As more research continues to emerge on consumer utilization of voice-controlled devices, it becomes clear that there are still impediments to end-users utilizing their voice-control capabilities regularly, according to research by Social Lens. A separate study by Nielsen reaffirms what Strata-gee has previously reported, that people use smart speakers more for listening to music, than for any other task…including voice-control of their home automation solutions.
Products
NY/NJ Tech Summit – 2nd Verse Same as the 1st
The NY/NJ Tech Summit rolled in to the Big Apple last week, almost exactly one year after its first iteration, which took place last year in the MetLife Stadium…a really unique venue. This year, I looked forward to it with great anticipation, interested to see if the Summit would begin to gain traction and what changes would take place as a result of the show being acquired by CEDIA.
There were interesting answers to both of these questions. See more below… [Read more…] about NY/NJ Tech Summit – 2nd Verse Same as the 1st
Expo18: Savant Launches Microgrid for Macro Impact
A Significant New Revenue & Profit Opportunity for Integrators
As I mentioned in my CEDIA wrap-up post recently, Savant surprised me with an entirely new category they call microgrid. Created in partnership with sister company Racepoint Energy, a microgrid is sort of your own energy substation for your residential (or commercial) clients – giving them much greater control over their energy systems.
And microgrid brings integrators a new significant revenue and profit opportunity addressing a category well beyond traditional “power protection.”
See more on Savant’s Micro-Grid system… [Read more…] about Expo18: Savant Launches Microgrid for Macro Impact
CEDIA Expo18: Vanco in Major Audio Expansion
Vanco has always seemed to be that reliable supplier in the background providing a steady stream of solutions like cables, connectors, and other accessories – not particularly glitzy or exciting, but steady and there. Well all that is about to change I learned when I spoke with Mark Corbin, Vanco’s recently appointed President at CEDIA Expo18 earlier this month. The company has begun a big initiative to become a major player in a category near and dear to my heart…audio.
See how Vanco is attacking the audio business with gusto… [Read more…] about CEDIA Expo18: Vanco in Major Audio Expansion
AudioControl’s Expo18 Product Launches Personify Flexibility
AudioControl, the Seattle, WA-based specialty electronics maker of innovative solutions, announced three new gems at CEDIA Expo 2018 – a new Rialto 400 zone amplifier, the Avalon G3 four-channel amplifier, and a new CM Series 70-volt line of commercial amplifiers. These new products are not only clever solutions to integrators needs, they absolutely personify the concept of flexibility.
See more on AudioControl’s flexible new products… [Read more…] about AudioControl’s Expo18 Product Launches Personify Flexibility
Krell’s Comeback Commences, See How Here
At CEDIA Expo 2018, I had the opportunity to meet with Krell Industries executives Walter Schofield and Gordon Shackelford to learn more about the steps the company is taking to address market concerns in the wake of a lot of nasty rumors about Krell’s viability. Step one of the new direction for Krell involved the hiring of Walter Scofield as its new Chief Operating Officer as Strata-gee recently reported just a few weeks ago. In this meeting, I was to learn of more steps coming.
See what Krell execs told me about the company’s comeback… [Read more…] about Krell’s Comeback Commences, See How Here
CEDIA Expo18: LG is All About Custom Installation
First stop on the press express at CEDIA Expo 2018 was LG – a company that offers what I have often said is my favorite core video technology, OLED. As in past years, LG did not disappoint. But their message at Expo this year was prominent and hard hitting – LG is all about custom installation.
See more on why LG says they are all about custom installation… [Read more…] about CEDIA Expo18: LG is All About Custom Installation
CEDIA Expo 2018: That’s a Wrap!
Cool Things I Saw at CEDIA Expo 2018
San Diego, we hardly knew ye’! CEDIA Expo 2018 wrapped up this past Saturday and after three days of running between meetings and walking the show floor, I emerge relatively unscathed. The bottom line – this first Emerald Exposition-produced show was a bit of a mixed bag with some positive elements and some dropped balls. But overall, most came away satisfied that it was a good show.
I came away enthused at the sight of innovation marching forward… [Read more…] about CEDIA Expo 2018: That’s a Wrap!
Origin Acoustics: New Products, New CEO
As usual, our first official CEDIA Expo press conference was Origin Acoustics. And as usual, Origin begins the show by putting on the Dave Donald show. Donald, who is Origin’s “Worldwide Ambassador,” is a showman at heart with a dynamic speaking style and sprinkles of exciting hyperbole. I have to say, while Donald seemed slightly lower key that at past shows, you certainly won’t drift off to sleep when he’s verbally throwing new models at you.
But what followed next is what really caught our attention… [Read more…] about Origin Acoustics: New Products, New CEO
Sonos Gets Serious about Integration with Amp
Partners with Sonance; Expands Developers; Opens Up API
Sonos announced a new product today called Amp. Amp is essentially everything Sonos offers for wireless powered speakers…for a normal wired passive speaker system. This opens the door to allow the integration of a wide range of third-party speakers into the Sonos ecosphere. But Sonos views Amp as much more than that – as the heart and start of integrating Sonos into a sophisticated smart home installation.
