Ecobee Acquired by a Generator Company
Wisconsin-based generator manufacturer Generac announced plans earlier this month to acquire Ecobee, longtime maker of smart thermostats. Ecobee, whose investors include Amazon’s Alexa Fund, was founded in 2007 and has expanded into additional smart home devices including security cameras and sensors. According to Stuart Lombard, CEO of Ecobee, the acquisition “creates many opportunities to integrate our Ecobee products with their residential device offerings enabling direct monitoring and control of a significant portion of the home’s electrical load”.
The NPD Take:
- Ecobee’s integration into a generator company will shift focus of the products and brand towards whole home energy usage and conservation; in addition to smart climate control.
- Generac has been making generators for 60 years – the acquisition of Ecobee is a way for the company to enter the smart home market with a complimentary product strategy.
Sunnova and Brinks Offer Security Systems to Solar Panel Customers
Last week, Houston-based Sunnova Energy, maker of solar panels, announced a cross-selling partnership with Brinks home security. According to the agreement, customers of Brinks and Sunnova will be able to buy products from either brand, an effort to drive adoption of solar panels and security services among clients of each. The announcement follows ADT’s acquisition of Sunpro, an installer of solar panels for residences and commercial properties. Sunnova CEO John Berger said the partnership “gives Brinks another way to monetize their customer base”. Brinks has over 950,000 customers nationwide while Sunnova serves 176,000 customers.
The NPD Take:
- Adding solar panels to the product portfolio of security service providers will help drive adoption of solar. There is a high number of consumers who subscribe to a security service- providers hold a position of trust in the household and thus can be advocates for new technology and drive new businesses.
Amazon Builds Alexa into an Air Quality Monitor Amazon unveiled a new connected home air quality monitor that works with Alexa. The monitor can measure particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, humidity, and temperature. While it is not equipped with a microphone, the monitor can connect to an Alexa enabled device to provide alerts on air quality conditions. The device will sell for $69 and ship in December.
The NPD Take:
- This is another example of Amazon’s interest in health/wellness products and services- with Alexa as the centerpiece.
- This device would also presumably fit in to Alexa Together, Amazon’s subscription service enabling caregivers to remotely monitor and assist aging family members as they stay in their own homes.