Brits more interested in smart home tech than wearable tech
Smart home technology appeals to many people in Britain, according to research among 2,000 UK adults, yet less than a third (30%) are aware that the technology is already widely available. Such smart devices for the home, which connect wirelessly via the Internet and allow remote control over such home appliances such as heating, lighting and even cooking devices, were among the highest ranked technology of the respondents. More than half (56%) said such technology would make daily life easier.
The advantages of smart home technology that Brits found most appealing were potential cost-savings (61%) and the ability to monitor and support the more vulnerable in society such as the elderly (59%). Devices that can detect when a room is empty and turn themselves off were considered a great way to save money by 53% and 42% would welcome devices that provided regular updates on the security of their home. A third (35%) liked the idea of being able to remotely turn on hot water systems to ensure they could have a hot shower or bath as soon as they arrived home.
“Five years ago if British Gas had told its customers they would be controlling their heating and hot water using their phones, I imagine they would have been sceptical,” said Kassir Hussain, Director of British Gas Connected Homes.
However, when it comes to wearable technology, respondents weren’t quite as gung ho. Just one quarter (25%) thought such technology would make their lives easier, and 9% felt it would just complicate their life. Overall, wearable technology such as smartglasses and smartwatches were bottom of people’s technology wish lists.
Recent research by Apadmi found that many Brits have a negative view of wearable technology. While 10% said wearable technology made them feel cool, and 20% said it made people look intelligent and successful, a third (35%) said they would feel embarrassed or self-conscious and 34% feel wearable technology makes people look like show-offs.