Reos, a consumer hardware and software brand from Cube26, today released a survey on the ‘IoT in India – What the consumer knows & wants’. The findings reveal that India is currently at an early adoption stage and there is a need to create awareness. As per the survey, merely 22.5 per cent of the consumers surveyed are totally familiar with the concept of Internet of Things, with maximum awareness seen in the 36–55 age group. This clearly shows there is immense opportunity for increased adoption.
With the advancement of Internet penetration, 65 per cent of smartphone users are connected 24*7 of which 97.2 per cent access the Internet from home. The survey further highlights that currently merely 21 per cent own IoT/Connected devices which includes 12 per cent Wearables and 9% Home Automation while 51 per cent are inclined to experience Connected Devices in the future majorly in the Home Automation segment.
The Home Automation segment includes Smart Lighting, Smart TV, Smart Fridge, Smart Washing Machine, Smart AC, Smart Thermostat, Smart Fan and Smart Vacuum Cleaner. Interestingly Smart Lighting tops the list across Male and Female users and the 36-55 age group, while in the 15–25 and 26–35 age groups it is ranked 2nd next to Smart TV. Wearables (including Smart Watch, Fitness Bands, Smart Headphones, Smart Clothing) are the second highest ranked category expected to witness growth in the future.
With the growth of connected devices at large, security is one of the major concerns of consumers. 60 per cent have cited data security as a key concern for not trying Connected Devices followed by High Prices and not comfortable with new tech at 54 per cent and 20 per cent respectively. While making purchase decisions, 61 per cent of consumers value quality & performance over International brand. Further, 55 per cent in the age group of 25-45 are open to try Indian brands if they are competitively priced and offer better specs whereas 45 per cent in the age group of 15-25 prefer global brands. Before buying, 58 per cent women go by reviews whereas 40 per cent men go by peer recommendation.
Commenting on the findings, Mr. Saurav Kumar, CEO & Co-Founder, Cube26 said,“With increased Internet penetration and data usage, the Connected Devices segment is expected to witness huge growth by 2020. With the government’s continued focus on digitization and host of initiatives like Digital India, Start-Up India, Stand-Up India, Smart Cities and Skill India, we will see rapid adoption of the Connected Devices market in India.”
Key findings of the survey –
Internet consumption trends in India
·65 per cent of people are connected to the Internet 24 hours a day
·16.6 per cent people are connected 11-14 hours a day
·10 per cent are connected 7-10 hours a day
·5 per cent are connected 4-5 hours a day
·3 per cent are connected 2-3 hours a day
·72 per cent males are connected to the Internet and 57 per cent Females are connected to the Internet all the time
Utility of smartphone
·99.99 per cent – Calls and Messages
·92 per cent – Utility apps like Calendar, Notes, Alarm, Maps, Mail
·88 per cent – Social networking sites
·35 per cent – Internet gaming/Gaming apps
·88 per cent – Internet browsing
Awareness on Connected Devices
·22.5 per cent totally familiar with the concept of Internet of Things
·Maximum awareness seen in the 36–55 age group
·51 per cent inclined to experience Connected Devices in the future
·21 per cent own connected devices, 12 per cent – wearables and 9 per cent – home automation devices
Source of information for awareness
·30 per cent – Word of mouth
·26per cent – Media and blog
Concerns
·60 per cent – data security
·54 per cent – high prices
·20 per cent – not comfortable with new tech
Factors affecting purchase decision
·61 per cent respondents value quality and performance over brand
·55 per cent in 25-45 age group open to trying Indian brands
·45 per cent in 15-25 age group prefer International brands
·87 per cent people ready to try competitively priced Indian brands offering better specs
· 58 per cent women go by reviews and 40% men by peer recommendation before buying
Connected devices consumers want in 2017
·53.70 per cent – Home automation
·34.91 per cent – Wearables
·11.39per cent – Transportation
By EB Bureau
