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Home security is set to lead the way in the smart home revolution. A new survey by OnePoll has revealed that security is the top priority for UK homeowners looking to invest in smart technology. A total of 37 per cent of those surveyed said that they would invest in smart security systems if money was no object. This is considerably higher than interest in other smart markets, with only 12 per cent of the UK population interested in virtual assistants, 18 per cent keen on robot lawnmowers and 29 per cent eyeing up a smart thermostat.
Smart TVs are currently leading the way in terms of sales, with 39 per cent of respondents saying they own one, with an additional 15 per cent planning to buy one in the coming year.
Commenting on the census results, Andrew Kirkcaldy, Group Brand Director at AO.com said: “The research suggests that the Smart Home revolution has already started with Smart TV’s and audio, and we haven’t even noticed it. For many homes, smart home security and heating will take this technology out of the living room, leading to a Smart Home that will help save us money and time, while making our lives easier”
Of the 2,000 respondents, 68% see positive factors in owning smart technology such as ‘convenience’ and ‘saving time’. And while 18-24 year olds believe that this form of technology could benefit the elderly, 25-34 and 45-54 year olds think that a Smart Home would help save money in the long run.
Meanwhile Londoners lead the way, with 9.48 per cent of those surveyed owning smart tech already. At the other end of the scale, Northern Irelanders are reluctant to smarten up with onlu 4.8 per cent of those surveyed owning smart technology already. That said the Northern Irish were among three regions who are most likely to upgrade in the coming year.
