement of older people in a home using artificial intelligence. It can detect when someone falls and provide communication between the resident and family members or caregivers if necessary. The lamp can also notify emergency services and open the door to them, as well as monitor air quality and provide fire and burglary detection. The lamp will be available by the end of this year, and pricing varies based on whether you plan to purchase or rent the lamp(s). https://nobi.life/en/
The SmartThings Cooking assistant from Samsung is powered by Whisk’s Food AI and can recommend recipes based on dietary needs and provide weekly meal plans to fill client tech needs. It can note your preferences and inventory to create these recipes and sync with appliances in your SmartThings system, including the brand’s Bespoke and Family Hub appliances. Pricing is available upon request. www.samsung.com
TOTO’s WASHLET C2 and C5 (shown) bidet seats have been redesigned with new features. The intermediate-level WASHLET C5 offers a clean-lined design, and the warm-water reservoir has been reduced by 1.5 inches for a more streamlined look. The wand’s housing under the seamless seat has been redesigned to make it easier to clean, and the company has added EWATER+ to automatically clean the wand inside and out – before and after each use. www.totousa.com
The Zephyr Connect app allows the user to control their range hood from anywhere via a mobile device. They do things like change the fan speed and control light levels, and the app offers a delay-off feature that will automatically keep the hood in use for up to 10 minutes after cooking. Zephyr Connect will also tell homeowners when it is time to clean or replace filters and sends an alert when the hood has been on for more than three hours. The app can be downloaded via the Apple App Store and Google Play. zephyronline.com
Bosch’s appliances powered by Home Connect allow homeowners to manage everything from cooking to doing laundry from a smartphone to fill client tech needs. Through Home Connect, you can preheat ovens and manage internal temperatures and turn appliances off remotely. It can also send alerts to let you know when a refrigerator door has been open too long, provide food storage tips and let you know if a leak occurs in your dishwasher – shutting it down automatically. The user can also sync their hood with an induction cooktop so it will turn on when the cooktop is on and manage and monitor laundry cycles. www.home-connect.com/us/en