In an effort to support its continued U.S. growth, Bluewater USA Inc. has named Trent Virden as technical officer and David Philmlee as head of marketing for its North American team.
Home Environment
In response to the planned acquisition of two divisions of Icontrol Networks by Alarm.com, Honeywell International has filed an antitrust suit claiming the combined entity of two of its competitors would result in 70% share of the market for software that allows remote operation of connected products and devices, according to a report by the New Jersey Law Journal.
The Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF), an Internet of Things (IoT) standards foundation, has concluded a survey taken at CES 2017 in Las Vegas, which surveyed 250 respondents at the show to gauge the growth and challenges surrounding connected devices.
In an effort to raise air quality awareness, Blueair has launched Air View, a free digital service that shows outdoor air hazards based on address.
A.O. Smith Corporation, a manufacturer of residential and commercial water heating equipment, water treatment and air purification products that acquired Aquasana in 2016, reported record sales of $2.69 billion in 2016. This was a 6% increase from 2015 and 8% when adjusted for the stronger U.S. dollar against the Chinese currency.
LG Electronics showcased a new lineup of intelligent robots at CES as part of its innovations in artificial intelligence and developments in the IoT ecosystem, including its take on the smart home hub.
Due to recently exposed vulnerabilities of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the Federal Trade Commission is launching the IoT Home Inspector Challenge, challenging the public to create a tool that will address security vulnerabilities caused by out-of-date software in IoT devices.
LG Electronics, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has recalled three portable air conditioner models due to risk of fire.
Pur Water Filtration, from Helen of Troy, has introduced the next generation of its faucet water filtration systems. The new lineup includes Pur Ultimate, Pur Advanced and Pur Basic.
Kaz, a division of Helen of Troy, has launched new ceramic heaters under its Honeywell brand.
Vivint Smart Home, a smart home products and services provider, has appointed David Porter as chief procurement officer. As chief procurement officer, Porter will be responsible for sourcing, procurement and supply chain management across the company.
LG Electronics USA has launched the LG PuriCare line of air cleaners, which marks its introduction into the consumer air purifier market. The new line includes three air purifiers and one dehumidifier.
Lasko Holdings, Inc., a family-owned manufacturer of portable fans and heaters, has been acquired by Comvest Partners and JW Levin Management Partners (JWLMP). The Lasko family will continue as an investor in the company, according to Lasko.
World and Main, parent company of home environment brand, Comfort Zone, has sold its Handy Hardware unit to Hardware Distribution Warehouses, Inc.
Pur has launched the Know Your Water website, a free online resource where consumers can learn about their local water quality.
Primo Water Corporation reported that net sales increased 5% to $35.5 million for its third quarter ended September 30, 2016, from $33.9 million in the prior year quarter, driven by an increase in water segment net sales.
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Midea has voluntarily recalled its dehumidifiers due to fire and burn hazards.
The Clorox Company reported sales growth of 4% and volume growth of 8% from continuing operations for its first fiscal quarter of 2017, ended September 30. In the first quarter, volume growth reflected increases in all segments, including its cleaning and lifestyle segments.
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), in partnership with manufacturers of 17 refrigerator brands, will launch a campaign to educate consumers on the growing risk of unknowingly buying counterfeit and deceptively labeled water filters for refrigerators.
In partnership with Universal Security Instruments, Roost, a technology company, has expanded its smart home portfolio with the launch of the Roost Smart Smoke Alarms.