Mythbusting the Smart Home: 5 Misconceptions

The numbers aren’t really surprising: As Gen Z reaches homebuying age, the first “digital natives” are accustomed to smart home solutions — in fact, more than 70 percent of those recently surveyed by Green Builder Media responded that these solutions are “critical today,” not in the future. With ever-broadening adoption, however, challenges still remain. What is…

ByCrestronAugust 25, 20260Comments

Industry Events Outdoor

PowerShades to Roll Out an Automated Awning at CEDIA 2026

PowerShades announced that it will introduce a new full-cassette automated awning at CEDIA Expo, expanding its lineup outdoors.

ByConnected DesignAugust 25, 20260Comments

Industry Events

A Brand Reborn: Connected Design’s Return to CEDIA Expo

I’m no CEDIA Expo newbie by any stretch of the imagination. But the sense of excitement and anticipation in the run up to the 2026 edition of this event is on a whole different level for me personally. And, selfishly, it has everything to do with the relaunch of the Connected Design brand. Last year was my…

ByRob StottAugust 24, 20260Comments

Industry Events Smart Home

Savant Preps Its Whole-Home Story for CEDIA Expo 2026

There is a difference between seeing smart home technology on a show floor and seeing it behave inside a space that feels like it could actually be lived in. That distinction was hard to miss during our recent visit to the Savant Experience Center in New York City’s SoHo district. The expanded 8,000-square-foot space brings…

ByConnected DesignAugust 20, 20260Comments

Industry Events News

Origin Acoustics Preps for CEDIA Expo 2026 With Expanded Leadership and a Broader Vision

Origin Acoustics is heading to CEDIA Expo 2026 with more than a new product story. The architectural audio manufacturer is using the show to signal a larger next chapter, one shaped by new executive leadership, expanded category ambitions, and a sharpened focus on how premium audio fits into luxury residential, commercial, outdoor, hospitality, and other environments.. At…

ByConnected DesignAugust 20, 20260Comments

Industry Events Industry News

Forge Debuts as New Parent Brand for Emerald and Questex

There’s now a name attached to the newly combined Emerald and Questex business. Forge debuted this week as the new corporate brand uniting Emerald and Questex LLC, following the July 2026 completion of Apollo-managed funds’ acquisition of both companies. The company is positioning itself as a global B2B events and media platform built around live…

ByRob StottAugust 20, 20260Comments

Industry News News

CEDIA Names 2026 Lifetime Achievement and Fellow Honorees

CEDIA has announced three of its 2026 individual award recipients, recognizing leaders whose work has helped shape the professional smart home industry through innovation, education, and long-term service to the channel. Peter Lyngdorf, the Danish entrepreneur and high-performance audio pioneer, has been named the recipient of CEDIA’s 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. Dave Tkachuk and Gordon…

ByConnected DesignAugust 19, 20260Comments

Industry News Lighting & Shading

Curious Questions: Design Through Discovery

Curiosity, in the context of lighting design and life, is acknowledging that before I can improve your world, I first need to understand it.

ByBruce ClarkAugust 18, 20260Comments

Industry News

Your Network Is Your Reputation: Why Integrators Must Own the Backbone

Every integrator has received the same phone call. Netflix isn’t streaming. Music keeps dropping out. Lighting scenes no longer work. Security cameras won’t load clearly. When this happens, homeowners come to a simple conclusion: the smart home isn’t working. Clients usually don’t wonder whether the issues are happening because of a disruption with their internet service…