A connected home is defined as one with multiple integrated devices that can be automated and easily controlled to create a safe, convenient, and comfortable environment. The largest companies operating in the connected home sector are the technology majors such as Amazon, Google and Apple, but there are also many new start-ups looking to exploit new opportunities and niches in the market. Investment and advancements of 5G technology, which provides a low-power wide-area network for smart home products requiring constant, reliable connectivity, have made way for the value of the global smart home market to nearly double since 2017 from £31bn1 to around £56bn in 2021. This is expected to grow to £132bn by 20252.
This short research paper looks at the impact of connected homes on the grid, business models for investment into connected home technology and future retail pricing.