The majority of the UK population is familiar with the smart home concept, and the smart technology’s utility is clear to them, especially when it comes to securing the home and giving them peace of mind.
The majority of the UK population is familiar with the smart home concept, and the smart technology’s utility is clear to them, especially when it comes to securing the home and giving them peace of mind.
Smart home awareness is growing in the UK. Up to 75% of consumers in the UK own a smart home device or are considering a purchase, according to a research conducted by DIY security company Swann.
In addition, people are starting to appreciate the utility of smart home devices. The Swann Smart Index, which maps consumers’ changing opinions on smart homes and security, revealed that 72% believe smart home technology can improve their life.
According to the survey, the biggest benefit of smart home technology is security and peace of mind (37%), followed by making life easier. However, just 17% of the surveyed own home security equipment, showing that there is still room for growth.
Also, consumers said they’d be most upset if sentimental items such as pictures and mementos were stolen from their home, suggesting that savvy consumers would be interested in investing in smart indoor security cameras.
“The smart home market is booming, with an ever-increasing number of homes incorporating smart technology such as smart lighting or smart security kits,” said Paul Birch, Vice President Europe at Swann. “We’ve found that above all else, people want smart products to keep their homes and families safe.”
Swann recently launched its first wired multi-camera CCTV kit with Google Assistant voice control, allowing users to use voice commands to see live home security footage on their TV.
Half of UK population have tried smart devices
Among those that have already owned smart home products, the survey shows that on average, each person owns 2.5 products, and £156.45 (about US$203) is spent per household in the past year.
The survey shows that smart security products are mostly used to deter break-ins or other unwanted activities (48%), to look at who’s at the door (40%) and to keep an eye on pets (21%).
A majority of users are considering another purchase in the next six months. Smart lighting (22%), smart thermostats (18%), smart security equipment (17%) and smart video doorbell (13%) are on the top of the shopping list.
It seems that nearly half of the UK population has tried voice control. Swann’s research shows that voice control is close to reaching ‘tipping point’ in the UK, as 49% have used the technology.
Belfast is the UK’s smartest city, with 77% planning a smart home purchase in the next six months. By comparison, 65% of Londoners are planning a similar purchase.
Smart technologies provide homeowners with security, comfort, energy efficiency and convenience. Europe has always been a lucrative market with a high rate of technology adoption and ICT infrastructure readiness for industry participants.
Germany accounts for the largest share of the European market, followed by the U.K. The rest of Europe is expected to grow at the fastest rate, due to the increase in the technological adoption of home automation technologies in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Sweden and others, according to a report of ReportLinker.