SDI Technologies

SDI Technologies is a Rahway, New Jersey-based[1] consumer electronics manufacturer whose products are marketed under several national brands, including Timex, Sylvania, eKids, New Balance, KIDdesigns, and iHome. SDI used to market under Soundesign, a now-defunct brand. SDI Technologies had 110 employees as of 2007, and has a distribution network that covers over 70 countries. Including Asia, SDI employs over 400 people.[2]

"iHome" redirects here. For Apple's iOS home automation software framework, see HomeKit.

History

SDI Technologies was founded as Realtone Electronics in 1956 by Saul Ashkenazi.[3] In that year, the company introduced one of the first pocket cigarette lighters and one of the first transistor radios. Realtone went public in 1961.[2] It introduced the Soundesign brand of high-end audio components in 1963,[2] and the company changed its name to Soundesign in 1968.[2][3] Soundesign returned to being a privately-held company in 1982. The company was renamed again, this time to its current name, in 1994.[2]

Products

Soundesign

Soundesign, a defunct division of SDI Technologies originally known as RealTone, marketed inexpensive home and portable electronics. The Soundesign brand faded as SDI began selling its products under the Zenith brand in 1993.[4] SDI's current offerings include small electronics of the iHome and Timex brands.[2]

iHome

Created in 2005, the iHome division produces docking stations, headphones, smart home devices, and other accessories. iHome speakers are able to stream music over Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth, as well as via a wired connection. In addition to playing music wirelessly, some systems can act as a charging station for many devices when connected. Their compatibility ranges from smartphones, MP3 players, iPods, tablets, and many more. Some iHome accessories act as a docking station so that users with tablets can use a physical keyboard rather than the one provided on-screen with many devices. iHome also produces several smart home accessories such as smart outlets and motion detectors, which are compatible with Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Wink, as well as others.[5]

References
  1. "Contact". SDI Technologies. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  2. "About". SDI Technologies. Archived from the original on October 6, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  3. "Saul Ashkenazi, Founder of SDI, Dead At 90". Twice. August 22, 2011. Archived from the original on August 8, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  4. "Company News; Zenith and Soundesign to Market Audio Products". November 25, 1992. Archived from the original on June 30, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2020 – via NYTimes.com.
  5. iHome Smart Home Accessories, Archived September 27, 2017, at the Wayback Machine
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