Each year, CEDIA Expo highlights the trends shaping smart technology. At the 2025 show in Denver, one theme stood out: the industry is maturing. Instead of chasing flashy, one-off innovations, manufacturers focused on refining products, improving integration, and delivering solutions that scale across residential and commercial environments alike.
For home builders, integrators, and property managers, these shifts underscore an important point; smart technology is no longer a luxury add-on, it’s becoming a must-have for modern homes.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how people interact with technology. Platforms like Josh.ai are blending voice control and automation to create and suggest more personalized environments. Crestron unveiled Configure Pro, a tool designed to make system setup easier for integrators, along with simplified remotes for everyday use.
The impact is clear: AI is proactively learning a homeowner's routine and creating customized scenes to enhance daily living. This continuous learning and adaptation ensure a truly personalized and intuitive smart home experience.
Read about Level’s Josh.ai integration.
Lighting and shading stole the spotlight at CEDIA Expo 2025. Manufacturers showcased tunable white lighting to help with circadian rhythms, advanced color controls, and shades designed for non-traditional windows. Many solutions now integrate directly with home management systems.
For residential spaces, these advancements mean:
Energy efficiency through automated daylight management
Occupant comfort with customizable lighting scenes
Design flexibility with architectural-grade fixtures and shading options
This year's show highlighted ultra-short throw projectors, MicroLED video walls, and large, high-contrast displays. As costs decrease, these technologies are transitioning from custom high-end installations to more common residential uses, such as:
Living rooms and home theaters
Game rooms and media dens
Outdoor entertainment areas
These technologies are moving into more mainstream commercial applications too, including:
Lobbies and reception areas
Multi-purpose conference spaces
Hospitality and entertainment venues
CEDIA Expo 2025 wasn’t just about end-user experiences — it was about making life easier for professionals. New configuration platforms, simplified wiring solutions, and stronger cross-brand compatibility signal a shift toward more efficient project delivery.
For integrators, this translates to fewer installation headaches, faster deployments, and systems that are easier to update over time.
The overarching message from this year’s Expo: smart technology is refining, not reinventing. Interoperability, scalability, and reliability were recurring themes. That’s especially relevant for residential projects, where future-proofing investments matters as much as the initial wow factor.
At Level, we see these trends as validation of what we’ve believed from the start: the best technology doesn’t add complexity, it removes it. As smart lighting, shading, and displays advance, smart locks and integrated access control remain a critical piece of the puzzle.
The future of smart homes isn’t about more technology — it’s about better technology. Solutions that are secure, scalable, and seamlessly integrated. And we’re building them with you in mind.
Learn more about Level’s Trade Professional program.
