Connected Homes Should Connect Families

A study by the Internet Home Alliance found that early and likely adopters of the connected home are looking for solutions that address family needs as opposed to products designed for career or entertainment.

Two of the study's more popular ideas were a meal preparation center aimed at cutting down on food prep and cooking time and a family communications concept that would allow for various forms of family conferencing via cell phones.

This year, the Internet Home Alliance will be launching pilot programs based on the meal prep center as well as a work/life balance concept that would allow homeowners access to their company's network from home.

"While there's promise for a multitude of home technology solutions, those addressing family needs appear to be the ones that will help the home technology market gain the most immediate traction," says Bill Kenney, chairman of the alliance.

The report, Connected Home Products and Services, is available for purchase at www.internethomealliance.com.