The smart home is expanding with new data from Parks Associates finding that 34% of U.S. broadband homes own a smart security system and 34% of U.S. broadband households own a smart home device.
Of those smart security systems, nearly half of first-time smart home security device purchases were smart door locks. This highlights the potential for this device to be a gateway to other connected products in the smart home, Parks Associates said.
"DIY products and installation are helping to expand the smart home and security markets, drive familiarity, provide lower price points, and create greater awareness," said Elizabeth Parks, president of Parks Associates. "Consumers expect basic interactivity to access and control their systems and receive notifications as scheduled or requested. Basic interactive features are considered standard offerings now, and we will continue to see the addition of new devices to extend that experience."
The researchers said smart home security products are now expected to be plug and play solutions and consumers also want more choices at lower price points. However, this also presents challenges with interoperability and functionality.
Because of this, consumers must navigate a changing landscape or design as well as install custom solutions for specific needs.
"We know DIY is an installation option chosen by an increasing number of today's consumers," said Jeremy McLerran, global security and smart building marketing at Johnson Controls. "Making our products intuitive enough to be considered for DIY installs allows us to give our dealers the opportunity to tap into this growing market and improves the ease and speed of their professional installs."
The full research can be found in Parks Associates’ DIY report Smart Home and Security – What are the Impacts?