The year 2024 has just begun, and already we can see some emerging trends in technology launches and revelations from early tech shows. Let’s take a look at some of the themes you can expect to see throughout the year, using some of the most interesting gadgets from the smart home brand EZVIZ as examples.
### Emphasis on Sustainability
Environmental awareness is at an all-time high, with consumers increasingly opting for eco-friendly products. Brands can respond to this demand in various ways, and EZVIZ provides excellent examples. Energy consumption is not only a concern for environmental reasons but also due to the cost of living crisis, prompting people to closely monitor their electricity bills.
One solution is solar power, which can be used to recharge all kinds of outdoor devices. EZVIZ’s EB8 4G camera comes equipped with a solar panel, as will the upcoming CB5 camera. Even the soon-to-be-launched video doorbell EP3x Pro can be recharged using a solar panel, eliminating the need to change the device’s batteries.
But sustainable development is not just about consumers. It can be literally integrated into products themselves, as companies opt for recycled materials in the production of new technologies. A range of EZVIZ robot vacuum cleaners – the RC3 and RC3 Plus, the RE4, RE4 Plus, RE5, and RE5 Plus – are produced in this way.
EZVIZ’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond manufacturing and usage. The company also invests a portion of the profits from the sale of its green products to plant thousands of trees as part of a project called the “Global EZVIZ Forest Plan.”
### “Matter” and Smart Home Ecosystems
Investing in more smart home devices typically means more apps on your mobile phone and more products that don’t work together. While the “Matter” standard for smart homes has started to enable seamless interoperability between different brands, there is still progress to be made before all categories of smart home products are covered.
But it’s worth looking ahead when planning to purchase new smart home products. EZVIZ is one of the brands taking steps to ensure compatibility with “Matter.” Their upcoming Home Hub A3 will be able to connect and control “Matter”-ready smart home devices that are available for purchase today and those that will be available in the future – from EZVIZ and other brands.
### Rise of AI
There’s no doubt that smart home devices with AI capabilities are the biggest trend right now. At the beginning of the year, CES, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, showcased a multitude of smart home devices with AI that had just been launched – from laptops to robots to beauty technology.
In most cases, when companies mention AI, they are referring to machine learning: algorithms trained on data that allow devices to perform complex tasks. Take, for example, EZVIZ’s RS2 robot vacuum and mop, equipped with a 3K AI camera. The software integrated into the camera will help the robot vacuum identify everyday objects in the house, such as shoes or cables, and determine the best way to avoid them. This type of technology makes robot vacuums much more autonomous; you won’t have to intervene to save them from a tangle of cables, and they can navigate safely around your pets instead of bumping into them.
AI can also enhance security: the RS2 features a built-in AI chip that processes images locally to ensure the security and data protection of its users.
### Enhanced Home Security
Doorbells and video cameras are now commonplace in homes. One way to enhance home security is to improve the quality and range of the images you have access to, provided by 4K cameras that offer much sharper and detailed images on your phone. In 2024, EZVIZ will launch a range of 4K cameras, including indoor and outdoor devices.
You will also start to see more “dual-purpose” devices that offer a wider field of view and fill in blind spots. Traditional video doorbells typically have a limited field of view, meaning you may not see, for example, a package left on your doorstep or check later if it’s still there. The dual-purpose video doorbell EP3x Pro from EZVIZ will be launched later this year and will offer a much more comprehensive view of what’s happening outside your home.
You also have the option to extend your home security by making the most of multifunctional technology and integrating smart home devices. For example, replace your garden lighting with a camera with lighting, like the EL3 model, or send your robot vacuum RS2 on patrol in your home while you check data remotely, for greater peace of mind when you’re away.
You can explore the full range of EZVIZ products on their website.