Just four months down the line from launching what is considered to be SA's first commercial smart home console, Altech has piqued the interest of global giants - including Google, Microsoft, Netflix and Amazon - with its video-on-demand (VOD) and smart home offering the Node.
Altech CEO Craig Venter says the company's new video-on-demand (VOD) and smart home offering has seen "tremendous awareness levels and positive interest" - not only from consumers, but from local operators and global players. "The fact that we are in partnership talks with these reputable firms validates that the Node is at the leading-edge of technology."
Details of the talks are at this stage confidential, but the company has confirmed they relate to partnering with Altech Node globally, within emerging markets.
Early-day local sales have not disappointed either. Venter says, while the company is not in a position to divulge specific numbers, the Node has garnered some significant orders. "Altech Node continues to perform to expectations. As Altron TMT, we are comfortable with our current position."
Smart future
As for future aspirations, Venter says Altech considers the Node as the introduction of the Internet of things - a classification leaving doors wide open in terms of where technology is going, both globally and in SA.
ICT expert Adrian Schofield says he can see the Node becoming the host server or control centre for many smart home functions. "[It could] not only enable users in different rooms to enjoy varied activities - [like] watching streamed entertainment, listening to music, playing games, browsing the Internet and working in the cloud - but [it could] also provide remote control and monitoring of utilities such as lighting, heating, cooling, irrigation and security."
Venter points out the Node already supports smart plugs, motion sensors and wireless video cameras. "The Node also supports an easy-to-use interface to customise and setup a personalised home security and automation function."
As for future iterations of the "little box that does a lot of stuff" that is still in its very early days, Venter says the company is continuously investing in the development of value-added products, services and solutions - including engaging with content providers around VOD content.
Ovum analyst Richard Hurst says the Node may serve as a pioneer product or service, with competitors looking at the success or inroads that are being developed before launching their own products. "Already we can see some positioning by network operators and content providers."
Analysts point out that, while VOD is likely to be the most used feature by Node owners, consumers will soon expand their horizons as the concept of the smart home develops.
In a post-launch article on the Node, World Wide Worx MD Arthur Goldstuck noted that, if anything, the Node box competed with DStv's Explora HD decoder. "Altech claims it to be 'the world's first fully converged home gateway console', going well beyond movie and TV series bouquets."
MultiChoice COO Mark Rayner previously said the Node was an "interesting new product", which entered a sector (broadcasting) that was in for "an exciting ride" and a very interesting five years ahead of it.
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