The entry of major technology players such as Apple, Google and Samsung to the smart homes market will drive massive growth as it becomes mainstream, was the conclusion of many speakers at the Smart Building Conference in London this week.
Smart homes have so far generally been a high-tech niche and the preserve of the rich, but as these major players jump into the market, rapid expansion and commoditisation is forecast.
While this raised a number of concerns amongst the delegates, the overriding view was that this would create many opportunities in a much larger market. For example, Daniel Knight of Fibaro UK reported that of the 12m homes in the UK, 47% of them are actively looking for smart technologies, but only around 26,000 had smart installations to date. The pattern across much of Europe is likely to be similar.
Apple’s HomeKit was announced to developers in June, and provides a platform for devices in the home to integrate with each other and with iOS. Apple has also published the final Made for iPhone specifications for hardware developers, setting the scene for a rash of further announcements in this space, such as that from Elgato, with its Eve range.
Like similar solutions SwannOne connects to other smart home devices via wifi and ZigBee, while the app allows users to remotely monitor connected devices. Details are still under wrap, but Swann says the system includes home and away modes, scheduling rules for lighting, heating and locks, and monitoring options.
HomeSeer launches the HomeTroller-SEL-- a home automation controller the company says is the fastest and least expensive SE series controller yet, with information accessible both locally and from the cloud.
Busch-Jaeger Elektro GmbH exhibited at IFA Berlin for the first time. Their display centres around Living Space, encompassing more personal space, increased comfort, greater security, improved efficiency and a better quality of life through this exhibitor’s solutions for the ideal interconnected home.
Such investment takes place despite investor criticism of spending on "highly experimental projects," Reuters continues.
First seen at CEDIA Expo 2014, Pyng streamlines initial home setup by pairing accessories, such as Crestron wireless lighting controls, shading solutions, thermostats, Yale wireless door locks and security systems, with the app.
“Harmony led the path for simplifying home entertainment, and now we’ve taken that expertise to also simplify home automation,” the company claims. “As more connected devices such as the Nest Learning Thermostat, Philips Hue lights and August Smart Locks come to market and enter the home, there’s more of a need than ever before for a centralized way to simply control all of the home’s devices."
