Strategy in TECH...
NETGEAR, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTGR), a billion-dollar provider of networking gear for both the consumer and professional markets announced two new powerful wireless access points – one WiFi 6 and another WiFi 6E – targeted for the residential custom integration channel. Along with these new models, the company is also offering powerful professional services, including remote monitoring and management capability and technical support such as placement guidance and network design services.
Just in time for CEDIA Expo this week, top Sound United brand Denon announced new AV receivers, the workhorse of many, if not most, residential systems. Denon launched a new line of 8K AVRs which they say “Elevates the At-Home Cinematic Experience for All.”
Savant Systems Inc., a leading brand of smart home automation and control solutions, announced today that it is adding even more features to its software subscription model, further increasing its value to both end users and integrators. In 2021, the company converted its operating system to a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) subscription model, offering homeowners more value, as well as offering new opportunity for their dealers. Now, this SaaS subscription program is set to receive several new and upgraded features, bringing even more value to the program.
Premium Audio Company, a division of VOXX International and operator of brands such as Onkyo, Integra, Pioneer, and Elite, confirmed today that it has instituted a round of layoffs to “right-size” company operations based on current macroeconomic trends. The company has also confirmed that it has decided, for the second year in a row, not to participate in next week’s CEDIA Expo 2022, due to product roadmap cycles.
VOXX International Corporation (VOXX), owner of Premium Audio Company (PAC) and many other brands, announced this week that it has launched a new e-commerce platform. This new platform is initially being rolled out at Premium Audio Company – the division that operates brands such as Klipsch, Jamo, Onkyo, Integra, Pioneer, Elite, Magnat, and Heco.
Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) announced today it has completely updated and upgraded its remarkable 700 Series line of loudspeakers, the line just below their renowned 800 Series Diamond, with no fewer than eight new models. And, as you might suspect, with this new 700 Series the company borrows liberally from the superior technology of its flagship 800 Series.
Masimo, a medical products company that acquired Sound United in February 2022, announced on Monday that it is naming Blair Tripodi as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for its new Consumer division. At this time, the Masimo Consumer division consists almost exclusively of the Sound United business. Tripodi moves into the role originally given to former Sound United CEO Kevin Duffy, although Duffy was offered the title of President.
Creston Electronics announced today its plans for the upcoming CEDIA Expo show in Dallas at the end of the month. The company says they will have a big showing for their Crestron Home ecosystem and a “deep roster of new solutions” that integrators are going to want to see.
Hunter Douglas, one of the leading makers of custom window treatments, announced this week a couple of really interesting new additions to their PowerView Gen 3 Automation line – a cool internal Rechargeable Battery, ideal for retrofit installations, and the PowerView+ Gen 3 Automation wired solution, perfect for new construction projects. The company says that these new options are both consistent with PowerView Gen 3’s principles of installation simplicity, performance reliability, and system scalability.
Is it possible for a speaker company that doesn’t sell architectural speakers, or home cinema speakers, or soundbars, or outdoor landscape speakers – to grow and thrive in today’s market? I would argue that YES, it is very possible. And it is equally possible for dealers to thrive in the segment as well, if they are willing to take just a few simple steps. I make that argument based on my direct experience in the high-performance stereo music system segment in my role as U.S. Brand Director for Vivid Audio.
