Letha McLaren, Chief Marketing Officer of Icontrol Networks, discusses key industry questions for the 2016 CONNECTIONS Summit conference, hosted by Parks Associates at CES:
What is the most important next step to engage consumers in smart home solutions, connected entertainment services, and/or value-added services like tech support and connected health?
Industry collaboration and partnerships focused on consumer education are the next step towards increased awareness and engagement. Our 2015 Smart Home Report found that consumers who are more educated about the smart home and its possibilities are more excited about incorporating this technology into their everyday connected life. Companies within the IoT, smart home and connected system industries need to work together to better promote the everyday uses of this technology, and how it can help make consumers’ lives more efficient and easier.
What is the biggest driver for the connected consumer market?
We’ve found that security and ease of use are still the top reasons consumers look to connected technology. Our Smart Home Report found that for the second year in a row, 90% of consumers still believe security is one of the top reasons to purchase and use a smart home system. Additionally, solutions that assist with day-to-day activities such as thermostats, automatic door locks and lighting, are the most commonly requested solutions.
Letha McLaren is speaking on the panel session "Integrating IoT into Smart Home Platforms" on January 7 at 10:00am. Other confirmed speakers include Alarm.com, EVRYTHNG, ROC-Connect, and SmartThings. Register to attend today!
For more information on this year's CONNECTIONS Summit at CES, visit www.connectionssummit.com.
