If you have ever bought a smart home appliance, you may regret it when you want to install it, because the process is usually boring (Nest is an exception). If you are lucky enough to install and run the equipment, you may be troubled by unfamiliar software and unstable vendor resources.

GiladMeiri, CEO of Neura, which makes Internet of Things software, said: "Many people who buy these products throw them away after a few months. Even if they are still valuable, the user experience is poor. Just because Apple is famous for its user experience design, I think they will bring what other competitors are eager for. "

Apple keeps the system relatively closed, but it can be well translated into the corresponding user experience-this is something that the Internet of Things industry needs very much.

The Financial Times reported that Apple agreed to submit the project products in a way similar to "Made in IPhone". When manufacturers are improving the user experience for consumers, this will undoubtedly produce resistance to them.

2. Purchase motivation

Another obstacle is that some smart home products are not everyone's most fundamental needs. Although they can solve problems, most people didn't find them at first, or didn't immediately think that technology could solve these problems (high energy consumption usually makes people turn off the lights, unplug appliances, and even download corresponding applications).

Merry said: "Consumers don't scream and say they want it. The Internet of Things is a supply-driven phenomenon. " .

According to the Financial Times, Apple can easily persuade people to buy smart home devices, which can attract consumers like Apple TV. The next generation of Apple TV will obviously have the function of smart home equipment, which is an intelligent Trojan horse program that can quickly embed Apple technology into millions of families.

It is estimated that Apple has sold more than 6.5438+0.4 million Apple TVs, and sold about 2 million TV sets every quarter. On the contrary, it is estimated that Nest only sells 654.38 million thermostats per month, and it has just recalled its products because of problems with smoke detectors. As long as the price of Apple TV does not rise, the hidden smart technology strategy can quickly make Apple take the lead in this field.

3. Establish partners

To some extent, Apple has an advantage in the field of Internet of Things. Since the launch of iPhone4S on 20 1 1, the iPhone series can support smart Bluetooth products, which promotes the emergence of some smart accessories, such as heart rate detector, wireless camera and simple sensor.

Meiri said: "Android bets on NFC (near field communication technology), and Apple bets on low-energy Bluetooth." In the end, Apple achieved great success. At present, near-field communication has not achieved anything, but low-energy Bluetooth has been everywhere.

Because of foresight, Apple listed some partners who sell connected devices in Apple Store: PhilipsHue lighting allows users with iPhone to set lights according to their own needs; Dropcam provides a simple way to set up intelligent and safe furniture; Even Nest has appeared in the Apple Store (whether this phenomenon will continue after Google's acquisition, we will continue to observe).

Just like Apple's consistent response, it has not aroused widespread enthusiasm, but it is certain that several partners will launch smart home platforms, and others will leap forward in the near future.

4. Privacy and security

Nest may be the most successful smart home device at present, but Google made a serious mistake in its open letter to the US Securities and Exchange Commission. It wants to advertise the thermostat in the future. TonyFadell, executive director of Nest, quickly corrected it, but it has already caused losses: the statement just contained people's concerns about smart technology-they would send personal data to the company for quick success and instant benefit.

Although it is very market-oriented, Apple will undoubtedly convince people that they can better protect everyone's privacy than Google in smart home technology. Security has also been guaranteed, which requires the help of Apple's iOS system: although iOS is not as flexible as Android system, because of its closeness, the chance of encountering malicious software is very small.

Out of the house

Finally, Apple's iBeacon technology and the currently undisclosed iWatch technology provide a more perfect smart life than Google. Yes, when it comes to Android Wear and third-party beacon technology, Google has everything, but it is far less than Apple's vertical integration.

An iPhone user wears iWatch, drives a car with CarPlay back to the house with Apple's new system, and continues to access every smart home device-check the security of the camera embedded in the watch or dashboard of the car (of course, only when it has stopped). You can also get instant messages from third parties. Do you like the list of games in this gym? Why not send it to Apple TV and play it again at home?

Smart home and Internet of Things are relatively new concepts. Although they are feasible and have practical benefits, you don't know you want them until you use them. But if there is one company that can maintain a long-term excellent sales record, it is Apple.