The connected home attracts the attention of Spaniards but its cost slows down adoption

Energy management services, Safety and well-being or health are the main drivers that promote the adoption of the connected home in Spain. Cost is the main barrier to installing these solutions, according to the latest Ericsson ConsumerLab report..

He 92% of Spaniards are committed to having a connected home and consider that the most interesting services are those related to health and well-being (39%), energy and utilities (35%) and security and surveillance (33%). This is one of the main conclusions of the latest ConsumerLab report from Ericsson about 'Connected Homes', that analyzes user opinions on this topic.

The report, based on some 5.000 in-person and online interviews carried out in Spain (Madrid and Barcelona), USA, Chile, Russia and Sweden, reveals that almost half of users are very interested in having a truly connected home. And 92% of Spanish respondents stated that they have a high or moderate interest in having this type of services.

By categories, communication (62%) and remote control of household appliances (59%) They are the main needs for the Spanish, in both cases above the average of the countries analyzed.

It also highlights that Spaniards value comfort (and 13%, more than double the average) as a reason to be interested in having 'connected services'. Swedes and Americans give much more value to the high-tech factor or home control when they are not at home.

On the contrary, In Spain and Chile, the cost factor prevails among the reasons for not being interested in these services. And 19% y 21% They consider them too expensive, being triple that in Sweden.

The report shows that families may not be taking advantage of services that would be particularly useful to them. At the moment, Connected home services are mostly used by single men living alone, while the group that could benefit the most are families with young children. Among the advantages I would highlight a more efficient way of tackling household tasks and remote access to the home by family and friends.

There is a wide variety of connected services that help save time and ensure well-being at home but, often, Its use involves the installation of a large amount of equipment and devices that in turn require cables and specific applications..

This complexity is, according to the report, is one of the main reasons for the slow adoption of the truly connected home concept. Report shows consumers asking for greater simplification and support. Most would like to have more assistance and advice when using them.