Giant Ikea could massify home automation sooner than you think

The chain stores recently launched its first foray into the world of home technologies. THE TRÅDFR line, a Swedish word for “cordless”, debuts with a set of smart bulbs to go head-to-head with Philips Hue. Known for its low prices, Ikea bets on value for money. The basic kit costs US$ 80 (R$ 252), against US$ 130 (R$ 410) charged for a similar package from the rival.

At first, it may seem like little to say that the home automation landscape will change. But make no mistake: when it comes to Ikea, anything is possible. The company has not sold incandescent light bulbs in the US since 2015, a year before the deadline it set for itself. In a short time, the chain's stores sold 7,6 million LED lamps in the US alone. If there's one thing the company knows how to do, it's change consumer habits.

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Ikea is already in people's homes

This is exactly what happened with the furniture purchase pattern in the countries where it operates. Ikea is known for both its prices and the ease of handling its furniture. It's so simple to assemble and disassemble the products that they don't need manuals. The company has grown a lot due to the design and attention to detail. And that's certainly something she plans to carry out in the home automation.

By default, the new smart bulbs don't need a cell phone to work. They have their own switch on the wall, powered by battery – if you want, you can also control everything via the app. The promise is to make residential technology as easy to use as branded furniture. The consumer himself installs everything himself and starts using it without specialized help.

The low price ends up being the icing on the cake. And, by breaking the kit items individually, the values ​​become even more attractive. The Ikea wall dimmer costs $13, compared to $25 for the Philips equivalent. And a single bulb sells for $12, much cheaper than a $30 Hue. The motion sensor will sell for $30, $10 cheaper than the Philips model.

It does not stop there. Ikea also sells panels that replace doors and light up the house. The idea is clear: if the first attempt succeeds, the company will expand and offer everything an automated home needs. TRÅDFRI is a complicated name, but Ikea's path seems to be just the opposite. The company tends to have free passage to dominate the gadgets made for the home once and for all.