Fine-tuning preferences in smart homes

03 Dec 2019 Editorial Team

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

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

Infrastructure Energy

17 Dec 2025

Vedanta Aluminium Uses 1.57 bn Units of Green Energy in FY25

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, recently reported consumption of 1.57 billion units of renewable energy in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its 2030 decarbonisation roadmap. The company also achieved an 8.96 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to FY21, reinforcing its leadership in India’s low-carbon manufacturing transition. During FY25, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its renewable energy portfolio through long-term power purchase agreements, strengthening its strategy to source nearly 1,500 MW of renewable power over the lon..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

Oberoi Group to Develop Luxury Resort at Makaibari Tea Estate

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop an Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The project marks a key milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in rare and environmentally significant locations. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest tea estates and is globally recognised for its Himalayan landscape, primary forests and exceptional biodiversity. Spread across 1,236 acres, the estate houses one of the world�..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

GHV Infra Secures Rs 1.09 Bn EPC Order in Jamshedpur

GHV Infra Projects Ltd, a fast-growing EPC company in India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently secured a Rs 1.09 billion work order in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Awarded by a reputed group entity, the contract covers end-to-end civil construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with high-quality finishing works for a large building development. The project will be executed over a 30-month period, with defined benchmarks for quality, safety and timely delivery. The order strengthens GHV Infra’s footprint in Jamshedpur, a key industrial hub known fo..