Here are my thoughts:
Best:Integrated digital home controls – allows you to control audio/video, telephone, lighting, security, climate, energy management, Internet etc. from one central location.This is great as long as you still have the option to control it manually.
Example: http://toromagazine.com/lifestyle/tech/toro-tv/20121121/one-tricked-out-high-tech-condoBazinga - connects homeowners/tenants with developers, owners and property managers. I think it is a great idea for establishing accountability.
Worst:Automated parkades – In theory, this would be a great alternative to spiralling into an underground parkade and trying to squeeze your car into a very narrow stall. But in reality, I have only heard complaints from friends who, on multiple occasions, have been forced to find other means of transportation when the system failed and could not retrieve their car (e.g. Jameson House in Vancouver).
Electronic faucets – I am referring to both motion sensor and tap on/off faucets. We have all experienced the motion sensor faucet that turns off after 3 seconds if your hands are not perfectly positioned. I have also had some frustrating experiences with tap on/off kitchen faucets that are very finicky, and sometimes won’t turn off at all!
Virtual concierge – This is a relatively new concept that I have seen in Toronto and Vancouver developments. It is a good idea for reducing maintenance fees and does have some potential. But the virtual concierges I have interacted with have had significant time delays and were frequently interacting with people in other buildings when I arrived (they often serve multiple projects).
Like any new technology, I understand these things take time to perfect. So perhaps we will see future generations of these products that work much more effectively.
On the fence:The 'eight room, 420 sq. ft. apt' – This was featured on BuzzBuzzHome earlier this year. At first, I really liked the idea and applauded the space efficiency. But the more I think about it, the more I begin to question a) How convenient is it, really? b) For the same cost of a ‘high-tech’ studio apartment, could you not purchase a more conventional, larger apartment?
Here is the link -
http://blog.buzzbuzzhome.com/2013/01/the-eight-room-420-square-foot-studio-apartment.html