Philips outlines blueprint for the Connected Home

Philips describes the Connected Home as a living space with multiple entertainment and communication devices linked together by a local wired and wireless network and connected via high-speed broadband to the Internet. The Connected Home will network PCs with both portable and fixed versions of such devices as CD, DVD and MP3 players, televisions and stereo systems.

"Two key technological developments - the current shift to wireless connectivity and the increasing availability of broadband are making the Connected Home a real possibility and an increasingly vital new market. What is emerging is a once-in-a-decade battle for a new market that could have a dramatic impact on the consumer electronics, PC, telecom and media businesses and, as such, alter the way we live our lives," explained Robert van de Riet, CEO, Philips Country Organisation, UAE.

"Our goal at Philips is to be the brand people think of first when they imagine the most rewarding digital entertainment, communication and information experiences possible. We aim to become the category leader in digital displays, optical storage and wireless connectivity," continued van de Riet.

For consumers, these developments will enable a new class of consumer electronics that will be more meaningful and relevant to their daily activities. No longer will they have to rely on stand-alone devices with stand-alone functions. Instead, they will be able to access their favourite content and vital information where, when and how they want.

"For Philips, the Connected Home is a bullseye mark for where we are going as a company. Our core competency strengths allow us to produce a unique, broad spectrum of products that are the basis of the Connected Home, said van de Riet. "But our vision of the Connected Home extends beyond the living room and entertainment and into personal health and productivity. Looking at the breadth of products and consumer knowledge we bring as One Philips, from lighting to medical to consumer electronics, no other company can deliver in this area like Philips."

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