Who's got game? Courting millennial renters

Apartment owners are going after Millennials with a full-court press, and not just during March Madness. The opportunity represented by this groundswell of echo-boom renters, who will become the nation’s largest living generation this year, outstrips anything multifamily has seen in recent memory. But that begs the question: Is multifamily ready for this new wave? Having gotten used to the over-the-top amenities that are the signature of student housing today, Millennials have high expectations when it comes to technology. First on their list? Fast, robust Internet. Check out this exclusive Industry Voices article over at Student Housing Business featuring InfiniSys CEO Richard Holtz, and learn about the fast break multifamily owners will have to pull off to cater to this new generation of residents.   

Automatic for the (Apartment) People

Up until now, home automation has mainly focused on single-family residences. But that many soon be changing. In this article, Multifamily Executive’s Laura McNulty takes a look at a home automation hub that not only connects apartment dwellers to their homes – and devices such as smart thermostats or other appliances -- but also puts residents and managers in constant communication, too. Of course, the key for this type of automation to really hit home for apartment dwellers will be a robust, reliable Internet connection that doesn't get bogged down during peak periods. In the meantime, at least you'll be able to know if you really did turn the coffee pot off before leaving for work. Read the article here.

Home Tweet Home

A tweeting house, a homemade thermostat to turn up the heat on the landlord, and a rabbit to find your next apartment. The New York Times Natalie Kitroeff takes a look at how the Internet of Things, as well as some neat apps, are changing what we think of as Home Tweet Home…

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/09/realestate/high-tech-solutions-for-house-and-apartment.html

Cutting the cellular cord

Just in case you think cellular over WiFi is still a far-off possibility, think again. Wall Street Journal staffer Ryan Knutson cut his cellular cord for a month, and while it wasn’t a seamless experience, he found it relatively easy to manage on WiFi alone. The technology isn’t going to put cell phone carriers like Verizon and AT&T out of business tomorrow, but it’s starting to get the attention of Wall Street analysts who cover those companies. Now, what’s the WiFi password again at your apartment community? I need to make a call.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/do-you-really-need-a-wireless-phone-carrier-1425077991

The emerging world of cellular over WiFi

Apartment owners who have struggled with the issue of ensuring strong cellular signals for residents inside their buildings may soon have a new option to work with: their existing WiFi networks. But within that solution lies another challenge. Namely, you’ve got to make sure your WiFi signal is up to the task. The New York Times’ Brian X. Chen takes a look at the rapidly emerging world of cellular over WiFi.


http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/16/technology/small-phone-companies-use-wi-fi-to-punch-above-their-weight.html?_r=2