Once upon a time, technology was not allowed to go outside. Its many wires and electric components limited it to strictly indoor use. Technology dreamed of being un-tethered and free in the open air, and waited patiently for its capabilities to catch up with its ambitions. Until finally, it did. Technology’s wires fell away and its delicate components were made durable and waterproof, safe for outdoor use.
Today, tech is not only allowed outside, but it thrives there and has defied expectations. Now that technology has become more weather-friendly, wireless and accessible, it has changed the face of outdoor living. Here are a few of the most impressive tech products to transform your outdoor living space into a hi-tech sanctuary
Weather-Friendly Outdoor Tech
Previously, technology and the elements were not on good terms. The cold and heat, rain and sleet wreaked havoc on the delicate electrical components and could potentially pose a fire hazard. As gadgets have become more durable, and hot spots more available, technology no longer need be banished from the outdoors. Televisions have become a popular outdoor feature for homes, and sports fans now never need miss a moment of their favorite games. Some TVs are waterproof and can be mounted outside in any season, able to endure up to 122 degrees in temperature.
Other backyard enthusiasts are taking it a step further and projecting films on the sides of their homes. By hanging a white sheet or screen on the exterior wall, owners can use outdoor projectors to run movies, and those units equipped with HDMI connectivity are designed to allow for use with any Blu-ray player or media box.
Wireless Outdoor Tech
According to the American Society of Landscape Architects’ 2017 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey, wireless connectivity features rank second in most popular outdoor design elements requested by homeowners. More than 70 percent of landscape architects surveyed said they expected wireless connectivity to rank as the highest consumer demand this year.
One of the most popular wireless outdoor products are Bluetooth-enabled speakers. These waterproof speakers can connect with any media device within about a 30-foot range and are perfect for playing tunes while lounging by the pool. They are portable, shockproof and the battery life for most models ranges between 10 and 16 hours, so you’ll likely run out of daylight before you run out of music.
When you invest in these kinds of tech, you’ll want to keep an eye on them, and that’s where wireless security camera systems become must-haves. Without burdensome wires to tangle up and limit installation locations, these products offer flexibility. They can be installed higher up than your digital video recorder and further away from it without needing expensive cabling, so they can be used for long-distance outdoor monitoring. Most wireless camera systems also offer infrared night vision, motion-detection and hi-def resolution.
Accessible Tech
Outdoor high-tech systems have gained popularity largely due to increased accessibility. Many products are portable and can be controlled by smartphone apps. These features give customers more command over product use as well as offer customization.
To create the right ambiance for their outdoor havens, homeowners are using advanced lighting systems. Some offer settings that allow each LED light to be customized as a different hue. Since many Americans use their outdoor spaces to unwind and relax, developing the right mood can be important.
Other customizable high-tech outside features controlled by apps are designed to maintain the quality of habitat. Some irrigation tech controlled by a smartphone can tap into weather towers and anticipate changes in climate. Some can also self-monitor and adjust output, monitor the temperature and even detect leaks. Additionally, electric infrared fans and heaters controlled through smartphone apps can not only make your outdoor area more comfortable, but they look really cool.
Technology and the outdoors may not have worked well together once upon a time, but today they are the best of friends. Thanks to modifications to make tech weather-proof, the evolution of wireless devices and the increased accessibility of tech products, you can go enjoy your outdoor space and your tech at the same time.