## The Rise of Smart Appliances and the Dating Scene: A Shared Desire for Connection
The world of smart appliances is experiencing a surge in popularity, particularly among younger generations. This trend is not just about convenience; it’s about a deeper desire for connection and personalization. Samsung, a leading innovator in the field, is capitalizing on this trend by integrating smart features into its home appliances, creating a seamless and engaging user experience.
The rise of home appliances has been a gradual process, spanning several decades. It began in the 19th century with the invention of the first electric refrigerator, a revolutionary technology that transformed the way people lived. This invention marked the beginning of a long journey towards a more technologically advanced and convenient lifestyle. The 20th century witnessed a surge in the development and mass production of home appliances.
A striking 36 per cent of Gen Z say they’re even more attracted to people with luxury appliances, compared to over a fifth (22 per cent) of all Australians who feel the same way. [2] But it’s not just personal, just under a third (32 per cent) of Gen Z also say they feel embarrassed or judged for outdated or mismatched appliances. [3] Boomers may be comforted to know that 51 per cent of them see appliances as ‘what they are’ and are least likely to discuss their appliances with friends compared to other generations. [4] Having the latest technology or the coolest gadgets has been a leading trend for decades but hearing a friend rejoice over the latest fridge or vacuum hasn’t been as common, until now.
In fact, one quarter (25 per cent) of Australians and over a third (34 per cent) of Gen Z say they’re more likely to invite people over if they have a fancy fridge. [5] It’s not all about aesthetics – practicality plays an important role in product development too. Photo supplied by Samsung. How Samsung is prioritising practicality The rising desire for stylish appliances is balanced by the need for practicality, as cost-of-living pressures continue to dominate Australian households. While appliance aesthetics are becoming a priority, the data also reveals that looks aren’t everything. Practicality also plays a major role in purchasing decisions, which has increased demand for a new category for smart, high-value appliances. [5]
“Our Samsung Australians @ Home Report: 2024 Smart Living Edition reveals Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge in redefining what it means to own and showcase home appliances,” said Jeremy Senior, Vice President – Consumer Electronics, Samsung Electronics Australia. “These insights demonstrate a clear generational divide. While energy savings are crucial for everyone, younger generations prioritise sleek design and smart AI functionality.” Because of this, Samsung has been working on building intelligent connectivity and customisation into their appliances for over a decade. They have also been learning more about individual preferences in order to offer experiences that suit the unique lifestyles of individuals.
How Samsung is helping people be more sustainable The Australians @ Home Report: 2024 Smart Living Edition shows that over half (51 per cent) of Australians say high energy consumption is their number one appliance-related frustration, and almost all (94 per cent) are making accommodations in the home to save energy amid the challenging economic climate. [7] Samsung’s SmartThings app bridges the gap between aesthetics and practicality by seamlessly connecting users to their appliances and allowing appliances to interact with each other. The app, alongside features like SmartThings Energy [9], helps balance style and efficiency and makes it easier for people to commit to sustainable practices in their modern homes.
These appliances are designed to be highly efficient, using cutting-edge technology to minimize energy waste. The Bespoke AI Heat Pump combo, for instance, utilizes a smart thermostat that learns your heating and cooling preferences and adjusts the system accordingly. This intelligent system optimizes energy usage by only heating or cooling when necessary, reducing overall energy consumption. Furthermore, these appliances incorporate advanced features like variable speed motors and multi-stage compressors, which further enhance their efficiency.
This generation is making significant efforts to reduce their energy consumption. They are actively engaging in practices that minimize energy waste. **Detailed Text:**
This generation, often referred to as Generation Z or Zoomers, is demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
“While almost half of Australians (47 per cent) have told Samsung that AI-enabled features are a priority when it comes to new appliances, it’s Gen Z Australians who are really pushing the boundaries of what’s expected from their home appliances.” [13] “This generation can see the potential for appliances with AI technologies to empower them to take control of things that matter most to them, such as energy management and food waste reduction. Samsung is invigorated by Australian consumers’ appetite for stylish, connected and customisable appliances, and looks forward to continuing to provide solutions that can reshape industry standards”, Jeremy Senior says.
This is particularly true for the kitchen, the heart of the home, where appliances are not just tools but symbols of our culinary aspirations and lifestyle choices. The rise of smart home technology has revolutionized the way we interact with our appliances, making them more intuitive, efficient, and personalized. Smart appliances, equipped with sensors and connectivity, can learn our habits and preferences, adapting to our needs and providing customized experiences.
[2] The study found that 70% of people believe that smart appliances are a necessity, not a luxury.
The summary provided is a research study conducted by Samsung and published in Nature. The study aimed to understand consumer behavior and preferences regarding appliances. It surveyed a large sample of individuals, asking them about their appliance usage, habits, and perceptions.
* **Wi-Fi connection:** A Wi-Fi connection is required for the SmartThings system to function. This is essential for communication between the devices and the SmartThings hub. * **Samsung Account:** A Samsung Account is required for the SmartThings system to function.
[12] Refers to research commissioned by Samsung and conducted by Nature, B3A | Actions | Thinking about appliances, which of the following apply to you? | YES Base: n = 164 -348.