Its the dawn of a new ERA! Videocon's Dhoot

With an endeavour to constantly expand its portfolio and formulate smarter and connected devices, Videocon unveiled its first ever Wi-Fi AC range for the Indian market. This is the first of its kind worldwide. The new ACs can be controlled from anywhere in the world using a Smartphone app. The new range is a futuristic approach for the brand and is a move towards Videocon’s vision of building a global market for the connected consumer devices.

Videocon’s Wi-Fi enabled ACs come with world class features making it the most energy efficient Air Conditioner range in the country. With unique Precise Energy Meter, the ACs keeps a tab on the energy usage and savings. The ‘Away Mode’ in ACs tracks the Smartphone’s current GPS location and accordingly switches off the AC to conserve energy. The ACs adjusts voluntarily to the outdoor climate using the innovative Hourly Weather Feed feature, resulting in effective and focused cooling. All these features will be controlled from anywhere using an Android Smartphone. Videocon soon plans to come up with an iOS and Windows version of the app.

Unveiling the range, the man behind this idea, Akshay Dhoot, Head, Technology and Innovation, Videocon Group said, “Videocon is committed to bringing the latest technology at a great value to all its customers, and the launch of the new Wi-Fi AC range is another step in that direction. With a vision for connected homes, we at Videocon applied out of the box thinking to create an AC with a revolutionary technology allowing it to be controlled using a Smartphone. We hope to keep delighting our customers with the most innovative technology by adding premium value to our products.”

“These days, consumers look for customized services and devices that would simplify their lifestyle. With the latest Videocon Wi-Fi AC, a working professional sitting in office has the power to control the AC temperature of their room, so that their child back home gets a sound sleep. Similarly, after spending a stressful day at work, one can happily switch on the AC of their room while driving back, so that one can come home to a comfortable environment and unwind. These Wi-Fi ACs are no more a dream, it is indeed the dawn of a new era!”Akshay further added.

When asked Akshay if the technology will be applicable to all products henceforth, he explains, “We have modified the requirements specially for this model and going forward this technology will be applicable to all Videocon air conditioners.”

He further elaborates on how the app works. He said, “Once you buy a Videocon AC and it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network as you are, then you register yourself to the app and you can control your AC from anywhere in the world.”

On the other hand, the new Videocon AC has a strong connectivity and allows sharing and receiving signals on any 2G, 3G and 4G devices.

Speaking on the features of the Wi-Fi ACs, Sanjeev Bakshi, COO Videocon said, “We have observed that customers today look for devices that can be easily connected and save both time and energy. Understanding this requirement we have launched our Wi-Fi enabled AC range that provides ease of use as well as keeps a check on the energy consumption. Videocon Wi-Fi enabled ACs offer both comfort and luxury to our customers.”

On enquiring about what targets the company has set, Sanjeev Bakshi, COO, Videocon-AC said, “We are looking at doubling our market share with the launch of this product. About 4 million air conditioners are sold in India every year, and we are looking at selling 600,000 units this year.”

He elaborates, “Currently, we have a share of 7-8% in the AC market and we are expecting a 15% share by end of this calendar year.”

To keep up with the pace, Videocon has strengthened its distribution and also plans to launch a 360° advertising campaign that would be spread across all major media with a special focus on digital, to build a top of mind recall. This will be further enhanced with the strong service support provided by the operations team at Videocon.

Bakshi further tells us that, “We will have various financing options for the consumer.”

Videocon Wi-Fi AC range comprises of 4 new models that come in two attractive colours, White and Red. All ACs in the range comply with BEE star ratings and possess 5 stars, reflecting its high energy efficiency capabilities. These are available in 1 ton and 1.5ton. Videocon will be making the entire Wi-Fi range available across the country by the end of this week.

To begin with the focus markets will be - Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala and Delhi and the price will range from Rs. 35,990 – Rs. 41,990. By Archit Ambekar | Twitter: @aambarchit