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Smart Home GfK Internet of Things

Three quarters of consumers want smart tech in the home but only a third will splash the cash

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By John McCarthy, Opinion Editor

November 6, 2014 | 3 min read

Three quarters of UK consumers are open to adopting smart home appliances for heating, security and entertainment systems but only one third will pay for the pleasure, according to a study from GfK.

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The consumer report found that 76 per cent of people were attracted to smart systems but only 35 per cent were willing to pay the cost of connecting their homes.

Energy meters which help accurately control electricity usage were the most popular appliances with 84 per cent saying they want one.

However, only 28 per cent said they would fork out any money for the appliance.

Two thirds were attracted to the concept of having their home lighting, heating and doors controlled by a smartphone or wearable device. Over half said they would pay for this luxury.

A further 67 per cent said they would happily have the TV function as home network control centre, receiving infortmation from household devices. Over a third were willing to pay for the technology to make this so.

Finally, 64 per cent of respondents enjoyed the idea of having their health monitored in the home with 39 per cent actually willing to pay for the technology capable of measuring their heart rate and sugar levels.

The tech-savvy 18-24s were generally more willing to pay for these smart innovations. The majority (90 per cent) of respondents in this age range would adopt the home controls. However, one in three in this age range do not actually own a home to upgrade.

Anne Giulianotti, UK technology research director at GfK, said: “There’s no question people find the concept of a smart home appealing, from controlling appliances, utilities and entertainment systems to managing bills, to more personal benefits like home health monitoring. The challenge is that the appeal is far the highest with younger people, the majority of whom don’t own their own homes, so won’t see the return from investing in converting a rental property.

“To attract the slightly more resistant, more mature home owning group will require clearer communications of the benefits tailored to this audience.”

In September, Telefonica global advertising chief, Daniel Rosen, claimed the firm is set to ‘power’ internet of things and wearable ecosystem in 2015.

Smart Home GfK Internet of Things

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