Internet of Things Tis explains why usage rates typically lag behind adoption,


as Asurion found in the study. When a new smart home product enters the market, there is oſten a gap from the point where it is an item of novelty to when it has become a well-used part of the furniture. With that in mind, the Usage and Adoption Indices give us two


very different but useful insights. Te Usage Index demonstrates our current dependency, while the Adoption Index indicates our potential future dependency. Monitoring these indices in the coming years should shed light on the speed of usage rises, and when we are likely to see the latest home tech truly take off. Te current gap between usage and adoption certainly represents an opportunity for tech firms, highlighting crucial points for stimulating further usage or encouraging eventual device replacement or upgrades.


we examine 16-24 year olds, this number swells to almost half. Te subscription element of streaming has crept into the gaming world, with many consoles now offering consumers an expanded library of games for a monthly fee. One of the biggest consoles currently has a subscriber base of over 25 million users to its monthly service. Lastly, developments like faster internet and improved video


calling services have allowed more of us to work remotely, and devices such as remote vacuums relieve us of tedious chores; both trends create more time for us to enjoy the expanding range of entertainment options (perhaps one factor behind rising book consumption!). Energy costs have grown in the last couple of years, with


annual bills for typical consumption over £600 higher as of April 2024 than they were in the summer of 2021. Smart utility products provide consumers with an opportunity to reduce bills. One survey found that as many as 50% of owners were confident of recovering the initial cost of a smart utility device through energy savings within a year. Smart thermostats, for example, can learn when users are likely to be at home and therefore when precisely they will want heating or hot water, helping to save money. Close to one in five households now own smart doorbells


and security systems, helping to deter potential package thieves and generally providing peace of mind to residents. But another crucial - if less well utilised - use of these smart security systems is to support those who are elderly, unwell or have a disability, as well as their family and friends. One company has developed sensors that monitor fridge, kettle or bathroom use to track water and food consumption; any change in behaviour can alert carers to a cause for concern, and the data can also be used to understand how certain habits may be contributing to a health condition. Such devices can also provide a level of independence to those who might otherwise require more support.


What will drive further smart device adoption and usage? Te Adoption and Usage indices, as well as other studies on the topic of the connected home, make it clear that smart devices are continually growing in popularity, becoming commonplace in the home. Different devices have distinct impacts, whether helping to reduce our cost of living, generating more leisure time and changing the way we spend it, or even improving home security. To date, home entertainment represents the area that has seen


the most pronounced impact from the evolution of smart home technology. Streaming services and smart TVs have transformed the ways in which we enjoy this leisure time, offering us multiple entertainment options all in one place. Te shiſt has been rapid, with August 2022 marking the first-time people spent more time on streaming services than watching broadcast TV. Gaming is another huge part of our home entertainment set


up, with many platforms enabling both gaming and streaming. A third of UK adults own or have access to a console, and when


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Supporting a digitally dependent society Our increasing use of smart devices is already changing our lives, saving money and increasing productivity. As these products bring new benefits, our interest in further tech, new applications, and related subscriptions and services is likely to be enhanced. Future adoption of premium technology and supporting services is likely to follow. Tech companies who are acutely aware of these changing trends and demands from their customer base will be best placed to develop offerings that capture the imagination of consumers. However, as we become more reliant on the connective


functionality of various devices, there is also a greater risk of device failures derailing our routines or plans. According to Asurion Europe’s recent survey, almost half of consumers are experiencing more tech issues as their ownership of connected devices grows. A third of surveyed consumers are experiencing a significant issue with an electronic device at least once a quarter. Support from comprehensive and affordable tech protection services is therefore valuable to ensure any disruption is as brief as possible, reducing the risk of frustration and a resulting lack of interest in new products.


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