The Verge's Smart Home Trends & Top Tech Picks of 2024

The Evolution of Smart Homes in 2024

The smart home industry is experiencing a transformative shift as we enter 2024. After the initial excitement surrounding the Matter interoperability standard, which aimed to streamline the connection of smart devices across platforms, the pace of innovation has slowed. Companies are adapting to the realization that integrating Matter effectively will take time. As a result, 2024 has become a year of consolidation, where the focus is shifting from hardware innovations to software developments, especially those leveraging generative AI.

Smart Door Locks Leading Innovation

In contrast to the broader trend, the smart door lock category has witnessed remarkable innovations in 2024. Major advancements include:

• Lockly introducing the first facial recognition lock.
• Philips unveiling the first-ever palm print lock.
• ADT collaborating with Google Nest and Yale to develop a system utilizing facial recognition to unlock doors and disarm security systems.

These advancements signify that smart locks are becoming more sophisticated and are set to elevate home security standards.

Apple Arcade: A Year of Transition

While the gaming landscape evolved, Apple’s subscription gaming service, Apple Arcade, faced a challenging year. In 2024, consumers witnessed few notable exclusive releases, resulting in a service filled with games that were previously available on other platforms. However, the inclusion of popular titles like Balatro and Vampire Survivors added value to subscribers.

Balatro: An Unexpected Hit

Balatro has enjoyed success as a unique poker game with roguelike mechanics that require players to collect rare joker cards to optimize their decks. Its engaging gameplay suits mobile platforms, allowing users to enjoy quick sessions, making it a standout title for Apple Arcade this year.

The Rise of Smart Rings

2024 was relatively quiet for smartwatches, focusing more on iterative updates than groundbreaking innovations. However, the smart ring category experienced a renaissance, particularly following Samsung's announcement of the highly anticipated Galaxy Ring. This move by a major player in wearable technology elevates smart rings from niche to mainstream products.

Steam Deck: Continuous Improvement

The Steam Deck continues to enhance its gaming experience, and 2024 is no exception. It provides users without limitations access to a vast library of games whether at home or on the move. Valve's ongoing software updates, such as enhanced game recording features, keep the device relevant and user-friendly.

Threads: The New Social Network Phenomenon

If there’s a winner in the social networking realm, it’s undoubtedly Threads. Launched 18 months ago by Meta, this text-first social platform has seen over 300 million users and continues to grow. Despite not replicating the dynamics of Twitter, Threads is carving its own niche in the social media landscape.

Conclusion

Overall, 2024 has been a pivotal year for technological innovation across various sectors, particularly in smart home devices, gaming, and social media. As we advance into 2025, expectations are high for continued growth and development in these fields, with smart locks, gaming services, and innovative wearables leading the charge.