Rob Stott

Rob Stott is the Founder and CEO of RLS Creative Services and Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Connected Design. A 15-year veteran of the editorial and communications industry, Rob has a passion for helping tell the stories of and shape the content strategies for business and brands in the custom integration channel.

11 articles published

Industry Events Industry News

Emerald Indefinitely Postpones Total Tech Summits

The Total Tech Summits appear to be no more. While no public announcements were made by Emerald Expo—the owner of CE Pro, the publication behind the well-regarded event—the Total Tech Summit website has been updated to include the following statement right at the top of the page: “After thoughtful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to…

ByRob Stott3 days ago0Comments

Smart Home

Are Universal Remotes Cool Again?

With a new generation of universal remotes hitting the market recently, is it time to declare this category as “back”?

ByRob StottJanuary 30, 20260Comments

Audio & Video Industry News

Sonos Solves for Simplicity with New Amp Multi

New Amp Multi from Sonos was built with integrators (and flexible living spaces) in mind.

ByRob StottJanuary 28, 20260Comments

News

On the Move: Matt Murray Takes the Reins at AVPro Global

The planned generational transition at AVPro Global Holdings LLC is formally underway. In a statement published this week, the company announced that company founder Jeff Murray will move into the role of Chairman of the Board. That move will allow Jeff’s son Matt to become the new CEO of AVPro Global. Matt, who alongside his…

ByRob StottJanuary 22, 20260Comments

Industry News

Connected Design is Back. Here’s What’s New—and What’s to Come.

We are so back! The news is officially out there that the Connected Design brand is re-entering the chat. I can’t even begin to tell you how much all the positive feedback and affirmations have meant to myself and the crew we’re quickly building here as we look to revitalize and reshape this platform. But…

ByRob StottJanuary 22, 20260Comments

Audio & Video Industry News

Sony Calls on TCL to Help Inject Life Into Bravia Brand

In what feels like an if-you-can’t-beat-em-join-em kind of move, Sony announced that it’s handing the keys to its Bravia brand over to TCL. In a joint statement released this week, Sony and TCL said they’ve entered into a memorandum of understanding that’ll result in a joint venture in the home entertainment field. TCL will have…

ByRob StottJanuary 21, 20260Comments

Industry News News

New CEDIA Board Highlighted by Amanda Wildman as First-Ever Female Chair

CEDIA, the Association for Smart Home Professionals, announced new additions to its Global Board of Directors for the 2026-2028 term this week. The appointments were led by new Chairperson Amanda Wildman, an integrator and President and Owner of TruMedia Home. Wildman becomes the first-ever female to serve in the role. “I am honored to be…

ByRob StottJanuary 15, 20260Comments

Industry Events

Oasys Heading to Coronado Island for 2026 Summit

In what will be a decidedly warmer event this year, Oasys Residential Technology Group has announced that the 2026 edition of their Oasys Summit will head to sunny California April 20-22. Taking a page out of their sister organization Azione’s alliterative themes, Oasys will host the “Coronado Conclave” at the Coronado Island Resort & Spa.…

ByRob StottJanuary 14, 20260Comments

Audio & Video Industry Events

TVs Entered the Design Chat at CES 2026

The television has been the focal point of living rooms across the globe for three-quarters of a century now, much to the chagrin of interior designers who’ve had to work around these massive black boxes. Perhaps finally choosing to acknowledge the audible groans from the design community, display makers have seemingly made the collective decision…

ByRob StottJanuary 8, 20260Comments

Lighting & Shading Research & Reports Smart Home

What Do Homeowners Think of Lighting and Smart Home Tech?

No matter the industry, the end of any calendar year brings with it the myriad recap and forward-looking reports with the intent of shaping the discussion over the ensuing 12 months. I, for one, enjoy the opportunity to dig through the data in order to make sense of the numbers and how a brand may…

ByRob StottDecember 11, 20250Comments

Rob Stott

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