Smart technology is growing at a rapid rate – new research from Maplin suggests almost a quarter (24%) of Brits own a Smart Home device and 57% are looking to buy a Smart Home device in the next six months.
Yet despite growing popularity, Maplin’s research has revealed that people are still confused about smart technology, with more than half (55%) admitting they do not fully understand it.
In response, Maplin has launched the first ever free service dedicated to providing people across the UK and Ireland with helpful, impartial, expert advice on using and setting up Smart Home technology in the comfort of their own home.
Maplin has found that 57% of the nation would want Smart Home devices to keep their home and family safe, whether that’s through the security afforded by a full CCTV system or just having the confidence to know who’s at the door with a smart doorbell. 53% believe smart tech can help save money on their energy bills, with smart thermostats allowing complete control meaning only the energy that is actually used is paid for. With a variety of products on the market and with diverse customer needs, Maplin’s Smart Home surveyors will visit customers in their home to provide a detailed and bespoke evaluation personal to each individual’s requirements and circumstances.
The Free Smart Home Survey launched nationwide this October after a successful trial in selected regions and will offer people:
- A free home visit with a Maplin Smart Home surveyor to discuss your needs and the different types of Smart Home products available
- The surveyors will also provide a free WiFi health check to ascertain the strength of your signal, whether it can adequately support smart technology and if necessary give advice on networking solutions
- Following this, the surveyor will provide a bespoke report listing the Smart Home products that would be suitable based on the customer’s needs
- There is no obligation to purchase products
- Should any of the products be purchased, Maplin also offers an installation service to ensure customers are fully set up and working – prices start from as little as £60
- From November Maplin will launch a Tech Support service, allowing customers to call a single number to solve any tech problems, all day every day
- Maplin will also launch an online booking service, allowing customers to book a free Smart Home Survey in seconds without needing to leave the home
Oliver Meakin, CEO of Maplin commented “Smart Home technology is designed to make life easier and provide peace of mind, however, we have seen a huge increase in the number of customers asking for specific advice on how to get started with Smart Home. The launch of this new service – a first of its kind – marks a brilliant step forward for the Smart Home industry and Maplin. Our Free Smart Home Survey is the best way for us to give customers, who may be confused about smart, the opportunity to fully understand how this exciting technology can benefit their lives.”
TOP TIPS FOR GETTING INTO SMART
With so many options on the market, setting up Smart Home can be a daunting experience. Smart Home technology can help you save money, make the home safer or simply just help make the day to day a little easier, but with so many new smart devices available it is hard to know where to start.
Here are Maplin home surveyor Charlie Reed’s top tips on getting into Smart Home technology:
Getting started – If you are looking to get into Smart Home, but aren’t quite ready to purchase a smart hub, check out the TP-Link Smart Plug as it can be connected to an array of products such as kettles, straighteners and lamps. If you ever find yourself worrying that you left the iron on or are keen to save energy and make sure your partner isn’t leaving the lights on, these plugs allow you to remotely check and turn off anything that is on in your home.
How to make smart the hub of the home – The Amazon Echo and Google Home are great starting products if you want to build up your Smart Home network, as they link to an array of connected devices such as smart lighting and heating. These hubs are a favourite for controlling music & playlists, following the news and weather and asking just about anything. Make sure you buy the right devices for your hub. Certain smart devices work with an Amazon Echo, others with a Google Home and some work with both, so just make sure to check before you buy.
Let Smart Home entertain you – The Amazon Echo and Google Home are great products for turning up the volume on your home entertainment. From songs on demand to setting the mood with Philips Hue lighting, hubs can connect to a host of different entertainment products that can really help liven up the party or set the mood for a movie night in.
Get the right products for your needs – Smart technology has a host of benefits, but it is important when starting out to make sure you get the right devices for you. Smart thermostats such as Hive can help you save money, whilst connected cameras like the Canary Flex camera are great to keep an eye on your home or your pets while you’re at work. Think about what might make your life easier and then do some research.
And don’t be afraid to ask an expert – Services such as Maplin’s Free Smart Home Survey offer free advice on the type of Smart Home products that will best suit you and your home. It’s completely free, can be conducted at a time that suits you and there is no obligation to purchase any products afterwards.
Appointments can be booked in Maplin stores nationwide. Learn more online at www.maplin.co.uk/home-survey
