In the rest of the world, Skyworth is known for its cheap TVs sold in retail chains. But in China, the manufacturer is betting big on smart home technology.
Their latest invention is the Swaiot Panel, an 8- or 10-inch tablet designed to attach to a variety of compatible home appliances using a magnetic mount. The idea is that the screen can adjust its function depending on where you place it: When it’s attached to a treadmill, for instance, it’ll recommend workout music. And when you head to the kitchen to prepare dinner, you can transfer whatever’s playing on the living room TV to the panel by saying, “I want to keep watching TV.”
Connected displays aren’t exactly groundbreaking: Google Cast and Apple’s AirPlay both support screen mirroring between tablets, smartphones, laptops and TVs. But the Swaiot Panel could tackle a problem common with IoT devices: Screens on smart appliances, such as refrigerators, are often nice to have but also expensive and unnecessary. If Skyworth manages to get enough home appliance makers on board, sharing one screen among several appliances will likely be a cheaper solution than installing a separate screen on every gadget.