Ownership of Voice-Activated Wireless Speakers More Than Triples, Says NPD

Fifteen percent of U.S. internet homes own a home automation device, up from 10 percent in April 2016, said NPD in a Thursday report. For 2017 to date, U.S. dollar sales of home automation products have increased 43 percent, with strong growth across all device types, it said. “The growth we are seeing in the number of owner homes is an indication that a broader field of available products, wider distribution, and greater awareness are actually adding users,” said NPD. “Voice-enabled speakers have also played a key role in catalyzing interest in the smart home.” In fact, ownership of voice-activated wireless speakers “has more than tripled in a year's time,” now totaling 10 percent of U.S. internet homes, it said. Of Amazon Echo and Google Home owners, 48 percent and 57 percent, respectively, “reported buying their first home automation product after owning a voice-enabled speaker, it said. It estimates 36 percent of existing smart home device owners also own a voice-activated speaker, and 65 percent of smart home device owners are interested in using voice commands to control other devices in their home.