MediaTek and Google Partner Up
Earlier this month, MediaTek revealed a partnership with Google to develop a dedicated Smart Home chip. The new SoC, known as MediaTek MT7903, is intended for use in Google’s ecosystem and offers “robust and responsive smart home experiences”. Additionally the chip will use Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6 and will integrate easily with Thread and Matter. MT7903 is expected to begin shipping in products later this year.
The Circana Take:
- As platform companies look to grow market share in the smart home, easy integration across products will help drive user loyalty.
- Google’s partnership with MediaTek will help integrate the company’s many connected products under the single Home app while at the same time helping users easily incorporate outside devices through Matter integration.
Nanoleaf Brings an LED Face Mask to CES
Even though Nanoleaf announced a Matter-enabled floor lamp and plans for a subscription service at CES, the company’s FDA approved LED face mask commanded most of the attention at the show. Aside from being a trendy new wellness device, Nanoleaf’s LED Light Therapy Face Mask is an FDA approved skin care device that uses red and infared light to sooth your face, thereby easing conditions such as acne and uneven skin tones. The light also stimulates the production of collagen, an essential protein for healthy skin. The mask is up for sale on Nanoleaf’s website at $149.99
The Circana Take:
- Though Nanoleaf is not known in the wellness space, the company does have expertise in lighting products, and the shift into an adjacent market is worthwhile bet.
- There have been some examples of companies using lighting for wellness purposes (notably aligning smart lighting patterns with Circadian rhythms using a mobile app) and Nanoleaf’s would be a new one- but probably not the last- for the smart home space.