Smart locks, ultra-affordable security cameras, and smart humidifiers – Verkkokauppa.com predicts this year's rising smart home trends.
Press release, March 1, 2021
Verkkokauppa.com predicts that Finns are set to invest heavily in home security and living comfort. According to experts from Finland's most popular online store, 2021 will see the arrival of smart locks, ultra-affordable security cameras, smart humidifiers, and intelligent EV charging stations.
Sales data from Verkkokauppa.com shows that last year's smart device hits included smart outdoor lighting, remote-controlled sockets, the convenient Philips Hue smart bulb, and the massive success of robot vacuum cleaners. Now, Finns are turning their focus toward home security through smart technology.
“Smart locks are the next big trend going mainstream. They offer flexibility, access control, and are incredibly handy while improving home security. When choosing a smart lock, consumers can decide whether to open it with a traditional key, a mobile app, geolocation upon arrival, voice recognition, Bluetooth, or a code,” says Verkkokauppa.com Product Manager Juha Harju.
Home security is also being enhanced by user-friendly security cameras stripped of unnecessary features. According to Harju, a high-quality smart indoor camera can now be purchased for just a few dozen euros. In addition to securing property, these cameras are often bought to keep an eye on new puppies via a simple mobile app.
Relaxed living with smart devices
Smart electronics are also being used to improve living comfort. According to Verkkokauppa.com Product Manager Juha Orava, smart home solutions can make staying at home ultra-relaxed—for example, with a smart sleep sensor. It detects when you go to bed and automatically turns off the TV and lights. Cleaning is also becoming even easier as self-emptying robot vacuums become more common.
“The growing popularity of houseplants is driving many to invest in smart humidifiers this year. These can be set to automatically release steam when humidity levels drop below a certain point. Hot summers will also certainly boost the popularity of smart air conditioners and heat pumps,” Orava notes.
Furthermore, the surge in hybrid and electric vehicle registrations is reflected in the popularity of smart charging stations. A compact smart charging station allows you to monitor battery status and electricity consumption, while charging speed and timing are controlled via a mobile app.
Verkkokauppa.com experts' tips for building a smart home
1. Don't rush—start with a single product
You don't need to automate your entire home at once. If possible, start building your smart home with devices from the same manufacturer. This ensures that your devices will continue to communicate with each other as you add new technology in the future.
2. Create handy routines to get the most out of your smart electronics
For example, define what happens when you leave home. You can set a routine for the voice command “I’m leaving” that turns off the TV and lights, starts the robot vacuum, and activates the home security system.
3. Choose your home assistant based on language and ambition
The “holy trinity” of voice control is Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. Choose your assistant based on your preferred language and how extensively you want to equip your smart home. In Finland, Apple and its HomeKit system are popular because Finns appreciate Siri's ability to speak Finnish. The downside is that HomeKit currently supports the fewest devices of the three. We're still waiting for Google Assistant to support Finnish, though it already works in Swedish.
4. Prioritize compatibility and avoid low-quality gear
When choosing a smart home hub, it's crucial to find out how many devices and manufacturers it can integrate. While many manufacturers make big promises, some only allow communication between their own products. When buying a hub, pay close attention to the devices you already own and those you plan to buy.
Rising stars in smart tech – check out these products:
- Pindora smart lock
- Opticam i5 indoor security camera
- Philips Hue Smart plug remote-controlled socket
- Eve Energy Strip remote-controlled power strip
- CTEK Njord Go charger and wall mount
- Xiaomi Mi Smart Antibacterial Humidifier
- Electrolux AirFlower WP71-265WT air conditioner
- Philips Hue Outdoor Lightstrip 2 m, for outdoor use
- Philips Hue Lily Outdoor smart garden spotlight set, for outdoor use
Smart features can be enabled for Philips Hue lights with a bridge:
Philips Hue Bridge
Additional information
press@verkkokauppa.com (Ulkoinen palvelu)
Verkkokauppa.com
Verkkokauppa.com is Finland's leading online retailer, offering a wide range of products from home technology to leisure and business needs. Operating since 1992, the company is one of the world's oldest online retailers, combining e-commerce and physical stores into a seamless omnichannel customer experience. Verkkokauppa.com's four megastores are located in Oulu, Pirkkala, Raisio, and Helsinki's Jätkäsaari district. To deliver an exceptional customer experience, the company delivers products to your door in as little as one hour, around the clock, using automation and robotics. Verkkokauppa.com employs approximately 600 people, and the company's shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
