Vizio Scooped Up By Chinese Firm - And Other Tech Updates
Over the past few years, several major Chinese firms have attempted to break into the American market. These groups see great potential in the western markets and believe Americans will scoop up their products, thanks to their low costs. The latest firm to target the United States and other western countries is LeEco. If you've never heard of the company, you're not the only one. However, it is almost certain you've heard of their acquisition target, Vizio. Some experts have referred to LeEco as the Netflix of China, so you can guarantee they'll make a major impact in the United States.
Vizio, which was founded in 2002, is based out of California. The company is primarily known for their televisions and other consumer electronics. Over the years, they've been involved in the development of various products, including televisions, tablets, and even mobile phones. Consumers have grown to respect Vizio, due to the company's ability to deliver quality products at low costs. During 2014, the company generate revenues of 3.1 billion dollars. So, it is easy to see why LeEco would see potential in Vizio. LeEco is one of the biggest online video providers within the country of China.
They were originally founded in November of 2004 and has since managed to conquer the market. Aside from their digital content offerings, LeEco has also produced products for smartphones, tablets and even automobiles. According to company records, they currently employ around 5,000 people. Despite the announcement of the acquisition, LeEco's stock actually dropped significantly. Another major tech update is the failure for technology to impact sports athletes. According to the experts at Legion Athletics, sports leagues have been forced to adapt to the changes brought about by technology, while the athletes themselves have experienced very few, if any.
Recently, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella mentioned that no industry would be changed more dramatically by the advancement of technology more than sports. This is undeniably true, when it comes to calculating scores, statistics, and analyzing instant replays. Unfortunately, there is a major disconnect between league changes and benefits provided to players. Former Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, spoke about the disconnect at the Sports Tech Summit. He confirmed that technology isn't playing a major role at this point in time. He also admitted that technology hasn't been able to benefit the athlete in any shape or form.
Over the past few years, a few technological devices have been engineered to specifically help athletes. They range from wearables to cameras and generally track the athlete's movements. Some of the devices are also capable of predicting the player's next move, by implementing the use of an innovative algorithm. And finally, cryotherapy has become fairly popular, thanks to its ability to speed up the athlete's recovery. Nonetheless, the usefulness of such technologies is truly debatable.
Truly, the only real benefit athletes have acquired from technology has come from their cooperation with game developers such as EA Sports. Although these games are unable to boost their performances, they have managed to put a little extra money back into the wallets of the athletes.
