Gree, China Mobile partner to develop IoT air conditioner
Shanghai. June 3. INTERFAX-CHINA - Gree Electric Appliances Inc., China's largest air conditioner manufacturer, has agreed to develop an Internet of Things-enabled (IoT) air conditioner with China Mobile Communications Corp. (China Mobile), Chinese media reported June 3.
IoT refers to the networked interconnection of everyday physical objects - ranging from home appliances to vehicles - to allow them to be controlled via telecommunication networks.
The companies' partnership will accelerate the development of IoT in China, said the Shenzhen Economic News report, citing unnamed industry observers.
China's central government has designated IoT a strategic emerging industry in its 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015).
Gree has already introduced an IoT-enabled air conditioner named "e Xuan" to the China market, the report added.
Shenzhen Stock Exchange-listed Gree is based in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, and was founded in 1999. The company generated sales revenue of RMB 17.27 billion ($2.66 billion) in the first quarter of 2011, according to its latest financial results.
-CC
