Smart Homes - New Research

["nicola_kinguk" <nicola.king@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

New technology promises a brave new world of interconnected wireless
devices, but are consumers ready for them?

In a report commissioned by the UK's Department of Trade and Industry
Intertek RTC undertook research with consumers, consumer
representative groups and stakeholders to find out what consumers
want from wireless interconnected devices.

The lack of easily available information about Smart Home technology
means that consumers are not aware of the potential for new products
and services that could be available in the near future. Without
adequate information and education consumers will not be in a
position to make informed choices about the new products and
services, and this could hinder the widespread adoption and success
of these products and services.

Professionals who work in fields that will directly benefit from the
new technology such as health and social services also have limited
information available to them, and this will hinder their ability to
meet Government targets for assistive technology and related services
such as telecare and telemedicine.

A number of questions will have to be answered before consumers are
willing to take up Smart Home technology. Consumers will need to know
how new products will fit into their homes and lifestyles, and they
will need to know what the benefits will be.

Use the link below to download the report and appendices.

http://www.rtc.etlsemko.com/en/ppf/page_id/57/level2_id/81/level1_id/3
/about_custom_l2.asp