Strategy in TECH...
On Thursday, Josh.ai, a prominent control solution provider specializing in voice and AI technologies, held its annual Keynote presentation, this year called Josh.ai Keynote 2026, “Home in Harmony.” This year’s event highlighted largely software-based advances, such as an operating system update and a newly redesigned app.
AudioControl announced today the launch of the all-new Hyperion Series line of high-performance home theater products. This Hyperion Series is a completely updated line that builds upon AudioControl’s decades of experience in innovative high-performance audio system design, combined with sister company AVPro Edge’s cutting-edge video capabilities and system networking expertise.
The resulting redesigned Hyperion Series – a dramatic departure from past AudioControl designs – looks, feels, and I’m sure sounds like what might be one of the most contemporary high-performance home theater lines on the market today.
Sonos, a company that has recently scaled back its research and development team as part of a companywide austerity program to improve earnings, is resorting to some old “tried and true” methods of launching “new” and “innovative” products…by updating previous models. CEO Tom Conrad called it “…building on what already works.”
As such, it has introduced the “new” Play and Era 100 SL models. Will this strategy attract new users???
Savant Systems, Inc. announced today that it has added Silent Gliss, a Swiss manufacturer of precision window treatments, to its Recommended Partner Program. Silent Gliss was founded in 1952, and Savant says it has been “a leading global manufacturer of precision window treatment solutions since it introduced the world’s first silent curtain track system” then.
SoundTube says building design trends are changing, and integrators need to recognize the new standard in commercial space design in order to adjust system configurations to deliver the best performance for the greatest client satisfaction possible. Specifically, the company notes that exposed-structure ceilings – once a limited funky or trendy design subset- are now mainstream or the “standard” in retail, hospitality, fitness, and mixed-use commercial spaces.
And that reality calls for some new and thoughtful audio system design considerations.
Holy Cow! The Harman Luxury Audio Group lion has reared back its head and roared AUDIO!!! I mean, the company is launching a total of 24 brand-new audio products at the 2026 Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show. Even for a company the size of Harman, that’s a lot! For now, I’m going to focus on the moves the company made with its JBL Synthesis Custom Loudspeaker line, which includes nine new speakers and three new “next-generation” AV processors.
Sonos, Inc. (Nasdaq: SONO) introduced on Tuesday the launch of a new model called the Amp Multi, its first such launch in more than a year. Targeted for the professional integrator channel, Amp Multi is, as the name suggests, a multi-channel streaming amplifier that appears to be designed to encourage integrators to incorporate more Sonos products in larger, more sophisticated residential installations.
But will integrators go along with this scheme?
Crestron Electronics announced this week the launch of an all-new 80 Series Touch Screen line, its most advanced touch screen design ever. What specifically has changed in this series as compared to previous versions? According to a company source, only one thing has changed: everything!
Marantz, part of Sound United, which itself is now part of Harman International Industries, which itself is part of Samsung, announced two new models in what it calls its “reference quality” home theater component series. The all-new AV 30 and AMP 30 are serious, pro-grade audio components that elegantly blend dramatic industrial design with flexible feature sets – with a high-performance-first product design philosophy.
Products like these really warm the heart of this old audio guy!
I have to say that the team at Premium Audio Company (PAC), part of the VOXX division of Gentex Corp., does a nice job of paying homage to the long, 80-year history of technical innovation and market success of its Onkyo brand, while at the same time, launching innovative new models to propel the brand into a space-age future. While conventional wisdom might suggest otherwise, you could say that they prove that they can walk and chew gum at the same time.
