Smart homes are now an integral part of European households, according to a representative survey conducted by reichelt elektronik in the autumn of 2024. According to the survey, three quarters of European households (71%) use smart home products. Smart security devices such as cameras and smoke detectors (39%) are particularly popular. In this guide you can find out which trends and innovations will be available next year.
Progress on the Matter communication standard
Setting up your own smart home can sometimes be complicated. Every time you add a new product, you may need a new app or hub to use it. The Matter smart home standard promises to change that. In the future, devices from different categories and manufacturers will be united, controlled and combined according to this standard. The integration of Matter is a long process, but progress has been made recently. More and more manufacturers are adding Matter support or updating their existing devices to make them compatible.For example, smart home company tedee has announced a Matter update for the tedee Lock GO door lock. The smart door lock eliminates the need for conventional keys. The door can be opened or closed using a smartphone, and access authorisations can be sent to guests or family members at any time and from anywhere using the free tedee app. These digital keys can also be easily personalised: Access can be granted on a permanent, time-limited or recurring basis. The lock is also easy for anyone to install on the door. It is inserted and fixed directly onto the existing key in the cylinder on the inside of the door. Installation is then carried out in just a few steps via the tedee app.
A number of Eve products, such as the Eve Motion motion detector, are already compatible with Matter. The intelligent motion and light sensor alerts owners as soon as movement is detected. It can also be used to control lights or trigger pre-defined scenarios. With wireless battery operation and IPX-3 water resistance, it can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Integrating AI for greater security
AI is and will continue to be the dominant trend in the smart home sector. The integration of AI-based technologies is helping to make the smart home more intuitive, efficient and user-friendly for users, as well as increasing security.Examples of this are the smart security cameras from IMOU. Such as the IMOU Ranger D10 M, an innovative Wi-Fi surveillance camera with two independent 5MP lenses. The fixed lens provides continuous surveillance of the defined area. A second lens can be tilted and swivelled and automatically follows moving objects thanks to the Smart Tracking function.
The IMOU Cruiser D6 is just as smart and suitable for outdoor use. Thanks to its 360-degree rotatable lenses, the surveillance camera offers complete coverage without any blind spots. With the SENSE algorithm, it reliably detects people, animals and vehicles and offers various night vision modes. In Smart mode, for example, it can automatically switch from black and white to colour recording when motion is detected.
Multi-talents for optimum protection
The multi-functionality of smart home products is a clear trend that is becoming increasingly important. This is because many people do not want to be dependent on several devices. They prefer to invest in solutions that combine several functions in one device.The Bosch Door/Window Contact II Plus not only triggers the alarm system when uninvited guests push open a window or door. It also incorporates a vibration sensor with 5 different sensitivity levels. This immediately detects if intruders are tampering with the windows and activates the alarm. In this way, most attempted break-ins can be prevented. It can also detect security breaches in the form of open windows or doors when the alarm is activated and send a warning to the user.
The EZVIZ BM1 is an intelligent baby monitor. It detects crying and baby activity and triggers an alarm when the child leaves the cot. It offers clear night vision without distracting light, can automatically play soothing music and enables two-way communication. With 1080p FHD video quality, integration with Google Assistant and Alexa, and storage on microSD card or in the cloud, it provides total nursery monitoring, even when travelling.
Easy entry to a smart and secure home
Affordable starter kits are an easy way to get started with a smart home and build up gradually without having to invest in expensive and complex systems straight away. Many starter kits focus on home security. They include basic security products such as door and window sensors, motion detectors and an alarm panel.A good example is the Yale Smart Alarm Starter Kit. Not only does it provide the basic security products mentioned above, it is also easy to install and use. The compatibility of the starter kit ensures easy expansion of the smart home, as it can be expanded with up to 100 components. With Yale Horizon+ technology, up to one kilometre of protection can be achieved to secure the largest possible indoor and outdoor area. With all these features, it is the perfect introduction to the smart home.
To sum up
It can be said that innovations in home security and smart homes are making everyday life more convenient. They also make a significant contribution to the security of your own home. With advanced technologies such as the Matter communication standard and the integration of AI into security systems, consumers have access to increasingly powerful and user-friendly solutions. This makes it easier to get started with a safe and smart connected home.
Images: Adobe Stock, reichelt elektronik
