Smart Home Technology

WHAT DO CONSUMERS WANT FROM SMART HOMES?

Consumers are embracing smart home devices for three main purposes: to reduce housework, save time and energy, and personalise their appliances’ functions. As one survey participant said, “A major benefit of the smart home is conservation, which helps me do my bit for the Planet.” The largest percentage of consumers (17.3 per cent) cited energy savings as the top reason for bringing this technology into their homes. Homeowners also enjoy the ability of smart home tech to increase safety, reduce effort, save money, and enable one to be more house-proud.

WHY SMART HOMES ARE A WIN FOR EVERYONE

LG’S THINQ 2021 SMART HOME REPORT

Technology for smart homes is bridging the divide for older consumers who are less tech-savvy, according to LG’s recently published ThinQ 2021 Smart Home Report. The research focuses on how modern lifestyles influence human beings’ choice of smart home appliances, the impact of home automation on their daily lives, and how smart tech is redefining their idea of intelligent living. Marisa Cutillas summarises the most important findings.

HOW CAN SMART TECH IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF APPLIANCES?

According to those surveyed, the top benefits that smart technology brings to appliances include: Z TVs – Smart tech makes TVs easier and more convenient to use thanks to streaming services and automatic image/ sound optimisation. Z Washers – Performance is improved thanks to AI tech, which identifies fabrics and recommends the best wash program. Smart washers can also order detergent and fabric softener products automatically when stocks are low. Z Air Conditioner – Energy optimisation. Z Refrigerator – Self-diagnosis of repair needs and the provision of notifications to users regarding food expiry dates.

SMART HOMES FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND LIFESTYLES

In case you thought only younger generations were embracing smart tech, think again. Users aged 50 to 54 showed the highest satisfaction with their smart homes and people with little knowledge of tech such as AI are just as satisfied with their smart appliances as those who are tech-savvier.

There is a difference in what attracts people of different ages to home automation, however. People in their 20s are intrigued by the idea of owning new or advanced tech, while those aged over 45 are seeking to improve performance. The top three lifestyle values of smart home tech owners included an appreciation for high social status, real-life practicality, and social responsibility. Users are most interested in topics like children/education, gardening, and household matters.

HOW SMART EDUCATION IS IMPROVING USERS’ EVERYDAY LIVES

The LG report provided real-case studies to show how smart living has improved productivity, entertainment, and efficiency. For instance, sports enthusiasts hailed features such as reminders for games, receiving live updates, and getting straight to one’s chosen content. Outdoor gardeners, meanwhile, enjoyed features such as hands-free control, pre-cooling for hot days, and controlling appliances from a smartphone. Fashion lovers appreciated features such as laundry assistance for novices, replacing dry cleaning services with at-home care, as well as the capacity to make clothes last longer. Home Chefs loved receiving food expiration notices, efficient grocery shopping, and the way smart fridges could help them access fresh ingredients for meals. Content consumers were into features such as AI-enhanced picture and sound (AI helps TVs analyse source content and recognises ambient conditions) and the ability to enjoy clear images in daylight and at-home theatre experiences.

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF SMART HOMES?

When asked what they desired for the future, consumers indicated that they wished to receive unique suggestions based on their personal living patterns. In particular, they yearn for the following: Z AI optimisation that learns from the content viewer’s patterns. Z Fridges that create shopping lists based on users’ past purchases and preferences. Z Suggestions regarding the best time to wash and dry clothing. Z Enhanced voice control for higher convenience (for instance, questions that clarify or narrow down the user’s original enquiry). Z Notifications and updates for all types of TV programs, including news programmes.

In addition to recording the above findings, LG’s researchers also concluded that new smart home technology is bridging the divide for older users, who may be less techsavvy than their younger counterparts. Anyone and everyone can avail of smart technology, regardless of their age, interests, and lifestyles. Smart tech not only enables homeowners to save money and time, but also fosters a sustainable lifestyle; one that is personalised, more efficient, and infinitely more entertaining than it once was.

i www.lg.com