Communication device
A communication device is a hardware device capable of transmitting an analog or digital signal over the telephone, other communication wire, or wirelessly. A classic example of a communication device is a computer modem, which converts…
Speed can kill ; the importance of process for hardware
One of the more popular cliches of the startup world is the immortal Zuckerberg’s “move fast and break things.” Even though Facebook has since changed its motto, speed is currency in…
The 3 business models that matters for connected hardware start-ups
Hardware has changed. It used to be that a “hardware business” sold widgets made in China at a 30% gross margin. These widgets were protected with patents, manufactured by the…
The Advantages of Hardware
Prototyping cost, manufacturing cost, slower iteration time, inventory risk, forward/reverse logistics, and scrap rates all drive this. Luckily for us hardware folks, there are a two giant advantages that people…
Wearables? Beware!
We’re in the middle of a major surge of wearable consumer electronic products. Originally, these devices were purely for fitness: Nike, Fitbit, Jawbone, etc use basic sensors (like accelerometers) to track activity throughout…
Innovative Tech Giant vs. Speaker Company
Despite these two products serving nearly an identical purpose, they couldn’t be more different from each other in terms of design intent. After carefully dissecting them both, it’s clear Sonos…
Teardown: Amazon’s Echo Plus
Amazon was the first company to popularize the smart speaker concept. The Seattle giant’s first foray into speakers has been shockingly successful (selling tens of millions of units to date).…
Teardown: Sonos One
The Sonos One speaker is the flagship smart Alexa-enabled speaker. Sonos is hoping it will boost the the trajectory of the 15-year-old speaker company. With an MSRP of $199, it’s…
What Cracking Open a Sonos One Tells Us About the Sonos IPO
For eight years, a war has been raging among a number of unlikely players. This bloodless technology battle is turning out to be one of the fiercest and most expensive…
What Hardware Startups Can Learn from Pebble
Crossing the Chasm Many consumer hardware startups think being first to market with breakthrough technology will make them successful. While Pebble was a category-defining product, being first is not what ultimately…
