For some, user experience is a new catchphrase. Slowly but surely smart home makers in Taiwan are grasping the concept of user experience. Thanks to years of export experience and regular interaction with their customers, they have come to understand that user experience is all the aspects of how people use an interactive product: the way it feels in their hands, how well they understand how it works, how they feel about it while they're using it, and how well it fits into the entire context in which they are using it.
“GKB is launching a smart home solution on a camera (SoC) called Aetherlink to its global market. Aetherlink is the result of the integration of reliable software, customized sensors, and app that allows you to have a sense of complete control,” said Anna Hsiung of GKB Security.
According to Philio Technology CEO James Huang, simplicity is very important in smart home. To date, most of smart home products are still complicated to general users in the mass market. “We are in the very early days of smart home. Perhaps only gadget lovers enjoy and understand smart home products. As an original maker, we have to simplify the user experience of smart home product as much as possible.”
Philio designs and manufactures Z-Wave based smart home solutions, ranging from PIR sensors, controller, gateway to software & app design. By far, Philio's products are utilized in DIY kits and professional system integration projects.
Meanwhile, given the breakneck price competition within the DIY markets, some Taiwan makers believe that Taiwan can play a big part in the SI market to create a niche under the notable MIT moniker.
“Due to the stagnant US economy whereby new construction of apartments and condos are springing up everywhere, it is about the right time to enter the market,” said Unitech CEO Pete Chen.
“For integrated smart home, most traditional main players in the US market are still in SIs, for single devices or sub-systems such as security, smart plugs, IP cameras, and so forth.”
Chen said 2015 is another milestone year for Unitech to go global, both product portfolio and market penetration. It is unveiling series of new products targeted at SIs and VADs (value-added distributors.) The products include “Elfin Home & Community”, “Elfin T&A,” “MoboBell” for remote doorbell featuring apps for consumer smartphones and tablets, and “Rainbow”, a system management console.
Also aimed at top tier markets is Lilin, a Taiwan-based manufacturer of IP video cameras, recording devices, and software with over 30 years of experience. The company is currently working with Control4 in the US market.
“Taiwan has its strengths in the project (installer) market, and although our prices are higher, customers in the US and Europe will still consider Taiwan because of our quality,” said Lilin global marketing manager Chris Hsu.
Hsu said thanks to Taiwan maker's international presence over the years, they are able to understand better the demands of overseas markets, and can provide a faster feedback.
[MIT Feature Selection]
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