Only 22.5pc Indian consumers are aware of the concept of IoT

In the IoT landscape, globally 20.8 billion connected things will be in use by 2020, with an astounding 1 million devices coming online each hour. However, in India, merely 22.5 percent of the consumers are familiar of the concept of Internet of Things, with maximum awareness seen in the 36–55 age groups.

According to the survey conducted by Reos, a consumer hardware and software brand from Cube26, India is currently at an early adoption stage and there is a clear need to create awareness.

With the advancement of Internet penetration, 65 percent of smartphone users are connected 24*7 of which 97.2 percent access the Internet from home.

The survey, which was labeled ‘IoT in India - What the consumer knows & wants’, further highlights that currently merely 21 percent own IoT devices which include 12 percent wearables and 9 percent Home Automation while 51 percent are inclined to experience Connected Devices in the future majorly in the Home Automation segment.

With the growth of connected devices at large, security is one of the major concerns of consumers. 60 percent have cited data security as a key concern for not trying Connected Devices followed by High Prices and not comfortable with new tech at 54 percent and 20 percent respectively. While making purchase decisions, 61 percent of consumers value quality & performance over International brand.

Further, 55 percent in the age group of 25-45 are open to trying Indian brands if they are competitively priced and offer better specs whereas 45 percent in the age group of 15-25 prefer global brands. Before buying, 58 percent women go by reviews whereas 40 percent men go by peer recommendation.

Saurav Kumar, CEO & Co-Founder, Cube26 said, “With increased Internet penetration and data usage, the Connected Devices segment is expected to witness huge growth by 2020. With the government’s continued focus on digitization and host of initiatives like Digital India, Start-Up India, Stand-Up India, Smart Cities and Skill India, we will see rapid adoption of the Connected Devices market in India.”

Key findings of the survey:

Internet consumption trends in India
• 65 percent of people are connected to the Internet 24 hours a day
• 16.6 percent people are connected 11-14 hours a day
• 10 percent are connected 7-10 hours a day
• 5 percent are connected 4-5 hours a day
• 3 percent are connected 2-3 hours a day
• 72 percent males and 57 percent females are connected to the Internet all the time

Awareness on Connected Devices
• 22.5 percent totally familiar with the concept of Internet of Things
• Maximum awareness was seen in the 36–55 age groups
• 51 percent inclined to experience Connected Devices in the future
• 21 percent own connected devices, 12 percent - wearables and 9 percent - home automation devices

Connected devices consumers want in 2017

• 53.70 percent - Home automation
• 34.91 percent - Wearables
• 11.39 percent - Transportation