While home automation offers a wide spectrum of products to cater to every need and desire, it is ideally fine-tuned for the individual user. As Ayan Sen, Founder, Ayan Sen Architects explains, “If we have a menu of 20 home automation services on offer, instead of giving the client all of them, the automation or appliance should be decided based on their bigger preference; for instance, the music system automation with voice control, etc. It varies from people to people.” He recollects a case where the client only wanted automation in blinds, for the lights in the living room, and some basic security. “It should be that easily customisable!” he exclaims. “Also, it should be easily customisable in the sense that if I want only three out of 10 services now, I should be able to add on more later.” Puravankara has recently collaborated with Google to launch its new residential line, BluNex Life. These homes will consist of a pre-installed Google Home device with customisable features. “We have given fundamental features and the infrastructure can be upgraded to new technology according to the preference of the homebuyer,” says Ashish R Puravankara, Managing Director, Puravankara. At its project Kalpataru Avana in Mumbai, Kalpataru provides voice control for electrical appliances, suitable for Alexa, Siri and Google Home. Additionally, the lighting, curtain, air-conditioner, geyser and audio-video systems in its projects are controlled by smart switches and device applications available for download. It also provides a state-of-the-art, IP-based video door phone and a key to maintain safety and security as well as inbuilt panic and SOS buttons for emergencies. Meanwhile, BuildTrack is constantly innovating and integrating newer features into its solutions to facilitate more choices and conveniences. As Dr Narendra Bhat, President, BuildTrack, shares, “For instance, the introduction of voice assistants by Google (Home) and Amazon (Alexa) are serving as an addition to other interfaces like smart apps, switches and remotes.” Recently, the firm has also introduced capacitive glass touch switches that can be controlled via smart Apps, voice assistants or sensors. Silvan Innovation Labs is offering new experiences with voice integration and smart applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. “These experiences go beyond what customers get today and introduce new paradigms in use experience, accident prevention, energy conservation and preventive maintenance,” says Avinash K Gautam, CEO, Silvan Innovation Labs. - SERAPHINA D’SOUZA