International research firm Parks Associates anticipates 2011 will mark the resurgence of the Smart Home concept

Submitted on 01/13/11, 09:27 AM | Click Here for the full article: Parks Associates

International research firm Parks Associates anticipates 2011 will mark the resurgence of the Smart Home concept following a series of CES announcements as well as research showing U.S. consumers value energy management as a lifestyle choice as well as a cost-saving measure. Parks Associates hosted the fifth annual CONNECTIONS™ Summit at CES on January 6, featuring record-breaking attendance on the first day of CES, where the firms' leading analysts commented on the expansion of connected home systems and services. "CES 2011 featured several significant announcements for connected home systems and services, smart appliances, and broadband-enabled home monitoring services, including Verizon's Home Monitoring Control offering, which featured applications for a web camera, lighting control, outlet modules, and a communicating thermostat," said Bill Ablondi, Director, Home Systems, Parks Associates. "Consumers are starting to see energy-efficient products and services as a means to improve their home and personal comfort as well as for cost savings, which opens the market for a variety of solutions from utilities, service providers, and manufacturers."