13 The Connected Home
South Africa has its share of problems, chief among them economic, but that hasn’t stopped analysts from predicting that something only a very few can afford – “connected home” technology – is about to take off here.
It’s a global phenomenon. Worldwide shipments of smart home technologies saw an increase of 64 percent in 2016 compared to the previous year, according to Kayla Matthews of Inman.com. Even South Africa is being affected: just do a Google search for “Connected home South Africa” and you’ll find dozens of local companies offering cutting-edge products designed to do everything from managing your lights to controlling your home’s air temperature, security, doors, geyser and more.
Matthews says the following smart home technologies are in highest demand in the US:
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- Leak detection sensors
- Connected thermostats
- Smart garage doors
- Smart watering systems
- Smart home security cameras
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In South Africa, our “connected home” revolution has more to do with smart home appliances that are internet-connected and able to “talk” to one another and various smart home control hubs, as these are easier to integrate with homes and are widely available and growing in number.
Samsung has done a lot of work in this regard, having brought many its smart products into the country already. Smart televisions are the most common, but the company also offers watches, washing machines, dishwashers and other common appliances with built-in smarts to South African consumers.
We’re set to see Samsung’s “Family Hub Fridges” arriving in the country later this year, which have built-in screens on their doors, Smart Things sensors and Smart Power outlets. Samsung’s vision is for them to serve as “the centre of all devices”, and to have them monitor, control and secure the smart home, “all from the fridge”.
“Consumers might see smart home appliances as a gimmick at first, but as soon as they experience the convenience of living within that smart and connected environment, they will look to build on their smart home ecosystems,” says Michael McKechnie, Samsung South Africa’s director of digital appliances.
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