What started as a roar appears to be ending as a whimper, as Asian wannabe-giant LeEco announced this week plans to lay-off nearly 70% of their entire U.S. workforce. This significant retrenchment occurs just weeks after its proposed $2 billion acquisition of Vizio fell apart just before closing, and suggests the company, which is in multiple businesses, may have gotten ahead of itself…and ahead of its funding.
Archives for 2017
Simply Reliable Launches ‘Digital Proposals’ in SmartOffice Update
Simply Reliable Software announced this week that it has added a dramatic new feature called “Digital Proposals” in the latest update of its SmartOffice software. The company called Digital Proposals “a game changing feature.”
Learn more about Simply Reliable’s Digital Proposals… [Read more…] about Simply Reliable Launches ‘Digital Proposals’ in SmartOffice Update
Voice-Enabled Device Usage Will Grow Nearly 130% This Year
Momentum continues to build for voice-enabled devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home products, according to new data and forecast from eMarketer. Usage rates also appear to be increasing for the broader category of virtual assistants, such as Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s Now and Microsoft’s Cortana.
See more on this all-new data on voice-enabled and virtual assistant market… [Read more…] about Voice-Enabled Device Usage Will Grow Nearly 130% This Year
Savant Targets New Market Segment with Simple Host/Pro Remote Kit
Savant Systems has launched a clever new package that allows them to address a new entry-level market segment, and provides custom integration pros with a more robust solution for their less sophisticated clients. Called the Simple Host and Pro Remote System, Savant applies what they’ve learned from their consumer business to offer a solid solution sold only through professional integrators.
See more on Savant’s new solution… [Read more…] about Savant Targets New Market Segment with Simple Host/Pro Remote Kit
First Product of Control4 and Triad Partnership Launches
Control4 Corp. announced today the launch of a line of outdoor audio solutions from their newly acquired Triad Speakers division. Called the Triad Garden Array outdoor speakers, the line includes a satellite speaker along with an outdoor subwoofer – all designed to be placed broadly throughout an entire outdoor entertainment space.
See more on this first product of the Control4 and Triad partnership… [Read more…] about First Product of Control4 and Triad Partnership Launches
Help CEDIA to Help You
One of the greatest challenges for those of us in the residential technology business is the surprising lack of real hard data on the market. Now, you can do something about that. By participating in the 2017 CEDIA Size and Scope of the Residential Electronic Systems Market survey, you help the organization collect the data that will give you a better understanding of your market…a true win-win.
See more about helping CEDIA to help you… [Read more…] about Help CEDIA to Help You
Crestron Wants to Solve Real World Problems for Real World People
During the Sapphire Marketing NYC Road Show in Manhattan this week, we had the opportunity to spend time with Jeff Singer, Crestron’s Executive Director of Product Marketing, who shared with us the latest updates on the company’s major residential technology initiatives. He also helped us gain a better understanding of the company’s philosophy of product development and design, saying “We’re just trying to figure out how to solve real world problems for real world people.”
See more on Crestron’s initiatives… [Read more…] about Crestron Wants to Solve Real World Problems for Real World People
Sapphire Marketing Road Show Rolls into the Big Apple
The Sapphire Marketing 2017 NYC Road Show rolled into Manhattan this week, taking over the 11th floor (and terrace) of the Midtown Loft & Terrace on 5th Avenue, just a stone’s throw from the Empire State Building. A large group of integrators and end users gathered to see the latest technology offerings from top brands such as Crestron, Digital Projection, Stewart, Leon Speakers and more.
See what we found at Sapphire Marketing’s NYC tech show… [Read more…] about Sapphire Marketing Road Show Rolls into the Big Apple
DeFuria Memorial Service Set by Family
Stephen DeFuria, a well-known industry executive passed away early Sunday morning last weekend as we previously reported. At the time of that announcement, the family had not had the opportunity to make all of the necessary final arrangements before that post was published.
Now we have the latest information on DeFuria’s memorial service… [Read more…] about DeFuria Memorial Service Set by Family
Stephen DeFuria, Top Audio Executive & Friend to Many, Dies

Stephen DeFuria, a top specialty audio industry sales executive uniquely conversant in both high-end AND more mainstream audio, died early Sunday morning after a long battle with cancer. DeFuria was 61-years old and passed away at home with his family at his side.







