Indeed, a smart home has become the latest urban dream and lighting is an intrinsic part. “With evolving urban lifestyles, people are seeking lighting that can be customised to suit their lifestyle and mood,” informs Sumit Joshi, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Signify India Innovations. “Our Philips Hue personal lighting range enables consumers to personalise their lighting experience using the Hue app on their smartphone, where the system syncs seamlessly with music, movies and games, and transforms the room into an entertainment arena. Similarly, Philips CeilingSecure LED downlighter, an innovative Twist & Fit LED downlighter, has a modular design featuring a separate LED cartridge that can be fastened into the outer housing installed in the false ceiling of a room, allowing easy installation.” As per industry estimates, the smart homes solutions market in India is growing at a rate of 30 per cent year on year. Adding to that, Srinivas Shanbhogue, Vice-President, Retail Business, Schneider Electric India says, “There is a plethora of options in smart lighting for consumers, who have steadily realised the benefits, leading to a surge in demand. We have recently launched a range of three new wiring devices: Clipsal X, UNICA Pure and Avatar ON. These switches are technologically advanced and address the growing consumer market that demands style, strength and energy-efficiency. The products are one of their kind in the Indian home distribution segment. Besides, a lighting solution, Wiser, has been designed to set the lighting tone to suite one’s disposition, and comes with a wireless system that combines modern intuitive design with state-of-the-art technology.” Joining the league is Panasonic Life Solutions India with its wireless products under the brand name Vetaar. “We have already tied up with Alexa and Amazon to market it on their network,” says Vivek Sharma, Managing Director, Panasonic Life Solutions India. “Currently, we do not have enough volumes or demand to justify our communication of this offering to consumers through TV ads. But word of mouth promotion is building momentum. Also, not many people are aware of home automation but those who can afford it, definitely know. There is a significant upcoming demand growth in percentage terms, especially in the top 10 markets; however, in terms of quantity, the growth is small.” Meanwhile, Sachin Goregaoker, Director, GA design reasons, “Owing to the fast pace of lighting innovations and change, it is challenging for a consumer to keep up with the latest products and technologies. However, consumers and builders are open to the idea of appointing a lighting consultant at the start of a project.” - DIKSHA JAWLE