In a new study by leading European retailer reichelt elektronik, consumers revealed their thoughts on smart home technology – why and how they use smart home products, and what they want from a smart home of the future.
According to the survey, the large majority of Irish households (81%) use smart home products – 10% more than European counterparts. Voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home (63%), and intelligent multimedia systems like smart TVs and music systems (62%) were noted as particularly popular.
These findings align with the key reasons consumers cite for purchasing smart home devices. Just under half (47%) see increasing comfort as the main reason for the purchasing of smart home technology, with practical functions (such as remote access or automation of processes) in second place (43%).
In addition to comfort, both security and the desire to save on energy costs were seen as notable reasons. Almost a third (30%) look to increase home security through tech, with high levels of perceived effectiveness applied to such products; 81% of respondents view smart security cameras as useful, 76% think the same of smart doorbells, and 65% believe smart home locks are beneficial.
Just behind security, 29% of smart tech users said reducing energy costs was a purchasing driver. Almost half (46%) found they’ve been able to lower spending on utility expenditures with the aid of smart devices.
The survey also found control via a smartphone app (68%) is significantly more popular than using voice control (37%) or a remote control (28%) – findings that are in keeping with results from other European countries.
When making a purchase decision, the Irish population attach great importance to a good price-performance ratio (48%), solid data protection (44%) and the longevity of the products (37%). However, pain points for those looking to buy smart home tech include high prices (57%), errors and failures (42%), concerns about data protection (37%) and installation complications (28%), highlighting the need for improvements by manufacturers.
While 81% of respondents have smart tech in their homes, there is a belief amongst the population that these products are not accessible for the older population or people with disabilities, with 68% expressing such a view. There’s a demand for smart home tech for older people living at home who need support for their own care, with 41% noting this is the area they would most like to see new products created for. Behind this demand comes the creation of a device that tracks lost belongings, i.e. glasses or keys (35%), automatic window locking systems (24%), health tracker for dogs (23%), personal assistants (23%) and products that can prepare hot drinks or cook (23%).
Above all, consumers want lower prices for smart home products (50%), in addition to more security functions (38%), and more options for controlling processes in the home (33%) in the future.
“The study shows that smart homes are already an established part of many people’s everyday lives across Ireland,” commented Christian Reinwald (Head of Product Management at reichelt elektronik).
“Smart devices are not only a functional support, they are an essential component for an efficient home”, he said. “With rising energy prices in recent years, adopting smart home technology is proving an effective way to reduce costs.
“The possibilities of smart products are far from exhausted – and as the study shows, people are looking forward to innovations that make their lives easier and more enjoyable”.
