COVID-19 and the Emerging Backyard Oasis

Since the coronavirus pandemic forced us into our homes in the spring, a growing list of smart home products and reactive technologies have debuted on the market. Everything from exercise equipment and chargers, to smart upgrades in backyard staples like barbeque grills and patio furniture.

- Joe Toppe

In July, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 3 million COVID-19 cases nationwide with nearly 60,000 new infections every day. As the virus continues and innovation centers around social distancing, healthcare, and a recommitment to home technologies, both manufacturers and consumers are finding creative ways to enhance not only the house and the way we live and work, but the backyard and the way we entertain.

Home theatres, tech appliances, seating comforts, and lawn repair products are all being re-outfitted with smarter technologies and even greater conveniences.

Brian Kuney, a regional VP for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership warned “if your business is to survive during COVID19, you will need to rethink pre-production, delivery, and execution.”

The market is now traversed with new protocol and public standards while the home has been transformed into the new office, gym, or movie theatre, he said. While much of the technology focus is on healthcare, social distancing strategies, and remote work, the home is quickly becoming the new hotspot to stream film releases, conduct business meetings, or even enjoy a date night.

Data provided by the National Association of Realtors show sales of existing homes jumped nearly 21% in June compared to May, making it the largest monthly gain since realtors began tracking the information more than 50 years ago. With no real end to the pandemic in sight, the home, remote office, and backyard are being prepared for the long haul.

The home retreat could become the most prized opportunity for electronics and gadget manufacturers as the pandemic has put a temporary end to large gatherings in the public space and has forced consumers and brands alike to rethink how things will be done in a post-pandemic world.