news


Consumers show growing interest in voice-controlled products


G


fK’s Market Intelligence Sales Tracking data has indicated that


the virtual speaker is emerging as a smart home success story as voice control is becoming the way consumers interact with their smart products. Sales of voice-controlled products saw explosive growth of almost 61% in 2020, making them one of the best sellers of the year. The race to be the smart home ecosystem of choice is also on at full speed. Nevin Francis, GfK’s expert on technical consumer goods, said: “Tech giants Google, Apple and Amazon want to be a major part of the consumer’s future smart home, but no manufacturer is gambling on the winner. Smart tech products that offer multiple ecosystems continue to be most attractive to tech-savvy consumers. “As more consumers buy smart products and become convinced by their tangible benefits and ease of use, smart will cross the chasm to mass market appeal.”


E


lectrical Safety First has opened applications for its Safety


Innovation Award. Now in its fourth year, the award was established to recognise those who put safety at the heart of product development, while encouraging sustainability and innovation. The charity is inviting applications from businesses of all sizes – as well as individuals – that have developed an innovative product or project which enhances consumer electrical safety. Entrants must include a detailed description of how the innovation operates, together with supporting evidence of how it fulfils award criteria. Applications are open to projects and


products at all stages of development, including design and concept. The closing date for entries is August 28. Last year’s award winner was the E-Bulb


from JOB. Described as the world’s smallest fire


TOP 3 Most- read


1


HUGHES ELECTRICAL APPOINTS NEW DIRECTORS Hughes Electrical has announced the appointment of three new board members: Paul Chisnall, Henrico Doward and Nikki Heffer.


web stories 2


SAMSUNG ANNOUNCES GLOBAL EXPANSION OF ITS BESPOKE APPLIANCE RANGE Samsung Electronics has hosted Bespoke Home 2021, a new virtual platform and global showcase for its home appliances business.


3 8 | www.ierdaily.co.uk


MIELE CANCELS ITS PARTICIPATION IN IFA 2021 AND KÜCHENMEILE


Ongoing anticipated restrictions due to COVID-19 has prompted Miele to cancel its participation at IFA in Berlin and Küchenmeile in Rödinghausen.


LATEST NEWS: www.ierdaily.co.uk Join the conversation, follow us on Twitter @IERMag


May & June 2021


Putting safety at the heart of product development


extinguisher, it is a key component in device- integrated fire protection. Shortlisted applicants will be notified in


September, with selected finalists presenting to judges in October. The top two finalists will go head-to-head at Electrical Safety First’s annual product safety conference, on November 24- 25, where the winner will be selected by the audience. Martyn Allen, technical director at Electrical


Safety First, said: “Safety is the core of everything we do. Our Safety Innovation Award reflects this and encourages other like-minded organisations that prioritise safety. “In a time of uncertainty and rapid


technological change, there is huge opportunity for innovation and creativity in product safety to thrive. This award is all about acknowledging those individuals and companies who stand out as safety champions.” For further information and to download an application form, visit the charity’s website, which is located at www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk.


TOP TWEETS


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32