The Parnell family of Sheffield, England were lucky enough to be selected to test-drive a new hi-tech house that is loaded with gadgets. Inside this house, they have amenities such as a wireless network, self-cleaning windows, underfloor heating and seal-sealing fire doors. As part of the deal, the Parnells each have to wear an electronic ID bracelet so that the developers can track what rooms and gadgets they use and how often. Not a bad deal, if you ask me. Of course, some of the gadgets/cutting-edge nicities could have been puchased after the fact, but most had to be built into the house to begin with, otherwise you’re looking at some serious renovation. This adds $$$ to the cost, and this is what the developer is putting to the test.
As has been the case throughout the last century of technological innovation, older technologies become more commonplace as time goes by. I see this occurring with home construction as well. Today’s modern homes routinely contain dishwashers, microwaves, ovens with timers and high-efficiency refridgerators, none of which could be easily found 50 years ago. It is just a matter of time before the technologies found in Project Life’s test home become commonplace as well.