The increasing use of intelligent devices combined with ongoing breakthroughs in robotics, cloud computing, and other technologies are leading to a new era of digital living spaces. Next-generation entertainment centers will lead to the installation of sound systems and screens within walls to save space. Smart windows will be bigger than traditional windows, and increased use of shared, driverless cars will eliminate the need for garages or dramatically reduce their size, according to architect Tom Kinslow. Smartphones could become the remote controls for smart homes. Sprinklers, kitchen appliances, washers, dryers, lights, windows, and pools all could be controlled from a smartphone or tablet, predicts futurist Paul Saffo. Robots also will be a major component of future smart homes. Within 10 years, general-purpose robots will perform house chores while users are at work, says Bossa Nova Robotics co-founder Sarjoun Skaff. In addition, future homes likely will have networks that connect all of their appliances. Microsoft already has developed HomeOS, an operating system designed to turn homes into live-in computers, and Google recently launched Android@Home, an ecosystem for managing every electric home device. Meanwhile, Apple is developing an energy-management system that uses intelligent power-line networking to measure and control which home devices are consuming power.
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