June 2025
ertonline.co.uk TCL Mini LED TVs.
Using adaptive generative AI, the Swann tech
can respond to visitors with naturalistic, human- like chat when they press the doorbell. The voice assistant even comes with eight accents and three moods to choose from; reportedly it can communicate in 100 auto-detected languages. Mamma mia! Additional features include a wide 140 degree viewing angle, HD video, powerful night vision, True Detect sensor, 2-way audio, and 5200mAh rechargeable battery. An optional MicroSD Card records clips, so you can upload the best to TikTok.
Connected audio Similarly impressive is the voice control
offered by Sky, as found in its Sky Glass and Sky Glass Air TVs. The latter, the newest addition to the TV-over-IP line, looks certain to bring many more consumers into Sky’s sphere of influence. Sky Glass Air, which has far-field mics built in, offers a highly intuitive level of voice control, and can be used for basic channel selection and volume control, and quite specific content searches. The only non-subscription alternative comparable to the Sky Glass experience is Freely, available from Panasonic, Toshiba and Hisense. Meanwhile, TCL is looking to Google TV this year to help drive sales. The brand has launched its first TV range built around the platform, offering buyers a more personalised viewing experience, as well as more seamless smart home management.
The TCL line-up straddles a variety of price points, from the budget V6C - UK Series through to the T8C - UK premium models. Adopting Google is a significant strategy by the fast-riding Chinese brand.
Undaunted, key rival Hisense continues to polish its Vidaa platform - and it was already quite shiny to begin with. The brand is also pushing a new generation of AI AV enhancement, dubbed Hi-View AI Engine PRO, an upgrade on its regular Hisense AI Engine; the new silicon can be found on its new U8Q and U7Q Pro models. This silicon promises intelligent, adaptive viewing, with auto-optimising picture and sound in real time to maximise picture performance. Hi-View AI Engine PRO also brings with it AI Depth, said to enhance each layer of the image to improve dimensionality, AI Clear Voice for
sharper dialogue and a 3D Sound Upscaler to a more immersive viewing experience. That’s a lot of AI.
Smarter home security
In the associated world of smart home security, intelligent cameras can now offer owners real- time threat detection and facial recognition, even as biometric locks and cloud-based
Swann Evo.
Smart tech is also calling the tune when it comes to home audio. If you’re in the business of selling connected audio, now’s a good time to turn up the volume. According to the latest data from Futuresource Consulting, global music streaming subscriptions, controlled by voice, AI, and apps, will surpass 1 billion by 2027 - and keep climbing to 1.2 billion by 2029. That’s not just background music. “Music streaming has become a must- have service for many consumers,” says James Duvall, Principal Analyst, Futuresource Consulting. “It’s now seen as a commodity rather than a luxury, much like broadband or a mobile subscription.”
Smart speakers continue to embed themselves in every corner of the connected home, moving from living rooms to offices and kitchens.
For floor staff, it pays to know how Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant work across multiple devices. Cross-brand compatibility is a key selling point, especially in households where Apple meets Android. As streaming becomes indistinguishable
monitoring systems enhance home security. Security specialist Swann has launched the EVO Wireless Video Doorbell, which features SwannShield AI Voice Assistant technology. The SwannShield AI-powered home security voice assistant engages with visitors, in real- time, across different scenarios, and is able to accept package deliveries and identify guests, as well as deter potential criminals.
from broadband, more consumers are upgrading their home AV setups: 4K smart TVs paired with Dolby Atmos soundbars or all-in- one wireless music systems. Many of these setups are controlled through a single app, or voice, once again pushing ease of use to the forefront. Interestingly, physical media isn’t out of the picture. Vinyl sales continue to defy expectations, growing 8 per cent in 2024 alone, so turntables are getting smarter too, adding Bluetooth to their feature set. >>
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