Issue link: http://osercommunicationsgroup.uberflip.com/i/765780
Consumer Electronics Daily News Friday, January 6, 2017 2 4 SEVENHUGS LAUNCHES BREAKTHROUGH SMART REMOTE Sevenhugs announces the launch of Smart Remote on Kickstarter, allowing users to control any device simply by pointing at it. Sevenhugs' patent-pending point and control technology enables Smart Remote's screen to adapt automatically to any device. When a user points at a device, Smart Remote instantly dis- plays custom controls to operate that particular device. Smart Remote is compatible with more than 25,000 devices including Samsung Smart TVs, Philips Hue and LIFX smart bulbs, Sonos speakers, Nest Learning Thermostat and many more. "Customers today are frustrated that every device requires its own app or controller, which leads to clutter, confusion and wasted time," says Simon Tchedikian, Sevenhugs' Co- founder and Chief Executive Officer. "We've pushed the boundaries of today's technologies to build a better solution. For the first time in history, we've integrated a precise indoor posi- tioning system in a consumer electron- ic device, allowing users to control tens of thousands of connected devices in a simple and intuitive way. All you have to do is point at what you want to con- trol." Smart Remote unifies the control of your connected home experience: Broad Compatibility: Smart Remote works with more than 25,000 devices through WiFi, Bluetooth or Infrared, including Samsung Smart TVs, Philips Hue and LIFX smart bulbs, Sonos speak- ers, Nest Learning Thermostat and many more. Patent-Pending Innovation: Sevenhugs' patent-pending point and control technology enables Smart Remote's screen to adapt instantly to any device and display intuitive touch-screen controls customized for each device you point at. Powerful Technology: Smart Remote is the first consumer product to combine motion tracking sensors and an indoor positioning system. It allows users to control their devices naturally and intuitively – simply by pointing at them. Instant Access to Services: Smart Remote allows you to instantly access popular services like Uber. Order a ride by pointing Smart Remote at your front door or check the weather forecast by pointing at your window. Elegant & Thoughtful Design: Designed in collaboration with one of the most iconic and awarded French design- ers, Pierre Garner of Elium Studio, Smart Remote's design is beautiful, sleek and intuitive. Personalized Control: Smart Remote lets you create custom scenes and control multiple devices at the same time. For example, you can create a movie watch- ing scene that automatically dims the lights when you turn on the TV. Smart Remote also lets you group lights togeth- er to control all at once. Unlimited Possibilities: Sevenhugs offers an open API and an extensive SDK to support continuous expansion of Smart Remote's features and services by developers. Tchedikian adds, "We truly embrace the passion of the Kickstarter community and know that it's the per- fect venue for an innovative product like Sevenhugs' Smart Remote. We want our backers to help us build the perfect universal remote control and influence the development of what we view as their product. Now, with the help of the Kickstarter community, we're excited to put the finishing touch- es on the world's first truly smart remote." Sevenhugs' Kickstarter campaign goal for Smart Remote is $50,000. Early- bird Kickstarter pricing starts at $99 and its first backers will receive Smart Remote in June 2017. Smart Remote will be available at select retailers in Fall 2017 for $299.99. About Sevenhugs Sevenhugs creates connected home products and services designed to sim- plify the smart home experience. Its goal is to reinvent the way that people interact with technology at home by creating devices that are simple and intuitive to use. Its line of products includes hugOne, the first connected solution that helps the entire family sleep better, and Smart Remote. Based in San Francisco and Paris, Sevenhugs was founded in 2014 by Simon Tchedikian, Steìphane Jaubertou, Lionel Marty and Olivier Mandine. To date, Sevenhugs raised more than $14 million in a recent Series A. For more information about Sevenhugs and Smart Remote, visit remote.seven hugs.com or follow the company on Facebook and Twitter. NEW EYE-TRACKING SYSTEM FROM VIEWPOINTSYSTEM WINS INNOVATION AWARD Two months before the CES 2017 in Las Vegas, a selected audience of experts were given a sneak preview of the most remarkable technology of the year at the CES Unveiled New York. The expert jury of the CES 2017 Innovation Awards hon- ored what is surely the most advanced system for recording, displaying and interpreting human eye movements, the new VPS 16 eye-tracking glasses from Viewpointsystem. The product received an Honoree Award for its design and technology. The makers of the VPS 16 have suc- ceeded for the first time in packing a high-performance eye-tracker in a 41- gramme pair of sports glasses that are suitable for everyday wear and which can be worn for hours without leaving pres- sure sores. The cameras are concealed in the frame of the glasses and the nose pads so that the natural viewing behavior is not impaired. The system can be used for a wide range of applications – from vision train- ing to market research. It can link up experts by means of a live transmission, providing precise guidance for surgeons carrying out operations, help athletes improve their performance through the right vision strategy and enhance road safety by raising the visibility of road signs. In the near future, the VPS 16 should also make it possible to track emotions. By measuring pupil reactions, it is possi- ble to accurately and on the fly determine what the wearer of the glasses is looking at and what he is feeling. The combina- tion of technology and emotions promis- es some exciting perspectives in the future, for example, when combined with augmented reality applications. "We are extremely proud that this coveted award has enabled us to join such an exclusive group of innovative products," said Nils Berger. "We are looking forward to the possibilities for further technological development this opens up for our system." About Viewpointsystem The technology start-up Viewpointsystem combines the expertise of vision research with state-of-the-art technology develop- ment. Originally founded as a spin-off of the University of Vienna in Austria, Viewpointsystem was transformed into an operating company in 2016. Viewpointsystem currently employs some 30 people in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the UK.