Strategy in TECH...
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?
The Biden Administration announced on Tuesday a comprehensive public/private mining initiative that is designed to boost the local supply of essential minerals. These minerals are required in a wide range of strategic products and the administration’s new programs will achieve several goals: they will use new technology to boost the mining of the minerals in new areas of the country, create a large number of good-paying American jobs, and reduce our reliance on China. What looks to be a savvy program, this new initiative partners with key American companies to improve the U.S.’s supply chain structure in order to make it more robust to “build a future that’s made in America.”
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.
Sound United, LLC, one of the audio industry’s leading providers of high-quality branded electronics and loudspeaker products, announced late Wednesday that it is being acquired by Masimo Corporation, a global provider of medical products, in a deal valued at $1.025 billion. The two companies have entered into a definitive agreement in a transaction that is expected to close later in 2022.
Recently, an integrator I know goes to a trade conference. The principal hears a presentation on a new way to run his business, which is already generating a solid $5-6 Million in revenues. The presenter, a sort of business guru, is impressive and has authored a book.
On the eve of closing out their current fiscal year (fiscal 2021) on March 30, 2022, Sony Group announced their latest financial results for the first nine months of the fiscal year…and included a surprising new upgrade of their forecast, now saying they’ll have a record operating profit for the year. This was a high note for the company, a company that has benefitted from consumers spending more time at home playing video games on their PlayStation, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the company also answered the question that many – including me – had about Sony entering the automobile business via their new Sony Mobile division – and in so doing, reiterated their plan to move away from a hardware-centric business.
In an internal email circulated to company employees on Monday, Joel Sietsema, Sound United’s Brand President of Marantz and Classé, announced a “change to the leadership structure of the Marantz and Classé organization.” That change is a big one – Dave Nauber, leader of the Classé brand for nearly 20-years, will be leaving the company at the end of March, “to pursue new opportunities.”
