Like so many other industries today, home security is rapidly adapting and evolving in response to new advances in technology. It was only 150-plus years ago, that the first patent on electromagnetic burglar alarms was issued to Augustus Pope. Pope applied the new discoveries about electricity to develop a groundbreaking security device.

And now in the face of new technology home security is changing yet again. However this time, it's wireless technology that is helping pave the way.

Older, hard-wired alarms are being replaced by high-tech wireless systems as the new standard for the home security industry. Not only are these systems portable, flexible and easier to install, they are changing the scope and size of home security in ways never thought possible.

Home automation now encompasses home security
Most people, when they hear the words "home security system", immediately think of loud sirens and burglars. But when future generations hear those words, their minds will undoubtedly be filled with different images. And two words explain why: Home automation.

We now live in a world of all manner of gadgets and gizmos: from smart phones to tablets and 3D televisions. The list of new appliances just goes on and on.

Devices such as these now play an integral role in our everyday lives, be it for business, pleasure or communication. Home automation enables consumers to simplify all of these devices into one user-friendly technological application.

Here are some of the things you can do with a "smart home:"

+ Remotely arm and disarm your home security system using a smartphone, computer or similar device
+ Monitor and adjust your thermostat remotely
+ Monitor and adjust your blinds and lighting remotely
+ Electrical appliances can be controled and scheduled to automate their operation
+ Real-time text, phone or email notifications of events at your home can be received.
+ Live surveillance video of your home can be wateched through your web-enabled device

Not surprisingly, leading home security companies are changing rapidly to better integrate home automation into their services. One example is home security leader ADT, unveiled ADT Pulse in 2010, which gives customers an unprecedented level of accessibility and control over their home. Visit homesecuritysystems.com to learn more about ADT and other home security companies.

Future directions of home security
It was barely a few years ago that smart home technology was only found in The Jetsons and other futuristic Hollywood stories. But now, home automation is more than just a reality, but a rapidly growing business as well.

Global home security manufacturer Ingersoll Rand says the industry will power ahead to over $2.5 billion in the next couple of years - a massive 30 percent growth in the number of houses with home automation systems. More importantly, as home automation moves into the mainstream, the technology powering it will rapidly expand and improve in scope and application.