WiSA E Gains Traction in the Set-Top Box Market with 3 Different Implementations at CES

Rhea-AI Summary

WiSA Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WISA) is set to enter the set-top box market with its WiSA E software, expected to generate revenue in 2024. The software transmitter allows for wireless multichannel audio functionality at a nominal cost, offering advantages for both manufacturers and consumers. The company anticipates a cost-effective model for offering immersive multichannel audio to consumers through streaming media devices.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The entry of WiSA Technologies into the set-top box market signifies a strategic move that taps into the growing demand for enhanced home entertainment experiences. The adoption of WiSA E software by manufacturers can potentially disrupt the traditional market dynamics by offering multichannel audio capabilities without the need for additional hardware. This approach aligns with current consumer trends favoring customization and flexibility in technology use.

From a market perspective, the ability to upgrade existing devices with new features post-purchase could lead to increased brand loyalty and reduce the frequency of device turnover, impacting the sales cycle and aftermarket services. It also opens up a new revenue stream for WiSA Technologies, as consumers may be willing to pay a premium for activating advanced features on-demand.

However, the success of this initiative will depend on the consumer adoption rate and the perceived value of the software-enabled audio experience. It's also essential to monitor how competitors respond to this innovation, as it may prompt similar offerings or price adjustments in the market.

Financial Analyst

WiSA Technologies' announcement is likely to be scrutinized by investors for its potential to generate additional revenue streams and improve profit margins. The software-based approach to multichannel audio can significantly reduce the bill of materials (BOM) cost for manufacturers, which may translate into higher margins for WiSA Technologies without necessitating a substantial capital expenditure.

Investors will be interested in the pricing strategy for the software activation and how it compares to the costs of traditional hardware upgrades. The scalability of software distribution means that WiSA Technologies could benefit from high-margin, recurring revenue if the feature gains popularity among end consumers. However, it is critical to assess the market size for such a feature and the willingness of consumers to pay for it, as these factors will ultimately determine the financial impact of the new product offering.

Consumer Electronics Industry Expert

The integration of WiSA E software into set-top boxes represents a significant advancement in the consumer electronics industry. It addresses a key pain point for both manufacturers and consumers by eliminating the need for additional hardware to achieve multichannel audio. This development is particularly relevant as the industry shifts towards software-defined features that can be updated or activated post-purchase.

Understanding the technical aspects of WiSA E's compatibility with existing processors and Wi-Fi hardware is essential for evaluating its potential market impact. If the software proves to be reliable and delivers a high-quality audio experience, it could set a new standard for audio features in streaming devices. However, the success of this technology will also hinge on consumer education and marketing efforts to communicate the benefits of software-activated features over traditional hardware-based solutions.

Set-top Box Segment Expected to Produce Revenue in 2024

BEAVERTON, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- WiSA Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WISA), a leading innovator in wireless audio technology for intelligent devices and next-generation home entertainment systems, is poised to enter the set-top box market with multiple implementations of its WiSA E software expected in the market in 2024. Traditional set-top boxes as well as streaming media devices are typically hesitant to add multichannel audio functionality due to the additional cost of the required hardware to support the feature. WiSA E’s software transmitter allows manufacturers to load wireless multichannel audio functionality on the production line or on demand as a field upgrade to existing platforms at a nominal cost. The end consumer has the option to activate the software at any time.

"Set-top boxes and other streaming media devices are well-positioned to take advantage of embedded multichannel audio software,” said Tony Parker, vice president of technical marketing and strategy. “WiSA E was designed to work with existing processors and Wi-Fi hardware. As a result, embedding WiSA E functionality does not increase the BOM cost in the same way additional multichannel hardware has in the past. We anticipate many more streaming media devices will want to take advantage of this cost-effective model for offering immersive multichannel audio to their consumers.”

Using a software approach to enable wireless multichannel audio features in streaming media devices offers multiple advantage to both manufacturer and consumer:

• Advantages for the manufacturer:
  • Access to functionality with no additional hardware costs
  • Extended product lifespan – software updates keep devices current and competitive
• Advantages for the consumer
  • Consumers only pay for the features they choose when they decide to activate them
  • Software-based activation enables consumers to customize their devices according to their preferences creating a personalized and user-centric experience

Learn more about how WiSA E can add wireless immersive audio functionality to streaming media devices.

For more information about WiSA E wireless audio software, contact Tony Parker, vice president of technical marketing and strategy at tparker@wisatechnologies.com.

Find out more about the WiSA Technologies and its range of products and services at www.wisatechnologies.com.

About WiSA Technologies, Inc.

WiSA Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WISA) is a leading provider of immersive, wireless sound technology for intelligent devices and next-generation home entertainment systems. Working with leading CE brands and manufacturers such as Harman International, a division of Samsung; LG; Hisense; TCL; Bang & Olufsen; Platin Audio; and others, the company delivers immersive wireless sound experiences for high-definition content, including movies and video, music, sports, gaming/esports, and more. WiSA Technologies, Inc. is a founding member of WiSA™ (the Wireless Speaker and Audio Association) whose mission is to define wireless audio interoperability standards as well as work with leading consumer electronics companies, technology providers, retailers, and ecosystem partners to evangelize and market spatial audio technologies driven by WiSA Technologies, Inc. The company is headquartered in Beaverton, OR with sales teams in Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, and California.

© 2024 WiSA Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. WiSA Technologies, Inc. and the WiSA Technologies, Inc. logo are trademarks of WiSA Technologies, Inc. The WiSA logo, WiSA®, WiSA Ready™, and WiSA Certified™ are trademarks and certification marks of WiSA, LLC. Third-party trade names, trademarks and product names are the intellectual property of their respective owners.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are not historical facts, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “likely,” “will,” “would” and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements, including statements herein regarding our business opportunities and prospects, as well as our licensing initiatives and expectations, are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties regarding, among other items: the degree to which the licensee implements the licensed technology into its products, if at all; the timeline to any such implementation; our current liquidity position and the need to obtain additional financing to support ongoing operations; general market, economic and other conditions; our ability to continue as a going concern; our ability to maintain the listing of our common stock on Nasdaq; our ability to manage costs and execute on our operational and budget plans; our ability to achieve our financial goals; and other risks as more fully described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The information in this press release is provided only as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release based on new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240117969280/en/

Tony Parker

tparker@wisatechnologies.com

Source: WiSA Technologies, Inc.

FAQ

What is WiSA Technologies, Inc.'s ticker symbol?

The ticker symbol for WiSA Technologies, Inc. is WISA.

When is WiSA E software expected to produce revenue?

The WiSA E software is expected to produce revenue in 2024.

What advantages does the WiSA E software offer for manufacturers?

The WiSA E software offers manufacturers access to functionality with no additional hardware costs and extended product lifespan through software updates.

What advantages does the WiSA E software offer for consumers?

Consumers only pay for the features they choose when they decide to activate them, and software-based activation enables them to customize their devices according to their preferences.

What is WiSA Technologies, Inc.'s focus in the market?

WiSA Technologies, Inc. is focused on wireless audio technology for intelligent devices and next-generation home entertainment systems, and is now poised to enter the set-top box market with its WiSA E software.