In addition to home security systems, AT&T and Comcast will also offer more advanced services, such as remotely locking and unlocking doors via mobile devices, remotely monitoring cameras to check on the home, and even remotely shutting off water taps.
As new players in the smart home market, both AT&T and Comcast hope to better utilize the data networks and customer relationships they have previously accumulated.
Chris Heaton, Vice President of the Electronic Security Association, stated that due to wireless technology and increased competition within the industry, the cost of installing equipment will significantly decrease, allowing homeowners to integrate more automation features.
Heaton also predicts that new competition in the electronic security industry will continue to intensify, and within the next ten years, the proportion of U.S. households with security systems will rise from 20% to 30%.
In the A-share market, Hejing Technology (300279, stock bar) (300279.SZ) is primarily engaged in the research, development, production, and sales of smart controllers for large white goods. Currently, the company's main clients are the three major appliance brands: Samsung, Hisense, and Haier. The company's 2011 annual report shows that Samsung, Hisense, and Haier accounted for 37.22%, 30.15%, and 8.89% of total sales, respectively.
In the third quarter of last year, the company acquired 99.9998% of the shares of Thai Ying for over 26 million yuan and completed a capital increase of 28.24 million yuan. Thai Ying's main products, smart controllers, are consistent with the company's main products. The company stated that this acquisition is beneficial for expanding into the Southeast Asian market and increasing its share in overseas markets.