IBC begins today at RAI in Amsterdam. It’s an annual showcase for innovation at the intersection of media, entertainment and technology.
In the spirit of this year’s show theme – “Discover the Future at IBC2018” – ARRIS is offering its customers a preview of what’s in store for the connected home.
Meet the smart media device (formerly known as the set-top)
Just as the mobile phone has become a compact computer, GPS, hotspot, and wallet, our vision for the future of the set-top is a smart media device that combines the functionality of the most important gadgets in the connected home. Globally, the average home has two set-tops, and by integrating new intelligence and media features into them, we can change the way people enjoy their entertainment, obtain their information, control their connected home, and more.
We have two incredible new concept designs at IBC. The first, which can be viewed in our private room, combines five devices into a single 10cm cube. It’s a set-top, speaker, smart assistant, IoT hub, and remote control…all in one.
We envision this smart media device leveraging the large landscape of the home’s TV screens to make the smart AI and voice control experience easily accessible and immersive. It’s small enough to fit next to any TV — and it delivers a whole new experience for entertainment and the connected home that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.
A soundbar with surprises
Our second device, which can be seen at our IBC stand, takes that concept to the next level for true video- and audiophiles. It combines the same features into a sleek and powerful soundbar that delivers an immersive entertainment experience and incorporates the best of ARRIS technology.
We partnered with one of the biggest names in high-end audio to ensure that it would provide the best sound. By integrating a set-top into a soundbar, we’re able to create an audio experience that can operate seamlessly across entertainment, smart assistant and control scenarios. The smart media device can always hear the active talker in the room, making voice control easier and more reliable.
Both concept devices feature the latest client Wi-Fi solution for the fastest, smoothest wireless connection. They use BLE technology to improve the remote-control experience and serve as an IoT hub for millions of Bluetooth® Low Energy-enabled home devices. And they also run RDK, Android OS and our own KreaTV® software platform, enabling service providers to integrate voice and smart assistants into their entertainment experiences — or to anchor future security, health, education, and commerce applications.
Most importantly, they can enable service providers to add their own unique AI and smart assistant skills as well as leverage the coexistence of technology from Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and others. For example, this capability could allow consumers to troubleshoot their service or access customer support from the smart media device using the TV screen, making for an efficient and truly customized experience.
ARRIS & Alexa Voice Service: A match made in the cloud
Finally, we’re excited to announce that ARRIS is now recognized as an Alexa Voice Service (AVS) Solution Provider with a solution qualified by Amazon. As voice control becomes increasingly central to the connected home experience, we’ll be working with Amazon to take advantage of the latest innovations available through its AVS Device SDK. This is the beginning of a new era in ARRIS technology that will see the power of Alexa incorporated into our residential solutions portfolio, which includes products like smart media devices, set-tops, gateways, Wi-Fi extenders, and IoT hubs. We have some promising developments underway, so stay tuned!
The next era in entertainment is here
The next chapter for the connected home is the arrival of the smart media device. ARRIS is once again poised to lead an important shift in the way that millions of people watch TV and connect to the internet. We invented the delivery of digital services to the home, and we continue to create its future.
Visit us at Hall 1, Stand B19 at IBC to find out more about our vision for the future of the connected home.
