Lives across the globe have been dramatically altered this past year. From work from home arrangements to increased concerns around health statuses, the pandemic has effectively shed light on the minor faults of the home environment that many were once complacent with. Alongside the rapidly evolving tech space, the new year brings with it a time of re-learning, especially in the contactless world we now live in. With technology like the Internet of Things (IoT) reshaping all aspects of professional and personal life, 2022 will be a year where consumer technology takes over to better the experiences we have on the daily. Having already received much buzz recently, smart homes will continue to be one of the technology trends because of the impact it has on how we live, work and play. So, what are the trends to look out for?

Smart Home Trends to Watch Out for in 2022

Millions of homes are said to qualify as “smart” by 2022. Today, internet-connected RGB light panels that change colours when we walk by or security cameras that give us a real-time view of our homes while in the office, are common technologies leveraged by many. But soon, total immersion in the Internet of Things (IoT) can be expected. This means that instead of a home that has been integrated with a collection of smart gadgets, our living spaces will be transformed into actual “smart” homes. As such, the sustained growth of the smart industry is expected to continue as smart home gadgets become more accessible and easier to use. With the benefits of smart technology becoming more apparent to Singaporeans, what will the best home look like in 2022? We cover the top 5 trends that will further drive the popularity of smart home solutions. 

1. Mobile-First Consumers 

It comes as no surprise that many of us spend hours on our mobile phones. Whether to keep connected with loved ones or to handle important business tasks, mobile devices allow us to do more than stay connected. As a matter of fact, consultancy Ernst & Young reported that Singaporeans spend an average of 3 hours and 12 minutes on their phones daily. But mobile use does not just end there. App usage is also growing at a steady rate. For an individual to make optimal use of their smartphones, apps are needed. Since there are millions of apps to download, most smartphone users have more than 10 apps installed and 90% of mobile internet time is spent on them.

That said, simply monitoring your living space through your phones will be a thing of the past. With apps like the HomeAuto app that does everything from manage to automate, 2022 will be the year where smart home solution providers put more focus on their customer’s mobile experience. From sharing entire smart home systems with others to contact sensors immediately notifying users of anomalous activities, you can rest assured that all smart home automation apps will become more advanced. They may even be upgraded to collect and analyse data to automatically act on it.

2. The Working Home

Due to the pandemic, companies were forced to adopt a new mode of working. This made Work from Home arrangements part of the new normal. In 2021, 38% of Singaporeans work from home more frequently than they used to pre-pandemic, 87% of Singapore employers allow their staff to work from home, and a high percentage of working adults have expressed their preference for such arrangements. Therefore, home office automation will continue to be a trend in 2022 as well. The incorporation of a designated workspace will be even more common, as will the use of home automation solutions to make the transition to a remote lifestyle more seamless. Gadgets that boost productivity while working remotely like automated light switches will help deliver the “touch-of-a button” convenience that busy adults look for in the bid for autonomy.   

3. Interest in Self-Care

As people seek comfort in various forms, self-care products will be leveraged to improve one’s wellbeing. To ensure that homes double up as a place of relaxation, a slew of devices that are aimed at increasing health and comfort will be popular. Although appliances and gadgets like vacuums have long been an investment that homeowners tapped into, newer products like water heater switches and temperature and humidity sensors will please health-conscious homeowners.  

4. High-Tech Security

The management of security threats will continue to be a top priority for not just homeowners but also the nation as a whole. With a wide array of home automation gadgets to select from, establishing a smart home protection system will be at the forefront of all homeowner’s minds. This is especially so with the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) that are now open. As Singaporeans make travel plans, securing homes before a vacation will be an important aspect that many might have overlooked during the lockdown period. Besides that, smart home solutions can also be used to maintain child safety and the improvement of elderly care for those heading back to the office – a benefit many might not have considered.  

From a smart home solution provider’s perspective, increasing customers’ confidence in the safety of their products will be the next step of their business strategy. Given the Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme (CLS) launched by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), making changes to their IoT devices to reach optimal standards will boost customer satisfaction and loyalty. 

5. Total Home Integration

To sum it all up, high-tech smart homes are no longer a novelty. With many homeowners already utilising smart gadgets in one way or another, the biggest trend will be total home integration. This means that instead of scattering random IoT devices throughout your abode, 2022 will be all about streamlining your smart home automation system so that it’s easier to use.

Have queries about HomeAuto and our smart home solutions? Contact us at [email protected], and our smart home solutions providers and assistants will offer you more information on the latest trends in the smart tech industry and how you can better design a smart home that is up to date.