Balazs Gollner: “Automation of houses is unpopular in Hungary”
At 2016 INNOTECH WeLoveUa interviewed Hungarian IT-specialist.
Balazs Gollner’s presentation in Kyiv was dedicated to smart home technologies and automation. After the speech, we interviewed Gollner.
WeLoveUA: You talked about home automation. Did you automate your own home?
Balazs Golner: Yes. I mentioned about the start-up of German company, which is engaged with automation of houses’ heating system. I have at home such system. By the way it works perfect. I Set the system about two years ago, and it really saves my money.
And it’s all?
Nowadays – yes. But now starts the most interesting part – I’m moving to a new house. And I have interesting plans for its settlement.
What kind?
I’m not interested in the systems of turn on and turn off the light, but automatically closing windows – that’s what I want. I also want to automate the irrigation system in the garden.
Yyou live in Hungary, to be exact in Budapest. Do People in this town automate their houses? Or you are the only one?
No, I am not the only one. Smart home technology is rather new direction, and it is expensive. That is why it is suitable only for those who have enough money. Automation of houses is not a very popular in Hungary, but I think everything will change. Systems that I have told about here are getting cheaper.
How do you think what percentage of people in Budapest automate their houses?
I think only those people who work in the tech industry, at the Hardware or Soft–engineering. Working with these technologies, you always start thinking about smart home technologies.
Do you think that these technologies in the future will be such a “habit”, since become popular in every home?
I think in the future, developers will set these defaults technologies into new houses.
Thus, they will be in every house?
Yes, I believe in this.
And what can you say about the robots and other fantastic things? They will be popular in the future?
(Laughs) I think money is the main aspect here. If such things will be cheaper, more and more people will try them.
Okay. What was your motivation when you decided to attend this event?
I was always interested in the automation of houses, even when I was a kid. I loved attend such exhibitions and study technologies that are already available. That is why it was natural for me – to watch what happens here. I always interested in Hardware, and in my work, when I am in the company of 10-15 people working on mobile software, I cannot get such satisfaction.
How often do you visit Ukraine?
Infrequently. Last time I was here more than 7 years ago. Also, I got a vacation for a while in the Carpathians.
Do your visiting Kyiv first time?
No, I am here second time. At first, I visited several IT-companies’ offices.
What can you say about start-ups and technologies in Ukraine? Are they developing as well as in Europe?
Unfortunately, I do not have enough information about it. But this event looks hopeful. I do not know Russian and Ukrainian, that is why I do not understand the presentations, but the fact remains. The previous speaker talked about open data. This idea is promising, and it could “blow up” the start-up companies in Ukraine. But, unfortunately, I have no information on your question.
Perhaps you have worked at IT-offices in Kyiv…
I worked there for a short time that is why I cannot say anything.