House windows and tables to soon start ‘talking’

House windows and tables to soon start ‘talking’

Posted on Monday, December 03 2012 at 4:15 PM

Have you ever wondered ‘how on earth did I ever live without a mobile phone?’

Many younger
people might laugh at the thought of only being able to speak when a phone is
connected to the wall, but in the future Australians are likely to say the same
thing about their ‘smart home’. Homes will have talking computers in every room
and just about every surface of the house – making sure older residents
get their daily dose of vitamins and can get to appointments on time, according
to insurance provider APIA.

“The home of the
future will likely be much ‘smarter’, completely wired to adapt to our needs
with smart-glass, moving walls and sensors built in,” APIA says.

“If you think the
technology we have today is impressive, you haven’t seen anything yet. The
future is going to be full of adults that won’t be able to remember a time
without touch screen phones and table computers. You’re going to start to see
technology like live video streaming and conferencing integrated into windows,
table tops and other surfaces.

“Homes will also
buck the trend of the last 50 years by being smaller and for the most part,
single-level buildings with flexible multi-use spaces. They’ll share common
facilities with neighbours, utilising design concepts that help people stay in
their homes longer.”

APIA spokesman
David Skapinker says a new report, The Future of Over 50s: Home, suggests home will
change dramatically by the time today’s 20-year-olds turn 50.

Technology will
be totally integrated. In fact, homes will become like a personal assistant, Skapinker
says.

“It will take
instructions from your health care team, making sure you get the exercise, food
and medication you need when you want it. It will keep you organised and
present all the information you need on almost any of the surfaces in your
home,” he says.

Homes are also
likely to be smaller and multi-purpose. For example, the spare bedroom will
double as an office space. Homes are also more likely to be fully sustainable.

“Whether it’s
solar panels built directly into the roof, the rainwater collection system or
the grey water and waste recycling system, over 50s in the future will be fully
environmentally sustainable,” he says.

Gardens will also
be important, but get used to sharing them!

“Individual
dwellings (will be) centred around common gardens and shared open space
facilities will be the development of choice, helping to reduce upkeep.”

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