Growth in the smart home market will be driven by the ability to control devices seamlessly, argues one custom install specialist.
Maidenhead-based Quest End, which is also a member of Cedia and provides a bespoke range of property automation solutions, has suggested that the success and take-up of connected home technologies will be largely driven by the ability to integrate the control into one seamless solution.
Analyst Gartner has predicted that the number of smart connected homes will grow to 700 million by 2020. While IT analyst and consultancy firm Ovum has forecast that the majority of homes will have a smart energy meter and smart thermostat with other devices connected to it by the same year.
“UK consumers are beginning to really see the benefits that property automation technology brings and, as such, the market is set for sharp upward growth,” said Quest End managing director Liam Parker. “There are many different ways in which a property can be automated, from CCTV security systems and home cinemas to automated lighting and smart heating and, with more solutions now being wi-fi-enabled, the opportunities are set to expand even further.
“Yet for property developers, architects and interior designers and other professionals who are looking to incorporate home automation into their projects the main challenge is understanding what is possible and making it work.”
