Report: Smart Appliance Consumer Awareness

Research shows that where it comes to building a smart home, we like the idea but actually know very little about it.

As far as smartphones are concerned, it’s probably safe to assume that most US consumers can explain what it is and what it’s capable of doing — indeed, figures from YouGov Profiles show that about 4 in 5 Americans own one.

But it’s another story altogether with high-tech home appliances such as smart refrigerators, smart kettles, and smart thermostats. New data reveals that while the majority of US consumers (62%) are aware of these smart appliances — devices that generally include a computer capable of connecting to the internet and can be controlled by phone or tablet — most people admit they don’t know much about them.

Just over half (52%) of adults aged 18–34 report being aware of the technology yet not terribly knowledgeable about it, compared to 67% of adults aged 35+. At the same time, 21% of consumers consider themselves fully aware of smart appliances and in possession of a great deal of information about them. In this case, more Americans aged 18–34 claim familiarity with, and understanding of, the technology than those aged…