Latest Technologies Found in Custom Homes

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Technological trends are constantly adapting and changing in order to keep up with the shifting wants and needs of consumers. Despite the sluggish economy, more and more homeowners are looking for sleeker, more elegant products that are inter-connected, easy to use, portable and high quality. With mobile awareness at its peak, 2011 will also see a number of consumers purchasing more internet-connected products for their homes.

Home automation: This home technology allows you to have easy control over your home theatre, iPod, house lighting, security system, air conditioner/heater, and whatever other technology that you have in place. It's so easy that anyone can use it, even if you aren't "technologically savvy".

APP driven technology: The "app" world is growing rapidly as more third-party developers continue to offer a wide array of products, games, and interfaces that allow homeowners to customize their viewing experiences. It also allows for a more interactive, engaging experience in some cases.

Green Technology: You can expect to see a lot more "green" in 2011. With the onset of high energy prices, the economic downturn and the government's support of green innovation, custom home trends will focus greatly on the "green" industry. Despite the economic crisis and depleting resources, green technology will continue to prevail and be a viable solution to many homeowners' needs.

• Sustainable lifestyles solutions, including: energy usage detectors; appliances that communicate via wireless networks so maintenance issues get handled quicker; solar panels; systems that control window treatments to help reduce HVAC usage, and more.

• More energy efficient solutions include: LED light bulbs; Low-flush toilets; Energy star appliances and more.

Home theatre: The home theatre is a continually growing trend for custom built homes raking in around $6 billion in 2007 and expected to bring in more than $11 billion by 2012. Although, the layout and style differs from home to home, the common attributes include:

• An all-encompassing movie watching experience with 3D screens, surround sound, and big comfy chairs. Some even double up as massage chairs!

• With an increase in gaming systems that use motion sensor technology, televisions are being installed with more consideration for the "interactive" experience.

• The most common trend for home theaters (accounting for about 75 percent of audio installations) is in-ceiling and in-wall speakers.

Because of technological advances, these technological applications are no longer just for the wealthy, as they are becoming more available on the mainstream market. Now, everyone can enjoy a simpler, luxurious, more eco-friendly life without going into debt or sacrificing on quality.