Smart Home Evolution: What the Future Holds for Connected Living

According to Statista, the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices installed worldwide is projected to reach 75 billion by 2025. Zion Market Research estimates that the global smart‑home market will surpass US$53.45 billion (€47.60 billion) by 2022.

Customers are adopting smart devices at an accelerating pace, says Robin Knox, co‑founder of Boundary. Smart assistants, in particular, saw sales of smart speakers surge 237 % in 2017, and the trend is set to become a permanent fixture in homes.

How will innovators continue to shape the smart‑home landscape? Below are the key developments to watch.

Integration

Consumers consistently rank integration with existing appliances as the top feature they seek in future smart‑home products, according to PCMag data. Though it may seem daunting, legacy devices can be brought online with adapters like smart plugs.

As integration deepens, we’ll expect homes to feel truly connected—allowing users to control lights, HVAC, security, and more via voice or a single touch.

Artificial Intelligence

AI is increasingly embedded in the smart‑home ecosystem. Firms are advancing facial and voice recognition, contextual learning, and predictive routines so devices anticipate occupants’ needs.

The 2024 CES highlighted new ways to embed AI assistants directly into everyday fixtures—mirrors, bathroom lights, and more—eliminating the need for dedicated speakers.

Visual Interaction

While voice remains dominant, visual interfaces are gaining momentum. Gartner predicts that most consumers will continue to prefer on‑screen browsing through 2020, illustrating an appetite for immersive visual experiences.

Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have already introduced smart displays. We anticipate that additional players will follow suit with their own visual‑centric devices.

Data

Data collection is poised to grow. Last year, Amazon and Google filed patents describing how smart speakers could capture lifestyle details—monitoring mood, health, and daily patterns.

These insights could enable highly tailored advertising profiles and recommendations, though the patents are not yet in active use. Other companies may adopt similar approaches.

Cybersecurity

Cyber threats loom large for IoT. A recent incident saw a U.S. homeowner receive a hoax nuclear‑attack alert from her Nest Cam, underscoring the need for robust security.

In response, the UK government has proposed new IoT labelling and security standards that require manufacturers to disclose update lifespans and provide a public contact for vulnerabilities.

To learn more, click here.

The author of this blog is Robin Knox, co‑founder of Boundary.