On March 31, in anticipation of the rice noodle festival on April 8, Xiaomi launched five new products at once. Alongside two smartphones and a TV, scales and wiring boards were also introduced, which came as a surprise to many. However, Xiaomi, long known for its smart home initiatives, has finally completed several key links in its home eco-chain. This is a concept that has been popular since 2014, with internet companies like Xiaomi, 360, Alibaba, JD.com, and traditional appliance manufacturers such as Midea, Haier, and Changhong all entering the market. Despite the enthusiasm, smart homes still face challenges, with few consumers actually purchasing these products.
According to data from Aowei Cloud Network, the output value of smart homes in China reached 230 billion yuan in 2015, and it's expected to exceed 1 trillion yuan by 2020. However, consumer acceptance remains low. Surveys show that up to 87.5% of users are dissatisfied with current smart home systems. For smart homes to achieve mass adoption, there are at least three major hurdles to overcome.
First, many smart home products are more about flashy features than real utility. The goal of smart homes should be to create a comfortable, safe, efficient, and convenient living environment. Yet, many functions are impractical. In 2014, when smart home products first gained attention, they were seen as revolutionary. But many of these products—like refrigerators that can watch TV or smart light bulbs that change colors—fail to deliver real value. Most consumers quickly lose interest, highlighting the confusion among companies in this space. They continue to add technology without addressing real user needs.
Second, the lack of industry standards is a major issue. Multiple protocols exist, but none are widely adopted. Standards like IGRS, ejiajia, and Guanglian have not gained traction. Even if a standard exists, companies often resist it to maintain control over their ecosystems. However, platforms that integrate different technologies, such as those being explored by Apple, Midea, and Haier, could help devices from different brands work together. This would make smart homes more accessible and practical.
Third, security concerns remain a big problem. Smart devices can be hacked, exposing user privacy. Examples include hackers controlling smart toilets or accessing child monitors. Experts recommend using wired connections, ensuring devices notify users when offline, and implementing strong password policies. Unfortunately, many companies overlook these issues, prioritizing growth over security.
Looking ahead, smart home innovation must come from understanding real consumer needs rather than just technological advancements. Future success will depend on solving user pain points and delivering meaningful, engaging experiences.
Intelligence should be meaningful and interesting. While the trend is clear, the industry is still in its early stages. When smart home appliances no longer need to be labeled as "smart," the market will be mature. Companies must focus on creating value, not just gimmicks.
Fang Tai, for example, has developed a complete range of kitchen appliances, including range hoods, stoves, and dishwashers. Their smart kitchen solutions, like the "i Rubik’s Cube" set, offer air quality monitoring, remote safety checks, recipe customization, and social cooking features, making smart kitchens truly engaging.
To move forward, the smart home industry needs stronger standards. With diverse players entering the market, quality and consistency vary. Without unified standards, compatibility and interoperability remain challenging. It’s time for national authorities to lead the development of industry standards, promoting healthy growth and cross-industry innovation. By investing in research and large-scale demonstrations, the smart home sector can evolve into a more cohesive and functional ecosystem.
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