Home automation, smart devices, voice-control, Bluetooth, artificial intelligence, connectivity… it’s enough to make you dizzy.

The Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) stated in its 2017 trends study that electronics is the most popular category of merchandise. With helpful innovations like fitness trackers, Alexa, and Bluetooth-enabled home security cameras, that doesn’t seem too surprising.

But with all these different products and technologies available, it can be tough to navigate this dynamic category.

We’ve put together some quick notes to help you find your way through it.

• Connectivity—The ability of a device to link to and communicate with, other computer systems, electronic devices, software or the internet.
• Bluetooth—Wireless technology standard for exchanging data and communication over short distances from fixed and mobile devices. Bluetooth equips its network and devices with high-level services like file transfer and voice transmission and is used for control and communication between mobile and hands-free headsets, wireless controllers in many interactive games and play stations, GPS receivers and more.
• Smart Device— An interactive electronic device that understands simple commands sent by users and can help in daily activities. Common smart devices include smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and other personal electronics. Smart devices can connect to wireless technology such as Bluetooth, WiFi, 4G, etc. While Smart technology was for a while found only in TVs and small electronics, more and more products today offer smart capabilities, including home appliances, like refrigerators.
• Home Automation (aka ‘Smart Home’)—A technological solution that enables automating the bulk of electronic, electrical and technology-based tasks within a home. It uses both hardware and software technologies that control appliances and devices within a home.  Home automation systems can be used to control heating, ventilation, AC systems, home security cameras, lights and other electrical fixtures, etc.
• Voice Control—Any device that can be controlled by the human voice through voice recognition software. Voice controlled devices can recognize and react to specific spoken commands, including controlling hardware or software in the come that it is connected to. By removing the need to use buttons, dials, and switches, consumers can easily operate applications while doing other tasks.

Now with a basic understanding of the technology defining today’s most popular consumer electronics, it will be easier to identify the difference between products and will help in determining which are needed for your incentive program.

For further assistance in navigating all of your consumer electronic needs to build the right program for your audience, be sure to contact the experts at Rymax today and connect with us on LinkedIn!