1. Generative AI: Unlocking new dimensions in the smart home

At the start of 2023, Generative AI marked a tech revolution. A development dubbed by some as comparable to the inception of the internet. Among the early adopters was Josh.ai. The company was the first to integrate this technology into its offerings and offer hands-free access with JoshGPT. This move significantly enhanced the user experience by providing unlimited assistance, earning Josh.ai recognition in both the CEDIA market and the broader tech community.

As the initial excitement has settled into everyday use, 2024 will bring a renewed surge of interest with big tech companies like Google, Amazon and Apple debuting Generative AI integrated with their assistants in the smart home space. The upcoming year also promises a substantial boost in reliability for GPT Assistant technologies, driven by the increased utilisation of real-time data in model development.

2. Middle market: CEDIA’s goldmine

The allure of the luxury market is undeniable and represents a significant revenue generator for many professional installers. However, CEDIA professionals should not overlook the growing middle market.

This segment presents a unique opportunity as an accessible customer with the demand and means to afford an impactful experience. With economic uncertainty on the horizon, this demographic is also worth exploring to increase business opportunities.

By tailoring and standardising smart solutions to this customer, CEDIA members can effectively bridge the gap between high-end installations and mainstream technology. They can create spaces that are both functional and bespoke while continuing to sell custom installation services to more clients. This approach not only diversifies their customer base but also expands their service offerings to meet a wider range of needs and budgets.

3. Software as a Service: The future for CEDIA professionals

SaaS is revolutionising the way CEDIA professionals interact with manufacturers and clients. Companies like Josh.ai are at the forefront, offering flexible software plans and management options depending on each integrator’s business model.

This strategy cultivates more enduring relationships with clients, ensuring their environments keep pace with technological advancements. It also gives integrators and manufacturers more opportunities to upsell.

For manufacturers, this transition to SaaS offers stronger partnerships with integrators by providing tools that generate continuous revenue. Expanding business models for all involved, while also allowing for more flexibility with their clientele.

4. Spatial Audio: Enhancing acoustic performance and voice experiences

For those in the smart home industry, especially CEDIA professionals, spatial audio represents more than just a trend or an emerging enhancement in home entertainment; it’s viewed as the future of immersive auditory experiences. This 3D sound technology is critical not only in transforming home theatres, multi-room audio setups and outdoor entertainment areas through custom installations, but also in optimising voice-controlled experiences.

By masking external noise and creating a controlled auditory environment, spatial audio has the ability to significantly improve the performance of far-field microphones. This is an intriguing advancement for platforms like Josh.ai to greatly increase the clarity and accuracy of voice commands for a seamless user experience.

As spatial audio technology evolves, professional installers are positioned at the forefront to advance auditory performance in the smart home.

This Tech Predictor is written by Josh.ai chief executive Alex Capecelatro. To find the rest of the Connected Tech Predictors for 2024, click on this link.