Startup companies have invested heavily in consumer electronics which opens up a host of technologies like wireless-connected bulbs, desktop robots and complete home theater system in cracker box-size projectors.
Misfit, developer of its popular fitness tracking device Shine, showed off its smart bulb Misfit Bolt, which features Bluetooth connection and is able to transform a room into a kaleidoscope of color. The bulb and a new Misfit Home application mark the wearable computing firm's expansion into the smart home sector.
"It's a new and promising category for us," Justin Butler, Misfit's vice president of communications development, said yesterday at the CES Asia, which will close today.
Misfit products will be sold in Tmall, JD.com, Apple Stores and new distributional channels such as furniture stores, Butler said.
Beijing-based startup firm Ainemo Inc, developer of a desktop family robot, yesterday said its second round of financing boosted its value to US$100 million, only 14 months after it was formed.
Ainemo, which has already drawn a US$30 million investment, makes voice-activated family robots with high-resolution video calling and additional features like multimedia playing and weather forecast checking.
"It helps people better connect with families, despite tight working schedules or geographic distances," said Clement Feng, founder and chief executive of Ainemo.
With new investor Foxconn, Ainemo plans to mass produce the devices, which cost 2,299 yuan (US$370) each.
Shenzhen-based startup firm Holatek launched its cracker box-sized Jmgo G1 smart home theater that features high-resolution LED (light emitting diode) projector supporting up to a 300-inch display, built-in Hi-Fi feature and Internet video stream services.
The company intends to sell more than 200,000 Jmgo devices this year, bringing total revenue of 500 million yuan, according to Bobby Chen, chief executive of Holatek.
Intel and Haier said they will work on wireless charging.
