The use of smart technology has already been a jump forward in domestic technology.
Look back 100 years and there was very little technology in the home, whereas now the average home has technology products which allow them to communicate with people across the world, wash dishes and clothes not by hand, heat up food within minutes, watch video streams and content from millions of sources, and listen to digital music which isn’t owned.
However, while these technologies are commonplace, smart technology isn’t yet being adopted by the masses, like dishwashers and microwaves have been. Why is that? Well, we’re still in the early adoption stages. And additionally people aren’t quite recognising the benefits of the smart technology yet. The main marketing points for most smart devices are energy efficiency and convenience. These are two things most consumers care about, but not enough to spend money on. I mean, switching a light switch off before you leave a room, and pre-setting your thermostat is convenient enough for most people. And while many people have an Alexa or Siri around, they were used as a novelty but are being left on the shelf, quite literally in the case of Alexa, because most things they do can be done just as quickly yourself.
But what many people seem to be missing, and companies for that matter, is that there are other benefits to a lot of the smart devices, benefits which are much higher up the priority list for most people, saving money and feel secure at home. Enter smart devices that are designed to provide heightened security in your home, helping you feel reassured that whether you’re in bad asleep or on holiday, your technology is standing vigilant ready to warn off intruders and alert you as soon as an intruder steps anywhere near your property.
Smart Cameras and smart sensors can be configured and integrated to build a digital perimeter around your home, and within your property covering all entrance points. As soon as a sensor is triggered, connected devices which include audio and lighting can respond to scare off the intruder, and your smartphone, smartwatch and tablet will receive an alert and live video stream to let you know what’s happening. This is the type of security system we only ever saw on the movies during the heist of a priceless piece of art or a bank robbery. The future of the smart home is a complete high security system which is highly responsive and secure. We say the future, but actually the technology is already there, available to domestic users, its just a matter of it being adopted!
Another great addition to the smart security system which is having higher adoption levels is smart doorbells. You may have used one without knowing it, but these smart doorbells provide constant video coverage from their camera at the door to the driveway. They can be set to alert other smart devices when movement is sensed, and allow the homeowner to respond to the door remotely.
How does this save money? Well according to Insure4Retirement home insurance companies will soon be reducing home insurance policies for those who have installed such smart technologies to protect their homes.
Sources
- https://www.moneysupermarket.com/home-insurance/connected-homes/
- Ofcom Communications Market Report 2019
- https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2018/12/is-water-damage-covered-by-insurance/
- Home Insurance UK, December 2019 Mintel Report
