In many cases, the Internet of Things involves
consumers having to do something to get things started.
The good news is that the percentage of U.S. consumers who experience problems with various computing and entertainment devices has
declined over the past few years, according to a new study by Parks Associates.
The bad news is that issues with smart home devices are increasing.
Fewer than 10% of connected
entertainment device owners say they have problems with their streaming media device, smart televisions and gaming consoles. Problems with computing devices, a bit higher than issues with connected
entertainment devices, also have declined significantly over the past two years, according to Parks Associates.
However, the percentage of consumers reporting problems with smart home devices
has increased over the last years.
In 2016, 28% of smart home device owners reported experiencing problems with various smart home devices. In 2017, that number increased to 34% of consumers
having issues.
Many smart home devices utilize new technologies, making them susceptible to problems.
The top problems reported in the last two years are connectivity and device
performance issues.
Problems with connectivity include a device losing connection to the home network and device performance issues include short battery life and unresponsive or overly
sensitive devices that create false alarms.
Not all smart devices create issues the same. For example, the majority of connected healthcare device owners do not experience problems with their
devices. Only 4% of those owners report having issues when setting up their devices and 12% when using them. Their big issues related to connectivity and inaccuracy of data generated.
The
researchers note that the complexities associated with the use of the devices are the primary drivers of the number and types of problems.
As you might guess, many (47%) smart home device
owners find a service that resolves technical support with their devices to be highly appealing.
Sometimes making the Internet of Things work needs a little help.
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Hope you can join us at the MediaPost IoT Marketing
Forum May 18 in New York. Here’s the agenda.