In another busy week for the AV and smart home industry, both InfoComm and WWDC wrap up their events, Samsung takes to the courts over a potential patent infringement by TCL and a media titan plans to split to boost streaming prospects. This is CE Pro’s Weekly Rewind.
Samsung Claims Patent Infringement by TCL
TCL
Competition among the top display manufacturers is heating up as OLED-Info reports Samsung has filed a complaint in the US Texas Federal Court saying that TCL’s China Star (CSoT) is infringing upon three of Samsung’s OLED Patents.
Samsung has also added two Texas-based companies (Ultimate Eshop LLC and eTech Parts Plus LLC) in the same lawsuit.
The complaint mainly focuses on technology used in phone displays, however, TCL has faced prior legal challenges via a class action against its QLED technology, used primarily in its TVs as well.
The company has swiftly risen to the top ranks of premium TV manufacturers in the U.S. with Samsung, LG, TCL and Hisense all jockeying for the top spot.
Apple Hosts WWDC 2025 Developer Conference
twinsterphoto – stock.adobe.com
Apple wrapped up its developer conference this week and while we were hoping for news on the company’s rumored smart home platform, there were still plenty of developments in the space.
Trademark filings on the leadup to the conference as reported by Apple Magazine hint at the company’s continued focus on the smart home market with 9to5Mac reporting that the company is continuing to build out HomeKit’s features with energy management capabilities.
CNET also reported that Apple is launching a new app aimed at capitalizing on the cloud gaming trend, with it finally appearing on Apple smart TVs in addition to laptops and smart phones. CE Pro also reported on the company’s latest updates to its tvOS and Apple TV platform, including an all new “Liquid Glass” technology aimed at providing greater picture fidelity.
2025 BEST Award Winners Announced at InfoComm 2025
AVIXA
Winners in the 2025 Commercial Integrator BEST Awards were announced during InfoComm 2025 this week in Orlando, Florida. The awards celebrate outstanding new products, solutions and services that elevate commercial integrators’ businesses from enhancing profitability to fostering sustainability in business practices.
The ceremony took place at the HDBaseT Alliance’s booth on the show floor and drew in throngs of showgoers. Our sister publication, Commercial Integrator, provided boots-on-the-ground reporting while at the show.
Warner Bros. Discovery Plan to Split into Two Separate Companies
Aerial Film Studio – stock.adobe.com
ABC News reported that Warner Bros. Discovery plans to split into two separate public companies within the next year. The intent, according to the company, is to focus separately on cable and streaming businesses.
Warner Bros. Discovery said on Monday the new Streaming & Studios company will work on strengthening Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, and HBO Max, as well as their film and television libraries.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav will serve as CEO of Streaming & Studios.
The news comes as paid streaming services have begun to show signs of erosion as FAST channel networks eat into market share while major content producers have started to show shrinking budgetary appetites surrounding content production.
There’s Still Time to Nominate Your Best Women of the CI Channel
Emerald
Following the success of the inaugural Women to Watch in 2024, CE Pro is once again opening nominations to recognize women redefining the industry.
As we open nominations for the 2025 Female 40, we’re once again seeking women who are making an impact—whether in the boardroom, on the jobsite, at industry events, or quietly innovating behind the scenes.
From home automation and audio/video to lighting, control, security, and networking, the future of the smart home is being shaped by more women than ever before.
If you know someone breaking new ground, championing inclusion, or redefining excellence in this field, now is the time to recognize them.
