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Showing the Power of Software – Latest TiO Update Expands Capabilities

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TiO logoWe have been reporting on TiO and its various predecessor permutations (Colorado vNet, 3vNet, ACTP) for some time now. TiO, which stands for Turn it On, is an interesting hybrid of software and hardware enabling an incredibly flexible home automation system that strikes a balance between easy operation, system capabilities, user experience (UX) and powerful performance.

TiO is app driven and also has a proprietary system software solution . And now the company shows us the power of a strong system software foundation with an “update” that dramatically expands the systems capabilities.

See more on how this upgrade expands the TiO capabilities… [Read more…] about Showing the Power of Software – Latest TiO Update Expands Capabilities

Apple’s Smartwatch: A Magnum Opus? Or A Major Oh-Oh?

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Photo of Apple Watch
[Photo: Reuters]
Smarmy smugness notwithstanding, Apple executives must be getting at least a little nervous. As we recently reported, their launch of the new Apple Watch saw a response that was tepid at best. As the press expressed a healthy dose of skepticism, Apple CEO Tim Cook noted with a touch of irony how the press has been wrong on most of the company’s launches of many products that went on to dominate their markets. So…talk to the hand.

But is this time – with this product – going to be different for Apple?… [Read more…] about Apple’s Smartwatch: A Magnum Opus? Or A Major Oh-Oh?

Kaleidescape’s Latest VP of Sales is Out After Only 8 Weeks

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BREAKING NEWS

Kaleidescape logoIn a development that, depending on your viewpoint, is either very shocking – or not surprising at all –  we learned on Wednesday that Kaleidescape Vice President of Sales Mark Weisenberg has left the company. Even in a company known for turmoil at the Sales VP position – this is an unusually quick turnaround. We originally announced Weisenberg’s appointment as Kaleidescape VP of Sales in an exclusive SYNCH newsletter at the end of January…just eight weeks ago.

What the heck is going on at Kaleidescape? And why did this happen so suddenly?… [Read more…] about Kaleidescape’s Latest VP of Sales is Out After Only 8 Weeks

Stunning Stories of Impending Doom Swirl Around Sharp

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Photo of Sharp facility in JapanIn just the last two days, Japanese and U.S. press outlets are releasing a slew of stories of Sharp Corp.’s impending doom in the form of a restructuring announcement that isn’t expected to be officially released until May. Nonetheless, multiple reports have emerged from a wide range of media sources including the Nikkei and Reuters news services with a relatively wide range of estimated job cuts – all citing unnamed sources.

See more on this recent whirlwind of reports on Sharp… [Read more…] about Stunning Stories of Impending Doom Swirl Around Sharp

Interesting Twist: Autonomic Passes Savings On to Dealers, Consumers

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Autonomic logoIn an announcement that is a bit unusual for a manufacturer, Autonomic announced on Tuesday that it is reducing the MSRP on its popular Mirage Audio System (MAS). Not only that, but the company says it will actually increase the dealer margin at the same time. Normally, a price reduction is a sign of a slow selling product – but Autonomic says that is not the case here.

See why Autonomic says it is cutting the price of its MAS… [Read more…] about Interesting Twist: Autonomic Passes Savings On to Dealers, Consumers

Bloomberg Reporter Asks ‘Why is Sharp Still With Us?’

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Photo of Sharp solar panelWe’ve been reporting for a while now on the epic survival struggles of some of this industry’s biggest brand names in Japan…most recently Sharp Corp. Some of the changes we’re seeing now were unforeseeable even 24-36 months ago – Sony spinning off divisions, JVC Kenwood pulling out of the consumer business, Pioneer first shutting down A/V, then selling that division to Onkyo, Toshiba pulling out of TV biz, Panasonic dropping consumer business, and on and on…

Now a reporter for the respected Bloomberg View asks, “…why Sharp should still be in business?”

See more on this surprising declaration and criticism of the practices of Japan, Inc… [Read more…] about Bloomberg Reporter Asks ‘Why is Sharp Still With Us?’

With AVC Sales Declining & Losses Increasing, Did Nortek’s CEO Signal a Change?

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BREAKING NEWS

Nortek LogoNortek, Inc. on Tuesday released their fourth quarter and full year results for fiscal year 2014. The company showed sales & profit growth for the quarter – although they booked a net loss for the year. But in a conference call with analysts to discuss the Q4 results, Nortek President and CEO Michael Clarke was questioned specifically about the Audio, Video & Control Solutions (AVC) segment – and he struggled to explain why the company stays committed to the business.

See more on Nortek’s results…and on AVC’s struggles… [Read more…] about With AVC Sales Declining & Losses Increasing, Did Nortek’s CEO Signal a Change?

Sharp to Launch Major, and Painful, Restructuring

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Photo of Sharp facility in JapanOut of Osaka, Japan we learn that Sharp Corp. is about to embark on a major restructuring of its business that will likely change the company in fundamental ways. Plans call for closing domestic factories – a first for Sharp – staff cuts, and a possible exit from a major business segment for the company. Sharp is also seeking to raise capital, something that is not easy for a struggling company.

See more on this new announcement from Sharp… [Read more…] about Sharp to Launch Major, and Painful, Restructuring

AudioControl Unveils Completely Redesigned Website

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AudioControl website home sectionSeattle, WA-based AudioControl announced this week that it has completely redesigned its website seen at www.audiocontrol.com. Much more than just a new color scheme or updated fonts – AudioControl rebuilt the entire site from the ground up with all new graphics, navigation, and in-depth information.

See more on the AudioControl website upgrade… [Read more…] about AudioControl Unveils Completely Redesigned Website

AudioControl Launches All-New Architect 2660

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AudioControl LogoAs promised at last month’s CES, AudioControl is now shipping the latest model in its popular Architect line – the 2660. Sure to be a workhorse amplifier that will be the backbone of many system installations, the Architect 2660 brings a lot of channels, power, and flexibility to the table.

Learn more about the 2660 here… [Read more…] about AudioControl Launches All-New Architect 2660