Smartphones with appliances' control gaining popularity

The Internet of Things, a set of connected devices running on software and sensors that allow them to exchange data, is gaining traction in India through smartphones.

A survey by the California-headquartered Peel Technologies, which deals in smart home control solutions, said 85 per cent of Indian consumers preferred a universal remote control feature in their smartphones.

Smartphone companies are introducing devices that can control various consumer electronic products. Infrared and Wi-Fi enabled smartphones used to be available in mobiles priced above Rs 15,000. Of late, handset manufacturers have started introducing models in the sub-Rs 10,000 category to tap the growing demand.

Karbonn last month came up with its infrared-enabled device priced at Rs 5,999. The smartphone operates through an app that integrates home appliances and electronic products with the handset. "Apart from key metros; there was phenomenal response from cities such as Sonipat, Thane, Surat, and Jaipur," a Karbonn spokesperson said. Karbonn expects the connected devices market in India to touch $12 billion in revenue by 2020. "While, in developed countries like the US or European nations, gaming, online entertainment and social networking applications (app) are used the most, in India the dynamics are different. Here, productivity and utility are the most sought after features", Shashin Devsare, executive director, Karbonn Mobiles explains. The latest handsets from LG and Samsung have remote control features for a majority of appliances. Intex, too, launched a Wi-Fi enabled device this year.

"The Indian level of smart home maturity is nascent. For smart devices to become mainstream in India, these must become affordable and should make the value proposition clear. Consumers will adopt smart devices if they are built for the Indian context," said Neha Dharia, senior analyst, consumer services, Ovum.

Videocon launched its range of wi-fi enabled air-conditioners earlier this year. LG and Samsung already have ranges of refrigerators, washing machines, television sets and speakers with integrated wi-fi technology.

"The Internet of Things is one of the most talked-about technology trends today. LG has adopted new technologies to make its products efficient and interconnected," an LG India spokesperson said.