Technology straight out of science fiction could be entering British living rooms within the next ten years, according to new research. A survey commissioned by Vodafone has found that around 11% of Britons believe we will be socialising via life-sized holograms within a decade, in a style reminiscent of the holodeck from Star Trek.
The Connected Home Revolution
The findings are part of a wider study into how vital broadband has become in daily life. Nearly 60% of Brits now say they depend on a reliable internet connection more than any other home utility. Broadband is no longer just for streaming or communication; it has become the essential backbone of the modern, connected household.
The research highlights a nation increasingly turning to technology to simplify routines and enhance entertainment. One-fifth of Brits would welcome a robot housekeeper to assist with chores like shopping and cooking. Furthermore, a quarter (24%) stated they would pay for an AI-powered cleaner, and 23% desire smart kitchen tech to prepare meals automatically.
Smart Security and Future Predictions
Home security is a major area of growth, with smart doorbells, cameras, and sensors now commonplace. The study revealed that nearly half (46%) of UK households own two or more broadband-powered security devices, a significant rise from 32% just five years ago. Looking forward, a huge 80% of respondents are keen to see further innovation in this field.
Vodafone has partnered with AI expert Dan Södergren to forecast the smart home upgrades of tomorrow. He predicts that in just two years, AI will begin operating as an 'invisible home assistant', optimising energy use and managing supplies. Over the next decade, he envisions:
- AI concierges that automatically monitor and reorder household supplies.
- Smart fridges suggesting meals based on health goals.
- Lighting and temperature systems that adapt to our natural circadian rhythms.
In the realm of entertainment, Södergren suggests that within three years, advances in connectivity and AI will transform living rooms. He anticipates holographic and augmented reality experiences delivered through glasses or projectors, and the rise of the holographic socialising predicted by many survey respondents.
A New Industrial Revolution for the Home
Dan Södergren stated: "We're entering what I call the Fifth Industrial Revolution, where ultra-reliable connectivity becomes the foundation of everyday life. The home will become one of the biggest areas of transformation." He emphasised that connectivity will redefine home security, with broadband acting as the home's nervous system for predictive safety.
Rob Winterschladen, Consumer Director at Vodafone, commented: "Home broadband has moved from being a convenience to becoming a cornerstone of daily life. The connected home is about making technology seamless and everyday life easier."
This research coincides with Vodafone's launch of 'Who's Home', a new smart feature built into its latest Ultra Hub 7 broadband routers. Available at no extra cost, it detects device connections to notify users when family members arrive or leave, offering greater peace of mind.
