Walmart Launches Another Pro Install Service
Needs around product installation have grown in recent years as more consumers adopt smart home technologies. Walmart, through a partnership with services provider Angi, will provide enhanced installation services for buyers of smart air conditioners and other products that require DIY set up. With prices starting at $49, the service will offer simple assembly jobs (like furniture assembly), TV mounting, and even interior painting and custom flooring. Installation of smart home products is popular with new smart home device owners and according the Angi smart home installation was the company’s third most popular service in 2021.
The NPD Take:
- Installation services have increased in popularity, especially among recent smart home product owners. A compelling installation service offered by Walmart could be a competitive differentiator- growing the retailer’s market share of smart home products while also pulling buyers away from other retailers.
- The key to these services will be managing cost and communicating value to Walmart’s shoppers, though linking smart home installation with other tasks such as painting and home remodeling could drive even more business to the retailer.
Home Depot Announces New Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Home Depot’s newest smart home device, the Kidde Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm offers smart features, integrations, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant voice applications. Connected via Wi-Fi, the smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarm syncs with other Kidde alarms in the home to deliver alerts, notifications, and other information straight to the Kidde mobile app. Managing the device via app is especially helpful in diagnosing smoke and CO events in the home as well as deactivating false alarms. The Kidde smart alarm retails for $89.99.
The NPD Take:
- The Kidde alarm is another entrant into the smoke + carbon monoxide detection market and its price point of $89 comes in less than other products on the market. Though most households own smoke and carbon monoxide monitors, non-connected devices are hardwired and tend to be difficult to manage.
- Adding control via mobile app will make alerts and notifications more actionable for users, taking some of the stress out alarm events. Notifications via mobile device also allow users to monitor their home’s status while they are away.
New Alexa Device Turns Curtain into Smart Curtains
For $84, the SwitchBot Curtain smart curtain controller can make your curtains controllable via voice or mobile app. The SwitchBot works with virtually any curtain set up and takes 30 seconds to install on a standard curtain rod. After installation, the SwitchBot can control curtain opening and closing on-demand or via a predetermined schedule. The device comes with a hub that acts as a bridge, enabling multiple smart home integrations including IFTTT.
The NPD Take:
- New products like the SwitchBot Curtain demonstrate the growing diversity of the home automation market. While many of the industry’s most popular products are focused on home security and monitoring, considerations around design, energy usage, and convenience are beginning to resonate with home automation consumers (growing sales of smart lighting and smart power products demonstrate this shift).
- Smart curtains appeal to users interested in easy control and automation of their home products in addition to users trying to manage home temperature and lighting levels- both of which have an impact on energy consumption.