A survey by reichelt elektronik proves: Smart home products can be an integral part of everyday life – and convenience is at least as important as practicality
In a representative survey by reichelt elektronik on the popularity of smart home devices in Europe, consumers reveal whether, why, and in which areas of the home they use smart home products – and what they want from the smart homes of the future.
It’s more than just practicality – why smart home devices are so popular
Smart devices are no longer the exception. According to the survey, three quarters of European households (71 %) use smart home products. Intelligent entertainment systems such as smart TVs and smart music systems (56 %), voice assistants such as Google Home or Alexa (53 %) and smart security devices like cameras and smoke alarms (39 %) are particularly popular.
This data paints a coherent picture when combined with the reasons given by consumers for buying smart devices for their home: Half (50 %) want to increase the comforts within their abode, while practicality (42 %) is a close second. Beyond this, respondents cited enthusiasm for technology (29 %) as a reason for purchasing smart home devices. Investing in a smart home is therefore about far more than just practical optimisation. It is just as important for respondents to create a cosy home and enjoying innovative technology.
Saving energy costs with the help of smart home devices
In addition to comfort and enthusiasm for technology, energy-saving capabilities should not be neglected. Almost a third (32 %) invest in smart home devices to reduce energy costs – and do so successfully. 59 per cent stated that they had saved electricity or energy costs thanks to the intelligent helpers. However, there is still room for improvement when it comes to using smart home devices to save resources and by extension costs. For example, users could use smart shutter control to improve the indoor temperature in summer without relying solely on air conditioning. With intelligent watering systems, they could optimise watering garden or balcony plants and even save water in many cases. However, these two product groups are only used by 15 and 12 per cent respectively, bringing up the rear.
Making life easier
A clear majority of respondents (89 %) state that smart homes make their lives easier. Therefore it is also critical that these products are easy to use and work reliably. Control via an app (64 %) is significantly more popular than using voice control (35 %) or a remote control (30 %). More than half (54 %) only use a single app – they either make sure that all products are from the same brand when purchasing, or they integrate devices from different brands into a single app.
When making a purchasing decision, Europeans attach great importance to a good price-performance ratio (57 %), solid data security (44 %), sustainability or energy consumption (40 %), and the longevity of the products (33 %). However, the fact that many smart home products are not accessible to everyone, such as older people or people with disabilities (64 %), is viewed unfavourably. This shows a clear desire for manufacturers to adjust the operation of devices with an even greater focus on the needs of all population groups.
A life without a smart device? Unthinkable! Even when looking to the future
Almost half of respondents (45 %) already say: ‘I couldn’t imagine life without smart home products.’ Additionally, European consumers have high hopes for the future too: First and foremost, they hope for lower prices for smart home products (50 %). They also want more functions for monitoring their own energy consumption (30 %) and expect more security functions (30 %).
In the long term, respondents are particularly keen on innovations that will make other areas of their lives and daily routines easier. They are particularly interested in the possibility of using smart home functions to support the daily routines of senior citizens in order to enable them to live independently for as long as possible (32 %). In addition, respondents would like to be able to open or close their windows using smart home devices (24 %) and would like a tracker to help them find frequently lost items (27 %).
‘The survey results show that smart home devices are already an established part of many people’s everyday lives’, comments Thomas Kruse, Product Manager for Network Technology and Smart Home at reichelt elektronik. ‘Smart devices are not only a functional support, but they are also an essential component for an efficient and cosy home and bring joy to its residents. The possibilities of smart home products are far from exhausted – and as the study shows, people are looking forward to innovations that make their lives easier and more enjoyable.’
Images: reichelt elektronik, Adobe Stock
