Not all that long ago smart phones were introduced into the market, now it seems almost incomprehensible that there ever was a way of life before them.
With 91.7% of all phone users in South Africa owning a smart phone, it is seen as fairly retro if you don’t possess one. One of the next technology trends to garner traction in South African is the smart home. At this stage still very much reserved for those with deeper pockets; however as the home automation trend continues to grow it is safe to say that smart homes may become almost as prevalent as smart phones in the not too distant future.
In this fast paced constantly switched on and connected world, systems that simplify or remove admin from our lives are becoming increasingly attractive. Much like smart phones smart homes aim to make everyday tasks less time consuming and less complex for the user.
Imagine an intuitive home that seemingly senses what its owner needs where everything from your home entertainment system, to your lighting, to your security can be easily controlled and monitored on one system. For example the act of closing blinds, switching on lights and heating and settling down to a surround sound movie can now all be done with a push of a few buttons. Home Automation or the “smart home” creates one centralised system in which your property can easily be controlled electronically.
As Netflix is now officially available in South Africa the trend for home cinemas is forecast to grow even more rapidly. With the public aiming to create more luxurious home entertainment areas with surround sound and massive immersive screens, all controlled from one device. A trend that BNC Technology is seeing a lot more of. Basically customers are creating an ‘umbrella’ for home automation, home cinema’s etc.
“The need for smart homes with fully integrated home automation, home cinema, acoustic solutions and the like have been catching on over the last couple of years.” Says Nick Caripis; trend observer and founder of BNC Technology.
In the US it is reported that there has been a 12.4 % increase from 2014 to 2015 in home automation sales. With more and more South Africans joining the wealthy ranks and buying top market properties the need for high-end home automation is increasing locally to.
“Smartening” your home by adding a home automation system to it also greatly increases its market value. More and more potential home owners are looking for homes that offer them convenient and effective security systems and efficient energy consumption practices. Home automation offers this and more. Not only will the addition of home automation to your property make it far more appealing to prospective buyers but it can increase the market value up to 3-7 % says the Alot Living Team.
All in all, if you can afford it, turning your home into a smart one with the use of home automation makes sense on so many levels. Adding security, efficiency, and value to your property, home automation really is the new frontier in convenience.
Staff Writer
91.7%?! Where did you pull that number from? Absolutely untrue. The most recent study on smartphone penetration published by Pew Research ranked South Korea no.1 with 88% of their population owning a smart phone followed by Australia with 77%. According to this research, only 37% of South Africans own a smartphone. Check your facts. http://www.pewglobal.org/2016/02/22/smartphone-ownership-and-internet-usage-continues-to-climb-in-emerging-economies/
Hi, the statistic has been updated. Thanks.