Core Insights - The rapid development of technology has led to increased consumer interest in smart home appliances, with sales data reaching new highs, but there are significant discrepancies between consumer experiences and marketing claims [1][5] - A recent consumer survey by the Jiangsu Consumer Protection Committee highlighted issues with "pseudo-intelligence" in smart home products, indicating a need for improved functionality and user experience [5][12] Consumer Feedback - Many consumers report that smart appliances, such as robotic vacuum cleaners, do not perform as advertised, with issues like poor obstacle avoidance and inability to return to charging stations [2][7] - Complaints about smart appliances often focus on exaggerated claims of intelligence and functionality, leading to dissatisfaction among users [2][5] Industry Challenges - The survey identified that 47.76% of complaints were related to robotic vacuum cleaners and washing machines, with 34.60% concerning smart washing machines and 28.12% regarding smart locks, indicating a significant prevalence of issues in these categories [7] - Compatibility issues among different brands' products require users to manage multiple apps, contradicting the convenience that smart home technology aims to provide [7][12] Regulatory Developments - The National Market Supervision Administration has approved new national standards for smart appliances, set to take effect in May 2026, which will define "smart capabilities" and establish a framework for product development and consumer understanding [11][12] - The new standards will categorize smart appliances into five levels of intelligence, providing clarity for consumers and setting benchmarks for manufacturers [11][12] Future Outlook - Experts believe that the smart home appliance industry is still in the functional development stage and has the potential for significant growth as technology evolves [8][12] - There is a call for the industry to focus on genuine user needs, improve core algorithms, and enhance service quality to transition from "pseudo-intelligence" to true smart technology [12]