Technavio’s latest report on the global smart home M2M market provides an analysis on the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2016-2020. Technavio defines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline.
A smart home comprises an internal network, home automation, and intelligent control. It is equipped with advanced and automated digital devices, home appliances, and equipment that are interconnected to each other, facilitating sophisticated monitoring and control over the building’s functions. It performs three actions: remote status checks, remote information, and remote control to implement any action from a remote location.
Collaboration strategies between telecom service providers and home device makers to deliver innovative designs will support market growth over the forecast period.
The top four emerging trends driving the global smart home M2M market according to Technavio ICT research analysts are:
– Enhanced security and safety features with effective monitoring technology
– Use of Bluetooth and low-power Wi-Fi to operate smart home products
– Remote arming of smart home alarm systems
– Innovations in smart elevators and smart detectors
Enhanced security and safety features with effective monitoring technology
Smart homes enable interactive security systems that enhance security features for the users. Smart homes generally incorporate various automatic systems, which include motion and window sensors, thermostats, light controls, and door lock controls that receive remote control signals and perform the required actions.
The control signals are sent over wireless global system for mobile communication (GSM) technology to ensure reliable and fast communication between users and home security systems. Also, this communication provides a chance to monitor pets using an advanced electronic and enhanced security system, which has remote access to the cameras at homes. This offers peace of mind to the homeowners, especially the working population.
For example, Digital Life, which is AT&T’s consumer home security and automation service, provides uninterrupted home security with the help of monitoring centers, addressing critical situations by directly contacting the fire, medical, or any other emergency authorities using the AT&T 3G wireless network. This service can be used through many devices or platforms using the customer security login.
Use of Bluetooth and low-power Wi-Fi to operate smart home products
Low-power Wi-Fi has its significance with the combination of two products: Roost (a connected battery) and Homeboy (a rechargeable security camera). Roost converts a smoke detector into a connected smoke detector working through the low-power Wi-Fi IP, which is built as per the standard protocol.
Products that use Bluetooth technology for actions like controlling light bulbs and clicking a picture of the person outside the home for identification purpose are gaining popularity in the market. “The main advantage is the easier and the fast communication that occurs due to Bluetooth technology, unlike Wi-Fi that consumes time due to cloud networking for transferring and retrieving the information,” says Rakesh Kumar Panda, a lead analyst at Technavio for M2M and connected devices sector research.
Remote arming of smart home alarm systems
Home security systems do not function effectively unless they are armed. Piper, iControl Networks’ all-in-one home security system, features smart arming, a feature which allows users to set their system remotely from a mobile device.
Piper and Life 360 partnered to develop the smart arming feature. The Piper app allows users to check if anyone is home and sets an alarm when no presence is detected. This app also provides notifications to inform regarding security developments by text, phone call, and e-mail. This device uses a Z-wave compatible and Wi-Fi enabled camera for monitoring by panoramic video and sound detection. “A remote-controlled arm is a simple way to connect users better with their home security system,” says Rakesh.
Innovations in smart elevators and smart detectors
Smart elevators are being developed, which can process the signals from the human postures and the gestures with the help of a Kinect camera. These elevators can be installed directly in certain homes. Presently, Microsoft’s lab in Washington is working extensively to test the functionality of these elevators.
Birdi is a next-generation detector that tests the quality and purity of the air. It sends alerts to the users’ smartphones regarding fire, the presence of pollen in the air, and smoke and carbon monoxide levels. Piper, a home security and automation system, can be controlled by smartphones. It detects motion in a home in the absence of homeowners. Such technologies are driving the market.
