EDITOR’S COMMENT Jack Cheeseman
February 2025
ertonline.co.uk
12
shifts in recent years, with one of the most notable changes being the surge in popularity of connected products. This growing trend reflects
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broader changes in consumer preferences for convenience, connectivity, and seamless integration with modern smart homes. Years ago it was all about bulky, wired sound systems that made it look like you were hosting a concert in your living room. But today, consumers are increasingly prioritising high-quality sound that is both flexible and easily accessible – and wireless connected audio systems are taking centre stage. It’s all about streaming your favourite tunes while avoiding the hassle of... well, anything. One of the most significant factors driving this demand is the general rise of smart home technology. As home automation gains momentum in the UK, smart speakers, sound systems and multi-room setups are becoming an integral part of modern living. In fact, the UK smart speaker
he audio market in the UK has witnessed significant
market is growing rapidly, with a reported 10.6 million smart speakers in use in 2023, up from 6.8 million in 2020, according to Statista. And popular platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music are at the heart of this experience, with Wi-Fi connectivity enabling easy access to vast music libraries without the limitations of traditional formats. Gone are the days when you had to walk from
room to room retuning the radio station just so you could keep the music going; certain big-name brands have made it possible to keep the tunes going seamlessly with multi-room audio systems. So that concert you’re hosting in your living room, it’s still on, except it’s in every room of the house! The level of customisation and ease of control that these systems provide has enhanced the listening experience, offering a new level of comfort and versatility. Whether you’re cooking in the kitchen, relaxing in the living room, or working in the study, Wi-Fi speakers allow you to take your music with you. Of course, it’s not just about playing music; these machines are always listening! Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant allow us to live a relatively hands-free existence!
A Statista report from 2023 found that 70 per cent of UK smart speaker owners use voice commands to control their devices, and no doubt that figure is increasing year on year. Who needs a remote – or even a phone! – when you’ve got a speaker that can tell you the weather, order you a pizza, and play your favourite song on demand? Needless to say, there are challenges as well. Not only is the market now more crowded than a London tube at rush hour, but Wi-Fi connected devices are only as good as the internet connections they rely on. Yet, despite the occasional buffering frustration, it’s clear that connected audio gadgets are here to stay. For many, they’re more than just a gimmick, they have enabled a new way of life. And in this issue we’re looking at just some of the options on the market today and the expanding opportunities for electrical retailers. Plus we’ve got an exclusive chat with Lithe Audio’s Managing Director, Amit Ravat, about the growing market for multi-room ceiling speaker systems.
Email the editor at
jackcheeseman@ertonline.co.uk What do you think ?
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