Home automation can be a confusing subject for shoppers with complex systems often poorly displayed and explained. TigerDirect of Miami is changing that.
The company’s Aventura store has been completely remodeled into a concept store of the future with a learning center for DIY customers and professional installers. It’s a prototype that could be expanded to other stores if it catches on, company officials say.
The new smart home display is eye catching with large beams, like you would find in a home, angling down from the ceiling. It has the latest in home automation with color-coded displays that guide customers to the right shelf. The display targets not only consumers, but audio-visual installers who can see security, home entertainment and home automation with 10 vignettes showing various concepts. Many of these systems are also popular in businesses.
Tech Bash to add B2B symposium
Marlins Park will have a different crowd of fans on Nov. 7 as TigerDirect has its third annual “Tech Bash.”
The free event showing the latest trends in technology is expected to draw more than 20,000 participants. They will have an opportunity to connect with leading technology manufacturers and see new products and solutions. Kevin O�Leary, co-host of ABC’s hit TV show “Shark Tank” will keynote the company’s TigerDirect Innovation: IT Conference and Expo presented by Lenovo, an exclusive B2B sector symposium that will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. before the evening consumer show, which runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
“I am proud to be a part of TigerDirect’s first-ever business innovation event and hope that my keynote, along with the lineup of exciting sessions, inspires attendees to rethink their approach to technology,” said O�Leary. “The cloud, digital payment ecosystems and other tech trends are turning small and medium businesses on their heads, and this event will help them keep pace with technological advances and provide the edge they need to stay ahead of the curve.”
Richard Leeds, CEO of Systemax, said the consumer event will be more kid friendly with the minimum age being lowered to 13 and the event being held on a Friday night. This year, products will also be sold on site.
For the B2B symposium, top IT companies and subject matter experts will also lead a series of breakout sessions. These sessions will include the following topics:
“Cloud Computing- How it’s transforming IT and what this means for your business?” Find out how you can leverage the cloud to centralize your data and increase your business’s efficiency.
“Data is everywhere – find out how to secure your data.” Learn how to secure data from an increasing amount of IT threats against your business.
“Bring Your Own Device To Work? Discover how best practices for small and large businesses.” How employees bringing their own devices to work will transform the workplace and why businesses of varying sizes should implement the practice.
“Borderless and wireless networking – Fast and secure.” Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile computing devices continue to grow in popularity among businesses for their powerful on-the-go capabilities. Understand how to integrate and manage these devices to become a more agile business.
“Our new concept store brings your home to life, and life to your home – simple as that!” says Terry Perrin, president of TigerDirect.
During a demonstration in the store, company officials showed how a home can have different theme settings, such as what should come on in the morning and what lights should go off and on at bedtime. There are also settings when you are away for the day or an extended trip. Tablets and smart phones can be used as control devices.
“There’s no more I’m half way down the turnpike and I have to make a U turn and turn my lights off,” one of the demonstrators said during the presentation.
The Vera Z-Wave Home and Business Security Control System allows users to receive alerts when motion is sensed or when temperatures spike. Other features include remote controllable smart door lock, high definition video cameras with sound as well as motion, window and door sensors. Another helpful device can detect the absence or presence of water, such as a leak in a laundry room, and send a text message before a flood wreaks havoc. A consumer could even call a plumber and put a one-time entry code in the security system door for the plumber to use when he arrives.
The back store of the wall has a wall of TV and home theater products, again organized to make it easier for shoppers to make a decision. TigerDirect also sells laptops, desktops, tablets, networking and other consumer electronics products. Brands include Honeywell, IC RealTime, Insteon, TCP, Swann, Samsung, Belkin and Night Owl. ?
