Written by Menswear Style in Tech on the 17th October 2017

Smart technology is growing at a rapid rate – new research from Maplin suggests almost a quarter (24%) of Brits own a Smart Home device and 57% are looking to buy one in the next six months. Yet despite growing popularity, research from Maplin has revealed that people are still confused about Smart technology, with more than half admitting they do not fully understand it.

In response to this, Maplin has launched the first ever free service dedicated to providing people across the UK with helpful, at-home impartial, expert advice on using and setting up Smart technology in their home. Whether its deciding between Amazon Echo or Google Home as your first foray into Smart, or looking for ways to save money on bills or simply being able to remotely keep an eye on your pets at home, Maplin Smart Home surveyors will provide a detailed and bespoke home evaluation, personal to everyone’s needs.

The Free Smart Home Survey service has now launched nationwide and offers people a free home visit with a Maplin Smart Home surveyor to discuss your needs and the different types of products available. The surveyors will also provide a free Wi-fi health check to ascertain whether your home is ready for smart technology and if necessary give advice on networking solutions. Following this, the surveyor provides a bespoke report listing the Smart Home products that would be suitable based on the needs outlined and should any of the products be purchased, Maplin also offer an installation service to ensure customers are fully set up and working.

Next week a Maplin surveyor will be conducting a Smart Home consultation at our Founder Craig Landale’s home in London. Craig is staying optimistic and hoping introducing smart tech will be useful and not just a fad. He comments; “I’ve never been overly interested in smart tech in the past. I wonder if I would fail to use it after the initial excitement is over after a week or so. Just like Siri on the iPhone; I simply don’t use it and can never think of something to ask him, and he never understands my Yorkshire accent. That’s another thing about Amazon Echo for example, how easy is it to learn what to ask it, what can they do? Is it easy to install? I’m a Millennial whose job is online so I consider myself tech savvy, and If I’m not sure about this I can imagine the average guy is even more confused than me. However, I’m working with Maplin to get educated and have an aim to make my life easier at home through smart products whilst saving money on my bills, so I’m going into this with an open mind to see if it works. Let’s see if I can be converted, let’s see if it will actually make my life easier.”

Appointments can be booked in Maplin stores nationwide – for more info visit maplin.co.uk/smart-home-survey

For those interested in Smart Home technology installation, Maplin has now launched a free Smart Home Consultation Service.