After a turbulent 2024 for the company marked with botched app launches and the departure of several high-ranking team members, including its CEO, it seems as though Sonos has taken a break.
Following a comprehensive search to fill its leadership vacuum, the company’s board decided that the best fit for the company had been right in front of them the entire time, with interim CEO Tom Conrad now permanent CEO.
Elsewhere in the industry, Hisense continued to make inroads towards turning its cheap big-screens into full-stack solutions, and of course, we would be remiss not to mention that this week came with the passing of a music industry icon: Ozzy Osbourne.
Maybe crank up some Black Sabbath wherever you are reading this.
As always, we’ll be here to keep you connected with all the biggest news stories in the custom integration industry on this week in Playback.
Hisense TV Control Arrives on Control4
Chowmainsoft
The evolution of Hisense from a “cheap big screen” to full-stack solution continued this week with the launch a new Control4 driver for its VIDAA OS smart TVs.
Developed in partnership with Chowmainsoft, the driver enables IP-based control of compatible Hisense displays on Control4.
Already the company has integrations for its TV through Google Home as well as URC Total Control, with the Control4 driver now letting it tap into one of the top control brands in the industry (at least according to our recent CE Pro 100 Brand Analysis).
Read the full analysis: Hisense Launches New VIDAA Control4 Driver—With Help from Chowmainsoft
The Prince of Darkness Passes
Ozzy Osbourne’s career in music spans more than 50 years. (photo credit: Bob Archer CE Pro)
Ozzy Osbourne passed earlier this week, leaving his lasting impact on music and pop culture.
From Black Sabbath frontman to solo icon, the man’s influence on metal through pioneering techniques and an unmistakable persona left a legacy that, in some way, likely resonated with the very community that helped shape the integration industry.
So turn up your favorite song of his, and rock on in memory of an icon.
Read the full article: A Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath: Remembering the Prince of Darkness
Vivint Appeal Denied in CPI Case
ARAMYAN – stock.adobe.com
CPI Security Systems secured another legal victory in its ongoing tortious interference case against Vivint, with a district court upholding a previous $189.7 million jury award.
In an opinion written by the presiding Judge Niemeyer, the court concluded the award estimates had been reasonably calculated based on the information provided by CPI, affirming Vivint’s use of deceptive sales tactics.
Following the decision, Vivint has been left with one option left for appeals, but legal experts speaking on the matter don’t believe it will pan out should Vivint pursue it.
Read the full article: Vivint Slammed in Latest Turn for CPI Tortious Interference Case
Matter Now Baked into PowerView Gen3
Hunter Douglas states that its PowerView Gen 3 Automation platform now supports Matter. (photo credit: Hunter Douglas)
The middle market saw a big move recently as Hunter Douglas, perhaps one of the most widely recognized shading brands among consumers, announced Matter support for its PowerView Gen 3 Automation platform.
Now, users can control Hunter Douglas shades from systems like Apple Home and Google Home, continuing a trend that has seen more professional solutions start to cater towards what have historically been considered consumer-grade or DIY brands.
Read the full article: Hunter Douglas PowerView Gen 3 Now Offers Matter Compatibility
Sonos Finally Gets a New CEO
Photo/Renan – stock.adobe.com
Sonos caught a big break this week as the Board named a familiar face the company’s new CEO: Tom Conrad.
After serving six months as interim leader, it turns out that his success during those six months (as well as his prior accolades) convinced Board members to keep him on as CEO.
Now at the helm for the foreseeable future, Conrad said plans to focus on delivering more immersive, intelligent, and integrated experiences as Sonos moves forward.
Read the full article: Sonos Names Tom Conrad Permanent CEO After Interim Turnaround
CE Pro Allstar Band Makes Its Big Return to CEDIA Expo 2025
The CE Pro All-Star Band has become a fixture of after-hours entertainment at the annual CEDIA Expo (and now CIX) trade show, and this year, the band has confirmed, will be no different.
Emerald, the parent company of CEDIA Expo and CIX–as well as CE Pro–states those attending the show will be able to catch the band’s performance on Thursday Sept. 4 at the Cervantes’ Master Ballroom on 2635 Welton Street.
The event will include a cash bar, some food, as well as some free drinks courtesy of show sponsors this year AiSPIRE, D-Tools and Proluxe, with all registered show attendees being able to attend.
If you’re planning on attending CEDIA Expo this year, make sure you don’t miss out on this event.
