NEW YORK -- April 21, 2006 -- As home technology becomes more affordable, reliable and user friendly, consumers will increasingly become open to incorporating "smart" features into their properties, experts say.

Smart homes feature computer networks that control appliances, security systems and heating and air-conditioning systems, usually through the Web. Wireless broadband is helping to fuel the trend.

 
Rather than base smart homes on "cool technology," the Internet Home Alliance says the focus needs to be on instituting products for the home's three ecosystems: family, work and entertainment. Products that serve the family ecosystem concentrate on security and energy-efficiency, among other things; while those that serve the work ecosystem include cell phones and telecommuting tools.