KB Home to Offer Homebuyers Google Assistant Powered Houses
KB Home announced earlier this month the new KB Smart Home System powered by Google Assistant. It is positioned as, “the first-in-the-industry partnership with Google” which is true because other builders have focused to date on deals with Amazon and Apple.
“The KB Smart Home System will be included with new home sales at select communities, in Denver, Colorado; Las Vegas, Nevada; Jacksonville, Florida; and Orange County, California, and its components will also be available as options to KB homebuyers at the KB Home Design Studios in those markets. KB Home and Google are aiming to expand the availability of the KB Smart Home System to more KB Home communities across the country, based on consumer response.”
Making Smart Home a Selling Point
Homebuilders are increasingly viewing smart home features as selling points that can influence homebuyer decision making. The foundation for most of these packages is strong WiFi coverage throughout the home combined with a smart speakers that can control lights as well as access entertainment. The KB Home package appears to be the first to also offer a video doorbell camera. Key package components to include:
- Google Wifi “mesh” network that is designed to deliver consistently strong and secure signal throughout the home
- Two smart speakers, including a Google Home, and a Google Home Mini, with voice control and automation by Google Assistant
- Nest Hello Video Doorbell
- Professional installation and integration of all devices for seamless interconnectivity by DISH Smart Home Services after move-in
It is interesting that KB Home is planning to use DISH Smart Home Services for the installation as Google doesn’t have these types of resources. Also, it is notable that the device installation is scheduled for “after move-in.” The Lennar properties are installing smart home features before move-in.
BuilderOnline lists KB Home as the fifth largest home builder in the U.S. by units sold in 2017 and sixth largest by revenue. This is good news for Google to have a large partner in the new home construction market as competition for voice assistant placement heats up in several channels. You can read the full announcement here.
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