Smart Devices: Shaping the Next Generation's Everyday Experience

Intelligent living emerges when smart devices, software, and services interoperate seamlessly, creating an ecosystem that envelops us. Olivier Dobo, marketing director of HONOR UK, says the goal is to enable people to live more efficiently and effectively, freeing them to focus on what truly matters.

Our latest report, Intelligent Living in Europe, co‑authored with Canalys, projects global demand for smart devices to rise, with shipments surpassing 3 billion units by 2023. The portfolio spans smartphones, PCs, tablets, wearables, smart speakers, and personal audio devices.

So how will these cutting‑edge devices reshape the daily lives of the next generation in 2020 and beyond?

We examine four core domains: Entertainment, Health & Fitness, Productivity, and Connected Living.

A move towards immersive entertainment

With video becoming the dominant form of digital content, demand for wireless audio—Bluetooth earphones, headphones, and true wireless earbuds—is rising. Users crave convenience, superior sound quality, and devices that stay comfortable for extended wear.

The report indicates that consumers are upgrading from bundled earphones to wireless audio solutions to enjoy better convenience and sound fidelity. Embedded smart assistants and sensors let users command nearby smart devices via their hearables, while delivering crystal‑clear audio during calls or media playback. Some of the most advanced personal audio products now incorporate hearing‑aid technologies to improve users’ hearing.

Ubiquitous high‑speed connectivity and the democratization of smartphones enable gamers to access online titles anytime, while mobile game quality has surged. 5G and cloud gaming technologies promise to broaden high‑definition gaming to a wider audience.

With reliable high‑speed Internet, mid‑range devices—smartphones, tablets, and notebooks—can stream premium AAA titles from the cloud, making mobile game live streaming increasingly mainstream. Meanwhile, foldable and dual‑screen devices introduce fresh form factors that enrich gameplay.

Streaming platforms have reshaped binge‑watching habits. Looking ahead, consumers will expect seamless access across multiple devices—smart TVs, notebooks, tablets, and smart displays—requiring streaming services to deliver a consistently superior viewing experience.

Although wireless audio devices typically pair with smartphones, expanding compatibility across PCs and notebooks will provide a more cohesive listening experience. An integrated ecosystem—where products collaborate to elevate user experience—is becoming the industry norm.

A fresh look on health and fitness

In health and fitness, the Internet of Things unlocks transformative possibilities. Wearable IoT devices—fitness trackers and smartwatches—capture everything from steps and calories burned to exercise quality, syncing the data to a smartphone app that helps users monitor and achieve their wellness objectives. Our report shows that the primary motivation for purchasing smartwatches and fitness bands is to enhance fitness and well‑being.

Recent iterations of wearables now monitor sleep cycles, heart rate, stress levels, and even female health metrics, enabling users to maintain holistic wellness.

Future wearables will broaden their sensor suites to cover a wider array of indoor and outdoor sports, empowering both amateur and professional athletes to fine‑tune performance and training regimes.

As work hours lengthen and burnout rises, stress‑management features will proliferate on wearables. Breathing‑exercise prompts—triggered by elevated heart rates during low activity—are already common, and audio‑guided mindfulness sessions are expected to become standard.

Fostering smarter working habits

The gig economy has expanded opportunities for contractors and freelancers, while contemporary office workers increasingly embrace flexible work models. For mobile professionals, mobility, connectivity, and a streamlined device ecosystem are essential. Cross‑device continuity—between smartphones and mobile PCs—enhances productivity and convenience, and future developments promise even tighter collaboration when sharing files or multitasking across multiple screens.

Always‑connected PCs equipped with 5G will usher in a new era of mobile productivity. Creators—photographers, videographers, vloggers, and influencers—stand to benefit most, as they juggle data capture, editing, and publishing across several devices.

Such an integrated device ecosystem reduces mundane operational friction, freeing creators to devote more time to creative pursuits.

Smart tech at home

A smart home that conserves energy while simplifying daily tasks is a top consideration when envisioning an IoT‑driven future. Smart TVs, thermostats, and security systems already support remote control via the Internet. Next‑generation smart routers and hubs will further extend home coverage and embed AI to facilitate more intelligent interactions—such as voice‑enabled online shopping.

The report projects that smart‑speaker demand will surge over the next three years, with shipments reaching 39 million units in 2023. Their growing popularity stems from serving as central command hubs that enhance household convenience.

In the UK, 40 % of respondents already own smart speakers at home, and an additional 42 % have multiple devices linked—indicating a national shift toward smarter living. Smart assistants are poised to become pivotal components of the ideal intelligent‑living ecosystem, operating seamlessly across homes, offices, vehicles, and on the move.

By delivering premium audio‑visual experiences for entertainment and gaming, enabling remote workers to reach peak productivity and creativity, helping individuals track health and wellness goals, and simplifying home management, smart living thrives when technology harmonizes across devices. IoT will be the catalyst that reshapes the next generation’s daily life.

The author is Olivier Dobo, marketing director of HONOR UK.