Over the years, the smart home business has been growing exponentially. By 2020, the number of connected smart devices is expected to reach 20.4 billion and 12.8 billion of these will be for households, as per Forbes Middle East. With such numbers, it is important for developers and real estate specialists to study the smart home market to determine what potential home buyers want in a smart home. The Indian Government has launched several initiatives, including the ‘101 Smart Cities’ and ‘Housing For All by 2022’, which has led to increased investments and competition in the real estate industry. With the industry expected to hit $180 billion by 2020, smart home developers can outdo competitors by installing the most common smart devices, thereby increasing both the marketability and value.
Smart speakers
In the past, control was done by installing numerous smartphone apps, which was unreliable. Thanks to the rise of smart speakers, this problem is solved, and still the future holds more. The most reliable speakers currently dominating the market are Apple Homepad, Google Home, and Amazon Echo. Of these, the Apple Homepad is suitable for homes with Apple Kit as one can control devices using the IOS Home App. Similarly, Google Home has broader coverage, and Google Assistant, which powers the speaker is the easiest to talk to, as reported by TrustedReviews. Also, consumers claim that the Amazon Echo speakers offer the most extensive level of smart home control. For instance, with Amazon Alexa, you can operate multiple devices such as switching off music, heating, and lighting with one phrase. Marketers should be sure to install the choice that is compatible with popular devices.
Safety and security
Smart cameras capture what goes around your home and send notifications to your smartphone if they notice anything suspicious. For instance, smoke and carbon dioxide detectors are designed to contact your phone if they sense a fire. Similarly, smart home cameras let you see who is at the door even when you are not home. Also, pet cameras help keep an eye on your pets when you are out working. Online review sources show that when it comes to security, a majority of home buyers prefer outside models because most security threats come from outside. They, however, cost more and might need professional services.
Smart lighting and heating
Besides turning lights on and off via your phone or voice command, smart lighting entails a lot more. For example, with the right kit, you could set your lights to turn on if your camera detects motion. You could also have the lights turn on and off automatically when you are away, thereby fooling potential robbers into thinking you are home. Another entry point that home buyers look for is thermostats that sense when you are not home, whereby they change settings to away, a vice that helps save energy.
The leading smart home device manufacturers that are dominating India’s market are Apple, Amazon, and Google. As a developer or a property marketer, you should ensure to select the best provider depending on its respective popularity in your area. Also, since a significant part of the smart home technology is the ability for devices to integrate and communicate, when shopping consider checking the ‘works with’ information posted on the box.