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The Blending of IoT and the global residential security market is set to continue and have a profound impact on installers and end-users, explains Blake Kozak, Senior Principal Analyst, Components & Devices, Smart Home, at Omdia.
The internet of things (IoT) is having a profound impact on the residential security industry. Antiquated hardware, like keypads and panels, are quickly being replaced with modern equipment designed to be placed anywhere in the home. For example, the latest all-in-one panels boast integrations with digital assistants like Amazon Alexa and come with integrated cameras for facial recognition, as well as improved speakers that can play music or double as the alarm’s siren.
According to the latest residential remote monitoring research from Omdia, there were about 44.5 million professionally monitored security systems globally in 2020, increasing to about 54 million in 2024. In the US, Omdia predicts about one out of four households will have professional alarm monitoring services in 2024.
Here are the top five residential security trends to watch for in 2022.
1) Hardware that blends into the home
Although security panels with a display aren’t new, the technology integrated into these panels means the hardware can be placed anywhere in the home. Some brands are even looking to take control of the home’s Wi-Fi for added security. This trend is driving innovation for traditional security brands and is on full display from smart home brands like IKEA and Sonos, who have partnered to develop lamps and wall art with embedded speaker technology. Likewise, the new Echo Show 15 aims to blend into a home when not in use, acting as a picture frame, similar to the Samsung Frame television.
2) AI to reduce false alarms
In 2021, brands like Alarm.com announced Ambient Insights which incorporates AI to deliver more information to central monitoring stations. This additional information can help monitoring stations prioritise alarms and dispatch the proper emergency services. While Alarm.com isn’t the only brand with AI embedded in its platform to reduce false alarms, AI will play a crucial role in 2022 to reduce false alarms and provide additional context for emergency responders.
3) Video analytics will have an elevated role
Video cameras are one of the most popular device add-ons for residential security systems and smart homes, and brands are starting to take advantage. For example, some brands offer 911 emergency services directly in the mobile app, allowing the user to select fire, police or medical, based solely on video camera recordings. Other do-it-yourself (DIY) brands are beginning to offer remove video monitoring services, meaning the consumer pays monthly for a monitoring station to respond and monitor home outdoor video cameras. In 2022, Omdia expects the role video cameras, doorbells and analytics will be amplified for professional and DIY security solutions.
4) Wi-Fi sensing and radars could cannibalize the analogue sensor market
Already there are many device manufacturers using combinations of radar, Wi-Fi, and ultrasound to monitor motion and occupancy in homes. While some brands are focusing on security, others are positioning the technology as an enhanced means to monitor seniors as they age in place. Regardless, professional security hardware brands and service providers should pay close attention to this technology evolution in 2022.
For example, Amazon announced at its autumn hardware event in September 2021 that the latest models of Echo smart speakers will use ultrasound to detect occupancy which can be used for automations and security purposes. This will be a compelling offer for consumers that already find DIY services, like Alexa Guard, to be good enough, so using radars to flood the home to detect motion and occupancy, the demand for door/window contacts and motion sensors could be on the decline starting in 2022.
5) Partnerships with home builders and apartments
More hardware brands and platforms are focusing on the single-family home builder market. Although many homes and even multifamily apartments come with a basic/standard alarm system, home builders are looking to provide more advanced solutions as a standard, not an upgrade. In the past, smart home devices would only be available as part of an upgrade package, but now, builders like KB Homes and Lennar are offering solutions as a standard. Security brands will be able to take advantage of this in 2022 as demand for more devices in the home increases, from smart home technology to door locks, energy management and water controls. Some of the leading security brands are even investing in startups that focus exclusively on displays and smart home technologies.
In 2022, hardware brands, platform providers and installers should note the overlap among verticals, like single-family home builders and multifamily apartments. Due to increased interest in smart home technologies, multifamily properties are becoming a booming industry for security and smart home vendors. In 2020, Omdia estimated there were about 2.5 million smart home devices shipped into smart apartments globally, increasing to 65 million annual device shipments in 2025. In order to take further advantage of this trend, security brands are becoming more interested in acquiring enterprise smart apartment platforms, like Level and Dwelo.
Overall, the rate of innovation among residential security brands has been impressive, especially for an industry that less prone to change. Brands that are able to embrace the IoT which will include advanced audio and video analytics, Wi-Fi sensing/radar and new partnerships will have the most success in 2022.
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Top five residential security trends to watch for in 2022Blake Kozak from Omdia explores the top five trends in the residential security market to look out for in 2022.
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