Consumers identify benefits of the connected home.
More than half (62%) of Australian consumers identify saving money on bills as the most important benefit of connected home, followed by energy savings (45%) and convenience (43%), according to findings of the Australians@HOME research conducted by Samsung.
The research investigated the lives of Australian consumers and the role of appliances and technology as Samsung increases its offering in connected and ‘smart’ home and appliance technology with WiFi capable appliances. The findings were presented at an exclusive media event in Sydney’s eastern suburbs by Samsung Australia head of insights and innovation, Caroline Morgan (pictured).
Samsung Australia head of home appliances, Mike Lilly said, “The pressures and demands of day-to-day life are constantly changing around us and can vary across households. It’s immensely important for Samsung to understand how our technology can support the evolving needs of the home, as well select, calibrate or design product features for Australia.”
Food wastage a primary concern
The research revealed 24% of Australians admitted to throwing away fresh vegetables, despite a growing demand for buying fresh food.
Food wastage is also particularly higher in New South Wales, with households wasting an average of $1,475 worth of food per year, almost twice that of Queensland households. Australians are also making up to three grocery shops per week, including one big shop and two smaller top-up shops.
Consumers love to entertain
While 94% of Australians are happy to entertain family and friends at home, saving money still remains a high priority. The research identified that 55% of Australians prefer entertaining at home because it saves them money, and 45% believe it is more sociable.
The research also found that Australians spend two and a half times their average monthly food bill on Christmas entertaining.
Tech makes chores easier
The research found that 33% believe technology will make their household chores easier in the future. Currently, Australians spend an average of 12.35 hours per week on housework.
In terms of household chores, 48% of Australians feel that technology will make the task of vacuuming easier. Another area that Australians need assistance in is the laundry – almost half (48%) of all 18 – 24 year olds have had at least one item damaged in a washing machine in the last year and 35% of all Australians believe technology will make laundry tasks easier.
The Connected Home
By 2020, Samsung envisages that all its new home appliances will have some form of connectivity.
While 81% of Australians see their TV as a smart device, in comparison only 44% are aware of the benefits and features of a smart refrigerator. Acknowledgement of other home appliances as smart devices is even lower, with only 21% aware of the oven being a connected device.