After making our phones and TVs into smartphones and smart TVs, the tech companies are now focusing on making our homes a smarter place to live. At least that is what we are hearing as one of the key areas of the Consumer Electronics Show 2015, which has already raised a lot of wind in the tech analytics space. The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas will take place from Jan. 6-9. Like every other year, we will get to see new tech innovations that will change the dimensions of our lifestyle and create new technology benchmarks. While we have a fair idea of what to expect in the smartphone arena from the global players, one area in particular has not seen a lot of activity. This is the smart homes segment, which will be one of the major focuses this year, and a lot of surprises might be lined up by the tech honchos. Let us take a closer look at what to expect in this segment in the CES 2015.
The idea behind smart homes is making the homes and its electronic gadgets more connected. In 2015, it is estimated about 38 million homes across the world are expected to get a makeover and be converted into a Smart Home. Connected home product shipments are expected to see an upside at a compounded annual growth rate of 67% over the next five years, according to Business Insider Intelligence estimates.
LG (LG, Financial) had introduced the HomeChat system to help home appliances send you messages and vice versa. Samsung (SSNLF, Financial) projected a smart home integrated system concept, which would allow you to communicate with home appliances as well. Last year Google (GOOG, Financial) acquired Nest, a smart thermostat system company. Also,Ă‚ Apple (AAPL, Financial) is at the anvil of unveiling HomeKit as announced at WWDC 2014.
At CES 2015, the stage is all set for the unwrapping of innovative smart or connected home technology. So what are the show-stopper companies in this segment?
Smart Home Bigwigs
In the CES event, this segment has been assigned a floor space of 25,000 square feet dedicated to smart home technology demonstrations. The event, presented by German tech giant Bosch, will focus on creating efficient and smarter homes. It will showcase solutions of interconnectivity between smartphones and tablets with appliances inside the house. This segment will also house customized security monitoring and home automation technology. The participating companies include the likes of Bosch, Honeywell (HON, Financial), Logitech (LOGI, Financial), and Zigbee amongst the prominent names.
LG’s counter
Last year, LG’s smart home concepts failed to make a mark; this year, LG is rumored to be coming back with improved smart home appliances to showcase at CES. It is planning to introduce an improved version of HomeChat which allows you to control your air conditioner, dishwasher, ovens, and Wi-Fi speakers through a text message. HomeChat, which was launched last year, is already doing a fair round in its home turf. It will also showcase a smart refrigerator with a camera embedded to show you the inside contents without having to open the door. The pictures taken by the camera can be displayed on your smartphone. It will also stage a smart oven connected to the internet which can monitor recipes and download recommendations.
Apple’s HomeKit baggage
Apple will not be an official participant in the segment, however its solutions will be on showcase at the show. Its HomeKit system, which lets iPhones and iPads control smart devices within your home using Siri, will be staged on certain products. iDevices, a Connecticut-based company, has invested $10 million for development of products built on the HomeKit platform. On Jan. 5, iDevices will unveil its first HomeKit based device in a press release. But iDevices is not the only company staging devices based on HomeKit platform.
Shuttle SmartVille
Shuttle is a Taiwan-based original design manufacturer (ODM) that will unveil its SmartVille solutions at CES this year which will get the spotlight for its in-house developed hardware and software integrated platform for smart homes. It is a control-center that provides home-based monitoring and security surveillance. Shuttle would be looking to place the SmartVille as an enterprise solutions targeted at schools and liaise with architects or maintenance service providers to supply solutions and installation services.
Samsung’s SmartThings on Stage
Last year, Samsung acquired SmartThings and made an open smart-home common platform for third party developers, device makers and consumers to come together. SmartThings also declared that the platform will support Samsung appliances. This support includes integration with Samsung refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines and robotic vacuum cleaners. This would give the Samsung users the flexibility to control their appliances via a smartphone app through the SmartThings hub. Samsung is also supposed to unveil some smart home products supported by SmartThings platform at the event; also Samsung might use the CES platform to launch its much hyped Tizen powered smart TV.
Looking Forward for CES 2015
The smart home segment at CES 2015 is likely to see many companies showcasing smart home products across categories. Unlike CES 2014, this time it can be expected that the smart homes concepts and product lineage will make it to the mainstream business and not just stand as an exhibition product. At this point in time, it would be best to wait and watch the outcome of smart homes segment of CES 2015 and how many products make it to actual business.
