Strategy in TECH...
Respected high-performance speaker maker ELAC announced this week that they are branching into the equipment protection product category by launching a series of surge protectors and power conditioners under the Protek name. But this new line is not just any ordinary equipment protection devices, the company applies its clever engineering capabilities to deliver an upgraded, higher-performing protection solution.
Here we go again! Yet another major blow has been dealt to the supply chain, this time from another round of COVID-19 hitting China, forcing lockdowns in many critical areas of the country – including Shenzhen. You may or may not know that much of the electronics goods manufactured in China come out of the Shenzhen region – so we all have a direct connection to the impact of this development. Add to this, new reports of container costs rising again and transportation disruptions from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. What’s next?
Last Friday, Snap One held a Virtual Partner Summit in which they unveiled a whole roster of new products to dealers participating in the online event. It was an impressive launch in key product areas for the company including OvrC, audio, new controllers, new soundbar and wireless sub, new architectural speakers, a major new operating system upgrade called OS 3.3.0, and more.
Elmo Company, a 101-year old global technology company predominantly in the education, professional, and enterprise channels, is now entering the residential space with a unique dedicated room control solution that features ease of installation and an intuitive user experience. This new system, called the CVAS Room Control System, is just the first of what will be an expanding line of bullet-proof, daily use products that offer an optimal blend of performance and value.
On Monday we learned of the launch of a new brand of wireless streaming music systems called AVA. Targeted towards the higher-end of the market, AVA features a more European design aesthetic, is targeted for distribution through the custom integration channel, and comes from a triumvirate of co-founders of respectable pedigree.
But does this pedigree guarantee their success?
An analysis of our still-fragile supply chain by various experts in the field concludes that the Russian invasion of Ukraine will impact the global supply chain in many damaging ways. We are likely to face more shipment delays and cost increases for both the immediate future, and for a period of time that will extend until well after the invasion concludes.
Allterco Robotics, a global high-tech manufacturer of simple yet sophisticated Internet of Things (IoT) devices, offers a line of home automation tools and solutions they sell under the Shelly brand name. While there are a lot of “black box” type solutions on the market today, don’t be fooled – Shelly devices contain world-class technology, expansive capabilities, and broad compatibility with major control brands.
If you try to go to the website of Exogal, a high-end digital electronics manufacturer, you’ll end up at a YouTube video titled, “If you’re watching this, we’re dead.” The video consists of Exogal CEO Jeff Haagenstad looking directly into the camera and explaining to viewers that the company has died..and why that happened. It’s a cautionary tale for all manufacturers who are universally buffeted by supply chain issues – especially the worldwide, multi-industry chip shortage.
Crestron Electronics, one of the industry’s leading control and automation system manufacturers, announced today that they are making a major push into the lighting segment – especially within the realm of what is generally known as human-centric lighting (HCL). Their new line of LED Light Fixtures not only contemporizes their lighting offerings to today’s standards – but I believe that they take the lead with an exciting and futuristic new capability known as Solar Sync™.
Onkyo Home Entertainment Company Ltd. (formerly Onkyo Corp.) has announced that two of its consolidated subsidiaries will cease operations and file for bankruptcy. It is yet another dramatic development in the company’s effort to stop the bleeding and stabilize the company. But substantial concerns exist about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
