According to the Consumer Technology Association, technology spending during the 2018 holiday season will reach $96.1 billion in revenue just in the United States between October and December. Roughly 2 out of 3 consumers plan to purchase a tech product as a gift this year, with a record among key categories in emerging technology, also known as “smart technology.”
Items and devices labeled “smart technology” are among the list with the catchy title, the “Internet of Things.” These are essentially everyday objects around the home or office that can send and receive data through broadband internet. They can be powered by voice technology, controlled by a smartphone, or connected through Bluetooth technology. These items are not just for the young or higher income brackets – they are for everyone. Nearly half of all Americans already use digital voice assistants on smartphones or devices. Home entertainment and internet providers such as Cox also have offerings to use voice commands to find TV shows and movies, activate home automation, and stay connected to friends and family.
What’s On The List This Year?
While the CTA’s 25th annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns Study says a TV tops the list of most wanted tech gifts consumers want to receive, there are other types of smart technology gifts that may be unwrapped and utilized by friends and family members of all ages:
- Smart displays are voice-enabled devices with screens. These are equipped to play TV shows, movies, or short videos from a variety of content providers. They can also help a person connect with others through photos, videos, or video chat.
- Let’s get physical, and track it. Wearables — smartwatches and fitness trackers — are among the top five desired items on this year’s tech holiday list, says the CTA. This technology can record your physical activity and notifies you if you’ve met the week’s fitness goals or not. Data can be as simple as steps, and as complex as calorie intake. Some versions can help you stay connected, utilizing 4G technology to send and receive phone calls, or just Bluetooth connections to record data to your smartphone apps.
- Smart appliances. These internet-connected devices range from large workhorses like refrigerators and washing machines, to small but mighty household assistants like microwaves and vacuum robots like the Roomba. The economic impact of this segment is smaller right now, at about $5.85 million but is poised to nearly double in just 5 years to $10.74 million.
- Home automation technology. We’ve come a long way since hand clapping to turn lights off and on, or pressing a button on a lanyard to call for help. While you can still purchase these items, they are among the simplest forms of smart home technology. Fast forward 30 years, and turning on light switches and calling for security or medical assistance can be activated from a smartphone (or smart display device). The home automation market is valued at $23.5 million this year, and by 2023 the anticipated value will be $44.8 million. High-definition cameras or hazard prevention devices like water, smoke or gas sensors to protect your home, energy conservation products such as thermostats to regulate temperature and smart light bulbs to set the mood, and even toothbrushes with sensors that can send information on your brushing habits to a smartphone app.
- I want my 4K TV. As stated earlier, TVs top this year’s list of tech items. But why? A product like Cox’s Contour TV service is an entertainment “hub” for content – both past and present, live or on-demand, music or video, and cool apps for weather, traffic, news, and sports. Cox’s Contour TV service also brings smart search options, and Netflix and YouTube integration together into one service that’s easy to navigate by speaking into the remote to find what you want to watch. With all of this great content at their fingertips, consumers want to have the best in-home theater experience to watch their favorite movies and shows.
How Will They Shop For These Devices?
The CTA says 77 percent of adult consumers are planning to purchase technology gifts this year, will do so by visiting a physical location. This is always a great way to see technology in action and learn from experts about set-up and implementation. Items can be purchased at big box locations or from small retail storefronts in individual neighborhoods, even retail location you may not think about like Cox Solution Stores where you can actually see how a smart device like a video monitor or smart door lock works in the home. Visiting a brick-and-mortar location gives the tech-savvy, and the not so tech-savvy, the option to talk, touch, and play with smart technology. Just more than half of Americans (52%) are planning to purchase tech gifts online, but more people will be using their mobile devices to shop (58%). Something else that’s interesting — approximately 16 percent of respondents of the CTA survey plan to make a purchase using voice-activated smart technology.
What Type of Smart Technology is Right for You (or Your Loved One)?
It was hard to envision the integration of smart home technology a decade ago. But in 2018, it’s becoming commonplace and easily accessible. Smart technology use crosses age, income, and culture. Adoption predicates on what can it help you do to be time efficient, the interoperability between products, and ease of use. You’ll want to find a suite of products that work well together, as well as responsive customer service when it is time to troubleshoot.
While the younger generations are considered digital natives, smart home technology will increasingly become a vital tool for households with aging adults, as well as adult caregivers for those with physical or cognitive disabilities. Telehealth enables medical professionals to monitor the status of patients with chronic health conditions remotely and in real time, without the patient leaving home or trying to find a ride to the doctor’s office. It also provides peace of mind for family and caregivers. Some technical requirements for telehealth include a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile device compatible with the health provider’s telehealth program, an integrated or external microphone and camera to communicate with the doctor, and fast, reliable internet, which is critical to having an optimal video connection during the telehealth session so the doctor can best evaluate the patient from the comfort of their own residence.
What’s Needed to Power the Smart Technology?
Just as important as the smart home technology you select is the internet service you choose. To get the optimal experience from your smart home devices and technology make sure you have the right internet speeds for your household. For example, Cox Gigablast offers the next generation gigabit internet speed and can connect dozens of smart devices in the home simultaneously, avoiding the cries for help and frustration from your tween (or from grandpa!) if the network slows down.
Cities and regions around the United States are adopting smart technology infrastructure into to transform how we live and work – often with services, you can’t even see but would notice if they disappeared. It’s not any different for the home, no matter what size.
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and home security and automation services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and digital media advertising. Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in broadband, voice and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For 10 years, Cox has been recognized as a best operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity 13 times. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.
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