Q: What do Samsung home appliances and dating have in common? A: Lots, apparently Smart, luxury appliances are captivating the attention of young people. Photo supplied by Samsung. This is sponsored content for Samsung Australia. Roses are red, violets are blue, that’s a nice smart fridge, I-I think I fancy you. If this sounds like an unusual love poem to you, you’re not alone – but get ready to be surprised by Samsung’s latest findings. According to a recent report from IFA 2024, ‘The Australians @ Home Report: 2024 Smart Living from Samsung Electronics Australia’, there is a growing intersection between home appliances and – of all things – dating, with 36 per cent of Gen Zs claiming to be more attracted to people with luxury appliances. [1]
The rise of home appliances has been a gradual process, with its roots in the Industrial Revolution. The first major shift occurred in the 19th century, with the invention of the electric refrigerator. This invention revolutionized food preservation and significantly impacted the lives of people. The electric refrigerator, a symbol of modernity and affluence, quickly became a coveted possession, signifying a higher social standing.
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[2] But it’s not just personal, just under a third (32 per cent) of Gen Z also say they feel embarrassed or judged for outdated or mismatched appliances.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.
* Australians and Gen Z are particularly drawn to fridges with advanced features. * A quarter of Australians and over a third of Gen Z are more likely to invite people over if they have a fancy fridge. * The appliance is seen as a symbol of status and social status.
“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.
Here are the smart home technology trends shaping the future of home appliance innovation.
This generation is making significant efforts to reduce energy consumption. They are actively engaging in practices that minimize energy waste and maximize efficiency. This is evident in their daily routines, where they prioritize energy-saving measures.
“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 also 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 even anticipating our desires.
[1] Refers to research commissioned by Samsung and conducted by Nature, B3A | Actions | Thinking about appliances, which oft the following apply to you? | YES Base: n = 164 -348. [2] 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. [3] 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. [4] 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.
The summary provided is a snippet of a larger study conducted by Samsung and published in Nature. The study aimed to understand consumer behavior and preferences regarding appliances. The study involved a survey of 164-348 individuals, focusing on their thoughts and actions related to appliances.
* **Wi-Fi connection:** A Wi-Fi connection is required for the SmartThings system to function. This is essential for communication between the SmartThings hub and your devices. * **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.