Trouble in Paradise

By Charles Wardell. Good news for late adopters. Most buyers still consider “smart” homes a dumb idea, according to a Harris Poll survey of U.S. consumers in May. The survey defined a smart, connected home as one where electronics, appliances, and other home technologies work together, are centrally controlled, fix themselves, and allow fast, easy service when needed. Despite interest, the survey found that consumers are concerned about the cost and time needed to set up such a home. And they’re skeptical that they can get help when their connected appliance, computer, home security system, or game system breaks. For more information, see www.motive.com/newsevents/pressreleases.