SL_YourDreamHome_1_19_Reg1_Dept 1 / 15 / 19 8 : 55 AM Page 3 suburban life your dream home such as him just one less thing to worry about . peace of mind simply by reaching into one’s “ When [ the system ] arms at night , it makes sure the pocket and checking his or her smartphone . N O doors are locked , it dims the lights , and it adjusts the tem - Dennis Mathew doesn’t see himself perature on the first floor , ” he says . “ The core capability is as the kind of guy who buys all the “ latest protecting your family and protecting your home . It makes and greatest ” gadgets , but he does like sure the house is lit at night , which is especially valuable tech . So it’s no surprise that he speaks so worries when we’re not at home . The house continues to operate , highly of Xfinity Home , a tech - rich service and no one knows if we’re home or not . ” from Comcast that enables him to safeguard Smart - home technology adds simplicity and security Besides giving Mathew the ability to receive real - his Bucks County home and the people who to everyday life . time alerts regarding anything out of the ordinary , and live in it . enabling him to remotely arm and disarm a home - security “ It’s absolutely part of the fabric of system through his smartphone , Xfinity Home enables him my day - to - day life , ” says Mathew , though to essentially monitor and control the home from anywhere . he insists his job title — vice president of No matter his physical location , he can turn on the lights , Xfinity Home — has little to do with it . control the thermostat , or check a live video feed to , say , “ When I’m traveling , I’m able to receive make sure the kids have arrived home safely . alerts about pretty much anything that’s For those who may be less comfortable with technology , happening at home , and knowing my family Mathew says Comcast designed the system for ease of is protected gives me some peace of mind . ” use . In addition , the combination of professional installation Factors such as the advent of approach - and intuitive design , as well as a host of tutorials and able technology and the increasing amount “ digital assets , ” should make using the system a cinch of time Americans spend away from home even for the tech averse . are driving consumers ’ hunger for such “ The home - automation capabilities help to simplify services . By the end of 2018 , U.S . homes had more than 45 cenario : Saturday finally arrives after another hectic some elements of life , ” Mathew adds . “ Life has gotten million “ smart home devices , ” according to research from workweek , and you’re in a mad rush to shuttle your more and more stressful in terms of people always being the market and consumer data firm Statista — and the youngest child to a swim meet , a 40 - minute drive S on the go . Having the automation capabilities — automating adoption of such technology is expected to continue its away from your front door . Once you hit the highway , the lights and cameras to make sure things are OK when you’re steady ascent in the years to come . doubts begin to creep in : Did I leave the lights on ? Did I set away from home — it just becomes part of your day . Mathew suggests he has as many as 50 different the alarm ? Did I lock the front door ? “ If ever there is an issue , ” he continues , “ there’s a world - devices connected through Xfinity Home , ranging from Previously , one might have had to turn around and class response center , so the police department or fire depart - cameras and motion sensors to lighting , door locks , and double check , purely to calm the nerves . But these days , as ment will be there . That’s a huge benefit . ” — Bill Donahue smoke detectors . He says the service gives homeowners with most things in American life , a homeowner can have SUBURBANLIFEMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2019 18 |