Connected objects are gradually becoming established in French homes. According to a survey conducted by reichelt elektronik and OnePoll, 56% of households in France have at least one smart device at home. However, the French are lagging behind their European neighbors. Despite these figures, the French remain optimistic about the benefits of smart homes, particularly for comfort and energy savings.
Comfort and energy savings top motivations
Improving comfort is the main driver of the adoption of connected objects among the French. Forty-three percent of respondents are looking for greater comfort at home, and a large majority (88%) believe that these devices have made their daily lives significantly easier. Voice assistants, such as Google Home Or Alexadominate the market with 44% presence in homes, followed by smart entertainment systems (41%) and security systems (37%).
Besides comfort, energy savings constitute a key motivation for users. A third of French people (33%) invest in smart devices to reduce their energy costs. This approach seems to be bearing fruit, as 66% of users claim to have saved electricity or energy thanks to this equipment. However, some products, such as smart shutters or irrigation systemsremain little used, with respective adoption rates of 19% and 13%.
Inclusion and accessibility: challenges to be met
Despite manufacturers’ efforts to simplify the use of connected devices, inclusivity remains a major issue. A majority of French people (65%) believe that Connected objects are not sufficiently accessible to the elderly or people with disabilities. Users want more solutions to support vulnerable people in their daily lives and enable them to live independently for longer.
The study also reveals that 53% of users prefer to control their devices via a unique applicationfar exceeding the voice command (31%) and remote controls (33%). This centralization of controls reflects a desire for simplification and consistency in the use of connected objects.
A reasoned dependence on smart technologies
While smart homes are now an integral part of everyday life for many, the French remain cautious about their reliance on these technologies. Nearly half of respondents (44%) say they could no longer live without their smart devices, but 60% express a desire not to become too dependent.
Consumer expectations for the future are clear: more affordable prices for smart products (50%), greener devices (30%), and new features to better control their energy consumption (29%) and improve security (28%).
Thomas Kruse, Product Manager for Network Technology and Smart Home at Reichelt Elektroniksummarizes as follows: “ Smart devices are not just a functional support; they are an essential component for an efficient and comfortable home. The possibilities of smart products are far from exhausted – and as the study shows, the French are eagerly awaiting innovations that will make life easier and more enjoyable for everyone. »
The study, conducted by the independent institute OnePoll for reichelt elektronik, surveyed 1,000 French consumers in August 2024, illustrating the rise and challenges of the smart home in France.
Article based on a press release received by the editorial staff.
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