ROBERT BARRON CITIZEN
Imagine a home where keys are not needed because a computer screen at the front door recognizes the contours of your face and lets you in.
Then there’s another computer screen on the inside of the front door that lets you know how much power the house has used in your absence, messages that are waiting for you, your schedule for the day and the weather, among other pertinent information.
The “smart fridge” in the kitchen senses what’s in the refrigerator and suggests meals based on what’s available, and makes requests on updating your grocery list, based on past food usage.
These were just some of the cutting-edge technologies that were on display at the “future home” that visited Duncan last week as part of a tour of communities in B.C. and Alberta.
The tour, hosted by Telus, of the 560 square-foot home that is powered by Telus fibre, provided a sneak peek at smart-home innovations that are currently available, and what’s on the horizon.
Telus spokeswoman Lauren Barnard said the future home also demonstrated how technology can make lives safer, healthier and more efficient.
“We’re visiting communities that already have our Telus fibre installed, or are soon scheduled to have it installed,” she said.
“It’s an opportunity for people to see how amazing the future household will be.”
Betty and Ed Burnett said they were “amazed” with the technology after a tour of the house.
“It’s really great,” Betty said.
“We’re getting all the information we can on the Telus fibre cable and the household innovations that it will allow so we can shop around. This is the future and we’re getting ready for it.”