«NextGen Home» helps even to keep growing generation in check

At this week's International Builders' Show several companies presented home-automation technology that lets users control virtually everything in the house by pushing a button on a remote or touching a screen with a finger. А new system helps to increase comfort, to provide security and to keep kids in check.

Historically home-automation technology was offered mostly in new homes, but now home automation became a retrofit option, OrlandoSentinel.com reports. The most visible display of home technology at the builders' show is a 2,700-square-foot home called the "NextGen Home" that was built in the convention-center parking lot. This house is energy efficient and to have a minimal impact on the environment.

In this house you may pre-heat the oven from a cell phone. You may get an e-mail when your teenager's bedroom window opens after hours. The DVD you are watching will automatically pause when the doorbell rings so you can see live video of the person standing at your front door. Whenever a movie begins to play, the blinds are automatically drawn, the lights go down. Control4's software can also come in handy if you are on vacation.

Many of these devices have wireless chips, so there's no need to run new wires in the home. That makes it easier to install a home automation system. There are about 170 light switches, cameras or security system and other devices connected to a home computer network and certified to work with the Lifeware system. The NextGen home will cost about $30,000.

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