Connected Design

AWE2023 opens at Shanghai New International Expo Centre on April 27. Under the theme of “Smartize the Future”, AWE2023 presents a panoramic view of a smart future life to global consumers with the latest innovations in home appliance and consumer electronics from over 1,000 exhibitors across the globe. Covering an area of 150,000 square meters, the 13 exhibition halls of AWE2023 in Shanghai New International Expo Centre showcase cutting-edge achievements in fields including home appliance, consumer electronics, smart home, smart technology, 3C digital products, smart entertainment, wearable devices, virtual/augmented reality, smart driving, robotics, and more. Over 1000 exhibitors show up at AWE2023, including international home appliance and consumer electronics heavyweights such as Miele, Kuppersbusch, Bosch, Siemens, Fisher&Paykel, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, Sharp, AEG, Gorenje, LIEBHERR, BERTAZZONI, SCHULTHESS, ASKO, Electrolux, Whirlpool, Hitachi, Laurastar, Philips, TEKA, Rinn...

The convergence of architectural, interior and technology design is fostering healthier and more sustainable spaces At COP27 in Egypt, the annual summit where the world comes together to address its collective climate goals, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned. “Our planet is fast approaching tipping points that will make climate chaos irreversible. We are on a highway to climate he with our foot still on the accelerator.” This statement hearkens us back to the energy crisis of the 1970s, a period when the globe faced a shortage of oil and heavily inflated prices, leading to the early green building movement that put a focus on making homes more airtight with reduced outdoor air ventilation to improve energy efficiency. These inadequate levels of ventilation failed to preserve the health of occupants and these unhealthy conditions marked by headaches and respiratory issues led to a growing phenomenon called Sick Building Syndrome. With a growing number of scientists and resear...

Pioneer Elite is pleased to announce a strategic long-term partnership with Savant, a leader in smart home technology, to provide Savant integration professionals with the audio and video solutions they need to satisfy the premium whole-house entertainment needs of every client. Elite audio/video receivers (AVRs) will be available to Savant customers on April 3, 2023.  “I have a personal and professional connection with the Pioneer brand, having experienced their quality and innovation firsthand,” said Steve Silberman, Product Category Director for Savant. “From my early days with the venerable SA-8500 integrated amplifier to working closely with Pioneer on cutting-edge DVD transport technology, I have seen their commitment to excellence and innovation in action. Today, under the stewardship of Premium Audio Company, Pioneer continues to build on its legacy with cutting-edge value-oriented technology.”  “Thanks to our hands-on profile development, I am particularly excited to ...

Integrating technology in a 41-story building In the heart of downtown Seattle is a 41-story luxury condominium building. Dubbed Spire, the tower features luxury condos, penthouses, and five floors of amenities all showcasing built-in technology, which was designed and installed by Washington integration company, Wipliance.    “Design and implementation in a building like this is a massive undertaking,” said Cameron Alavi, product manager/design engineer for Wipliance, adding that Wipliance was brought in at the beginning of building development to design and install the technology. “From start to finish, the project took four years.” By the end of the project, Wipliance had designed and installed technology in all 41-stories of the building.  Collaborating on a Large-Scale Project Wipliance began working with the building developer, Laconia Development, on the technology needs at the very beginning of the building design. The building owners had a generalized concept the...

Transforming the home theater, media room or living room with smart shading can provide the ultimate movie experience From drive-in theaters to modern multi-theater cinemas, heading to the movies is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. The movie theater as we know it is strategically designed to “set the scene” for patrons – with the big screen, surround sound, the theater acoustics and maybe even the popcorn-crumbed floor – but what greatly enhances the theater experience is the low lighting. The lights dimming is the universal cue to shift away from reality and slide into the film.  During the last few years, homeowners longed for the immersive qualities that cinemas provide and sought ways to recreate this experience at home. With streaming services becoming more popular and home technologies becoming more advanced, there’s more opportunity than ever to bring the cinema experience into the home, leveraging an extra bonus of comfort and convenience. Now the challenge for integrators...

  What’s hot now in outdoor entertainment design and products There’s no question about it —  outdoor living  continues to heat up as a home design trend. Driving it is the homeowner’s desire to connect with nature and outdoor entertaining, partially spurred on by the pandemic and the desire to gather safely outdoors. In 2022 “The Future of Home Design” survey conducted by the New Home Trends Institute (NHTI), showed just 28 percent of respondents chose an open yard in the survey compared with other more popular features, such as covered outdoor rooms/open-air rooms (73 percent), patios (68 percent), and decks (55 percent). Say goodbye to the sprawling lawns of yesteryear. According to NAHB, the percentage of single-family homes with patios has risen to 63 percent. Home buyers across generations have also noted interest in exterior living, with millennials indicating an interest in front porches as well to foster a sense of community. In the face of dwindli...

Delta Electronics , a global provider of power and thermal management solutions, introduces the new   Delta Breez Rio Vista   and Pleasanton Ceiling Fan Series, providing year-round comfort solutions for your home and business. Our ceiling fan pulls cool air from the floor to the ceiling in the summer and circulates warm air rising to the ceiling back down to the floor in the winter. Recognized as ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient, they provide smooth start-up, quiet operation, low vibration, and uniform multi-speed airflow for a great user experience. Recognized as ENERGY STAR®  Most Efficient , they provide smooth start-up, quiet operation, low vibration, and uniform multi-speed airflow for a great user experience. Both, the Rio Vista and Pleasanton Series are up to 70% more energy efficient compared to similar AC motor products. The smooth start-up and quiet operation are enhanced by a brushless DC motor, which provides even airflow across the entire room. A hand-held r...

  Boosted by EZVIZ’s proprietary AI algorithm, this outdoor camera requires minimal human effort to detect and protect and provides impressive 360-degree vision in 2K clarity.  EZVIZ Inc., the global smart home solution brand, is today sharing news of the US launch of the H8 3K Pan & Tilt Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera. Boosted by on-board AI algorithm, this  next level camera  is one of the smartest in its category to detect activity and movement along with useful features to make communications easier. Features include 360° panoramic coverage, AI powered human/vehicle detection, auto tracking, active defense with siren and strobe light, camera callinitiation with a hand wave, two way talk and colour night vision. Motorized to see in all directions with stunning video quality, it makes it hard for anyone or anything to escape a homeowner’s attention. The H8 3K Pan & Tilt Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera is available from Amazon fo...

  An early 20th century mansion is renovated with technology for aging in place Even as their limitations increase, most seniors procrastinate moving out of their houses for as long as possible. No one wants to leave behind their home for what often feels like a depressing last stop. Especially as people are living longer and multi-generational families are more common in North America, seniors and their families are looking for solutions that help them live independently and comfortably for much longer.  That’s where designers like Lisa Cini come in. Cini is the founder and CEO of Mosaic Design Studio, Best Living Tech and Infinite Living, and she specializes in senior living design, multigenerational living and aging in place technology. She began exploring this field when she decided to take care of elderly family members and discovered that there were tech and design solutions available to make significant improvements in their lives.  “I have alwa...

 Colquhoun Audio Laboratories Limited   (CALL),   a leading manufacturer of high-performance audio electronics and loudspeakers proudly made in Canada, has announced the acquisition   of another iconic Canadian audio brand,   Magnum Dynalab . The acquisition was completed on March 31, 2023, and all manufacturing, sales, and service for the Magnum Dynalab brand will now be   integrated   into existing CALL operations that include Axiom Audio and   Bryston , LTD in Dwight, Ontario, Canada.  “We are excited to add Magnum Dynalab’s legendary FM tuners and vacuum tube electronics to our product mix, all supported under one roof by our design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities as well as our award-winning customer service,” explained CALL Founder and CEO Ian Colquhoun.  Founded in 1984, Magnum Dynalab constructed a well-earned legacy of revolutionary, refined FM tuner products. The company’s first FM tuner, the FT 101, was ...

In March,   Snap One   marked five years since the beginning of establishing a nationwide network of convenient local stores catering specifically to the custom integration and security markets. Currently, Snap One has more physical store locations as well as training centers than any other CI distributor in the United States, providing significant advantages to Partners. “When we began acquiring regional distributors and opening new stores organically in 2018 we knew our dealer partners would benefit from having same-day availability and a streamlined process for acquiring all of their favorite brands in one location,” Bill Zidek, Snap One VP of Sales said. “With more than 40 locations and 38 training centers in North America, we provide our Partners across the country not only superior access to products but also improved educational resources and support. Our regularly scheduled trainings on the latest products and technology help Partners and their teams stay knowledgeable...

Providing electronics and customer service for more than 60 years. In July of 1960, Electronic Component Distributors opened their doors selling components for television and electronic repair. As the market changed over the years, the company did as well, moving on from TV components and into audio-video equipment, prompting the name change to Electronic Custom Distributors (ECD).  ECD provides many services to its dealers. With four locations, there is a warehouse to accommodate dealers throughout Texas with a list of delivery options. In addition to the traditional freight and shipping, the locations offer 24-hour pickup, local delivery and drive-through service. Providing a full offering of audio, video, control, lighting, network, security and wire makes ECD a one-stop-shop. Add in its incentive and rewards programs, along with competitive pricing, keeps dealers coming back.   “Our emphasis is customer convenience and customer service,” said general manager Mark Harr...

Even as their limitations increase, most seniors procrastinate moving out of their   houses   for as long as possible. No one wants to leave behind their home for what often feels like a depressing last stop. Especially as people are living longer and multi-generational families are more common in North America, seniors and their families are looking for solutions that help them live independently and comfortably for much longer. That’s where designers like Lisa Cini come in. Cini is the founder and CEO of Mosaic Design Studio, Best Living Tech and Infinite Living, and she specializes in senior living design, multigenerational living and aging in place technology. She began exploring this field when she decided to take care of elderly family members and discovered that there were tech and design solutions available to make significant improvements in their lives. “I have always actively pursued and researched these types of products out there in the world,” said Cini. Whe...

The kitchen is known as the heart of any home and calling it that really does make perfect sense. This is the space where memories centered around cooking are created, where food is shared and where family and friends most often gather. But kitchens are no longer like your grandmother’s — appliance technology has continuously been getting better each year. According to a   report   from Grand View Research, the global smart kitchen appliance market is expected to reach a revenue of $60.19 billion by 2030. For consumers, that means there will be plenty of new, innovative products. Here are some of best smart appliances to keep an eye out for if you’re looking to add a serious upgrade to your kitchen.   Samsung Bespoke AI Oven    MSRP: TBD    Let’s face it, the oven is probably the most important appliance in any kitchen. With Samsung’s Bespoke AI Oven, the famed company has connected the world of artificial intelligence with modern cooking technologies. Not only ...

A great   network   is the foundation for every successful connected home installation. With a solid network in place, integrators can ensure a   smart home system   will perform at its best. Simply put, when integrators get the network right they generate higher levels of customer satisfaction, providing a route to increasing revenues and creating future business opportunities.  So what’s important when designing a network? Reliability, performance and serviceability should be the top three connected considerations in the integrator’s mind.    One of the effects of the pandemic has been a seismic shift in the amount of time clients spend working from home. Not only that, but we’ve also seen a boom in the use of streaming services for entertainment. Both trends have placed a fresh burden on the network and are showing few signs of reversing to pre-pandemic levels. In this context, the reliability of the home network has moved from becoming an important...