The cloud, AI, more IoT devices, and simple phone apps make it possible for residents to increase security and control many basic home functions — from unlocking doors to watching pets and children to tracking energy use. And smart home product manufacturers are introducing new conveniences every day, smartening up everything from doorbells to garage door openers. Throw a pandemic into the mix, which forced people to do everything from their homes, and the result is big growth in the home security/smart home market: from 28 percent adoption in U.S. broadband households in Q2 2019, to 35 percent in Q4 2021, according to Parks Associates.

“Automation makes life easier by streamlining multiple smart devices through one app, allowing different devices to work together, delivering highly personalized scenes and experiences for home and business owners,” says Anne Ferguson, vice president of marketing for Alarm.com, Tysons, Va. “End users can control everything with one unified platform: their security system, locks, lights, video, thermostat, cameras, garage door, solar, energy, water, audio, and connected car.”