• Connected light bulbs and retrofit shades fit in the left two quadrants owing to their ease of installation and the benefit these products can bring. In terms of benefits, smart lighting can be a theft deterrent and provide additional peace of mind. For example, outdoor and indoor lighting can illuminate if there is motion or an unidentified person is detected when in an armed away state or during nighttime hours. Moreover, lighting can be triggered at night if a garage is opened, providing peace of mind when walking into the home.
• DIY blinds and shades can support an existing HVAC unit by opening and closing blinds based on the desired temperature. During the summer months, blinds can detect sunlight and adjust to keep direct sunlight (heat) out of the home, with the potential opposite effect during winter months. DIY shades differ from professional ones because these products can be installed by the user and do not require specific measurements or custom ordering.
• Connected plugs and switches straddle all four quadrants because of the variation among these devices. When retrofitting mains-powered switches, electricians are often needed depending on the region, as this requires a certain degree of expertise. But the benefit can be equal or greater than that of smart light bulbs, especially if colored lighting is not considered. Despite the added difficulty of installation, if a homeowner is looking to automate more than six light bulbs, it may be more economical to replace the single light switch rather than all the light bulbs. Also, the experience could be superior, depending on the light bulb brand. For example, the popcorn effect (lights turning on at different times) is less likely when replacing the light switch, opposed to each light source.
• Luminaires have gained attention over the past few years, with brands such as Philips Hue coming to market with products that replace entire lighting sources, like a chandelier or track lighting. These are often expensive and can be difficult to match to existing home design. Moreover, depending on the region, a professional may be needed for the installation.
• Professional blinds and shades are far more common than DIY but are far more expensive and require a professional for the installation. Professional blinds and shades are most common in high-end homes and are often provided and integrated with the likes of Control4 or Crestron. In Europe, it is common to have outdoor shades for the windows; automating these is highly beneficial. For this reason, the EMEA region is forecast to represent about 60% of global shipments of professional connected blinds/shades in 2025.
