According to this article the answer would be…not far from it! due to the fact that the smart home of today can’t provide the integrated and contextualized experience that homeowners expect from a “smart” system. Althouh competition is good since it increases choice, it leads to a fragmented market and a worse user experience.
To combat this fragmentation one approach is to use “glue” type apps like IFTTT or even universal control apps like Gideon or Muzzley. The other approach is use the tech giants platforms (Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Apple) and devices that claim compatibility with these.
There are basically four types of systems in the line from more rigid/closed to more flexible/open and they are: 1. Integrated home automation systems 2. Security oriented systems, 3. Self managed hubs and 4. Open developer oriented home automation systems. #1 can be quite expensive and #4 is only for the tech savvy so most of the smart homes of today fall into categories #2 and #3, actually one research illustrates that a significant portion of consumers start with a smart speaker, security cameras, thermostats and lighting.
The four system types are shown here:
