"Google" articles

Smart home products may use a centralized control architecture, a distributed control architecture, or enable both. Consequently, consumers may be able to control their smart products individually, or as a group through a central control point (hub, app, voice assistant, etc.), or have options for either. In a distributed control architecture, individual products perform specific jobs for consumers, but those products also benefit from collaboration with other products. A loose...

Google’s annual I/O event, which took place from May 11-12, revealed a handful of new releases and updates to its range of hardware and software. Google also shared that a few previously discontinued and canceled products would be revived, including Android tablets and watches, the latter of which will feature a partnership with Samsung. Android 13 was also debuted and is slated for release in August alongside the new Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Key points of emphasis for Android 13 include...

In the age of the Internet of Things (IoT), a tsunami of new information is coming from connected devices. Insurers, intent on securing the deepest level of insight, will need a way to tap into the source. Traditional insurance practices for data acquisition through third parties may not work; IoT data will be a source of competitive advantage and, therefore, not readily shared. The companies deploying smart home solutions, not the insurer, will have control of the relationship and...

Parks Associates hosted its first in-person event of the year. The internationally recognized market research firm’s 13th annual Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer focuses on the evolution of the consumer utility market, the impact of COVID-19 on energy management programs, and new opportunities to drive engagement in utility-sponsored programs. “Parks Associates consumer data reveals that consumers want better home energy insights than they currently get from...

Earlier in August, Google announced a $450 million investment in security stalwart ADT. The partnership represents an ecosystem expansion for both players that increases their visibility and value to new existing customers by creating the next generation of smart home security offerings. Then, a few months later, Google unsurprisingly discontinued its three-year-old Google Nest Secure alarm system, seemingly to make way for its future collaboration with ADT. The partnership will be...

Towards the end of October, Google announced the discontinuation of its three-year-old Google Nest Secure alarm system. Although Google will no longer sell its DIY home security system, it will continue supporting its current Nest Secure users. This announcement was not a big surprise, given Google’s $450 million investment in security stalwart ADT earlier in August. Google first introduced Nest Secure in 2017 as a modular home security system that was simple to install and use....

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the healthcare ecosystem on its head. The outbreak led to sharp decreases for in-person visits and the delay of elective care procedures, due both to official public safety measures and consumer’s avoidance of exposure. Care providers and health systems have leaned on technology to provide much needed care to patients at home, through telehealth consultations and remote patient monitoring programs.  Parks Associates data reveal that telehealth use...

Yesterday, Google announced that it will invest $450 million in ADT and work with the Florida-headquartered firm’s 20,000 technicians to sell and install the search giant’s Nest family of smart home products. Parks Associates Research Director, Brad Russell, gives us insight on what this means for the industry. What does Google’s investment mean for the home security market? Google’s investment demonstrates clear bullishness for both sides of the home security...