In 2026, the winds of change have been blowing in gusts. Perhaps the gales of change would more accurately describe the entrance into this new era. Technological shifts spurred by AI have been a significant catalyst of this change, and beyond using this kind of tech at work, it’s now fully entrenched in the home as well. This season, we’re checking in with local experts on smart home and security features to see what buyers should know about this rapidly developing field.
According to Jamie Gannon, owner of Dynamic Audio Video, even the area’s older, historic homes can be retrofitted to incorporate smart home technology thanks to how much of this new technology is added wirelessly.
“With a little planning and a good home network, we can still make smart home magic happen,” he says. Existing light switches can be swapped for smart dimmers, while items like battery-operated motorized window shades and wireless music systems add luxury without extensive wiring.
“That being said, if you’re building a new home or renovating, having devices hardwired is ultimately the best and most reliable option for smart automation,” he says. “We can assist with the design and planning if you’re at this stage — consider us your ‘electronic architects.’”
Smart home customers today are most excited about lighting control in combination with the Josh.ai voice control system, which ranks as the top voice control system among custom electronics businesses.
“Setting lighting ‘scenes’ and using voice control to set moods in the home has been contagious over the last few years, and the technology keeps getting better and better,” says Gannon. “Imagine saying, ‘Hey Josh, I’m ready to relax,’ and the lights dim to your desired preset, the shades lower, your favorite jazz album starts playing, and the fireplace turns on.”
According to Gannon, Josh.ai is the only control system with a voice assistant purpose-built for smart home control. The system allows you to have a normal conversation with your home without the need to memorize specific commands.
“Josh lets you speak more naturally, using compound commands and natural speech — just say what’s on your mind,” he says. “The advanced AI evolves and adapts over time to provide the most intuitive experience possible.” And for customers worried about privacy, Gannon says the system doesn’t use client information for marketing purposes or sell user data to third parties. Unlike mass-market voice assistants, Josh.ai has one focus: providing the best smart home experience possible.
Security systems can also be integrated into your smart home automation, which allows your security system to activate more features. As an example, Gannon says that when the kids get home and disarm the alarm, the system can automatically turn on certain lights as it sends you a text that they’ve arrived home safely. Another possible feature is flashing exterior lights that enable first responders to easily locate your home if your alarm is triggered.
At HiTech Smart Homes & Security, Owner Tony Vu sees homeowners really benefitting from security and smart home integrations like this.
“When everything works together, that’s when it really gets cool,” says Vu. “Your camera can turn on lights, your alarm can lock doors — stuff like that. You don’t want five different apps for your house — you want one system that just works.”
Vu says the most recent change in home security is just how much smarter systems are.
“Cameras don’t just see motion — they know the difference between a person, a car, or a dog,” says Vu. “That alone cuts down on so many false alerts and faster video extraction. Plus, everything lives in one app now, which homeowners really appreciate.”
According to Vu, there’s a common misconception that cameras alone equal security. While cameras are important, Vu says real security comes in layers: your alarm, sensors, and camera all working together. Another misconception, he says, is that these systems are complicated. Instead, customers are often surprised by how easy they are to use.
Homeowners new to security systems shouldn’t overthink their approach. Vu says to start with the basics — doors, windows, the alarm — and then maybe add a camera. You can always build from there. For security systems, there is usually a monthly cost for monitoring and for certain smart features, especially if you want video storage. Vu says it’s not just paying for equipment but paying for peace of mind.
Smart home systems — separate from security — don’t typically require monthly subscription fees, according to Gannon. However, a few do depending on the level of automation and monitoring required. Your electronics provider can help you pinpoint the best integrations for your needs and budget, and thankfully they’re the ones keeping up as the gales of change continue to blow.
“It’s very impressive today, and it’s only going to refine over time,” says Gannon. “This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see what comes in the near future.”
