Over 56% of Brits are already using or would consider using voice-controlled connected devices in the home, however most of them (55%) don’t know how to install these and would need professional help, according to research just released by online electronics retailer, reichelt elektronik.

The enthusiasm for state-of-the-art technology in the home is also apparent with systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Home or Microsoft Cortana. While 50% percent of respondents would consider installing a voice-controlled solution, 6% already use the new technology in their home.

In the case of voice-controlled home automation solutions, the desire to operate heating and lighting either automatically or remotely is the first priority (74%), closely followed by camera surveillance/alarm systems (48%) as well as kitchen and household appliances (40%).

Germans are more confident than the Brits to install

Across Europe the trend is similar. reichelt’s research found that most German (70%) and French (63%) people surveyed were the same as the Brits, however about half of Germans would do it themselves. 49% – and for men it is as much as 60% – are confident, according to the survey, to be able to accomplish the installation of home automation itself without a specialist. At least 16% believe that they can design and install their own system with electronic components. 

Digital natives pay attention to privacy

Of the 30% who wouldn’t consider using devices like Alexa, Siri or Google Home, this was due to concerns over data protection. This is especially striking in the age group of the 18- to 24-year-olds. Digital natives are of the age group most interested in new technology. Those in this group who do not want to use them (40%) clearly state privacy concerns (65%).

Siri and Alexa, but only at home, not on mobile

Alexa, Google Home & co. are generally well received by the majority of respondents for the home. This is very different for mobile. Only 29% of the interviewees use the voice assistant on their smartphone regularly (at least every other day) while 60% indicated they never used it or did not have a mobile phone with a voice assistant.

reichelt elektronik (http://www.reichelt.co.uk) is one of the largest European online distributors for electronics and IT technology, offering more than 75,000 products with a very good price / performance ratio with the highest availability and the shortest delivery time.