Earlier this month the LMCA team attended the International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago.  The event showcased the latest trends and innovations happening in the industry and what we can expect to see on store shelves in the near future.  With smart devices already changing the way we live and work, there are huge opportunities for brands to evolve their businesses by expanding into connected devices for the home. 

Here is a look at some of the innovative technologies we saw at the show that are emerging in the home and houseware space: 

A new way to protect your packages
With the growing number of home deliveries comes a higher risk of packages getting stolen.  Parcel Guard by Danby, is a smart mailbox that prevents theft. With sensors, an IP camera, and internet connectivity, the mailbox takes a picture and sends your phone an alert whenever a package is delivered. 

Smart Ironing
Imagine in one touch being able to set the correct temperature and steam output to remove wrinkles and apply the perfect press to any garment. CHI introduced the Touchscreen Iron at this year’s show.  The iron is the first to feature a touchscreen control panel similar to smartphone technology.  It allows you to choose the material, temperature or power for a customized experience in your home laundry room.

Premium Cocktails on Demand
Now you don’t have to be a mixologist to enjoy an excellent cocktail.  Unveiled at the show, Bartesian is a home cocktail robot that creates bar-quality cocktails on demand, providing an effortless way to enjoy and serve premium cocktails at home.  Simply insert a capsule, select the strength, and enjoy a perfectly crafted cocktail in seconds. Four reservoirs contain each of your favorite spirits (vodka, gin, rum, tequila, or whiskey). When a capsule is inserted the system draws the spirit from the appropriate reservoir. The strength of each drink is adjustable from mocktail to triple, so there’s a cocktail for every palate. 

Smart Locks
Home security is getting smarter.  The innovative Westinghouse Video Doorbell connects with your smart device to help keep your home protected. This video doorbell, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth compatible, sends you alerts when you have visitors or if motion is detected, and allows for 2-way communication with guests.  Its wide-angle camera can pan and zoom on live and recorded videos.

Every day new smart devices are being introduced into our everyday lives.  As this trend continues to grow and evolve, one way brands can look to keep ahead of advancing innovations in the industry is through strategic brand licensing.  Through licensing, brands can partner with top-line manufacturers and businesses that are at the forefront of developing new and innovative smart devices and in turn, grow their revenue, increase their customer base and bring innovative products to market faster and more resourcefully.