Tech giant LeEco on Wednesday officially launched its ecosystem model in the US. The event, with the bold title of “Ignite the Eco World” was held in San Francisco. The company showcased a huge range of devices, including its LeSee Pro super electric vehicle.
“We are disrupting several industries, breaking down the barriers between industries and screens to create a better experience for both individuals and industries,” proclaimed Jia Yueting, founder and CEO of LeEco.
LeEco’s ecosystem consists of its platform, content, apps, and an array of connected smart devices. The Ecosystem User Interface (eui) allows users to access their customized content via different devices, so that entertainment is always ready when users are. The success of this interface is in no small part built upon a rich pool of content.
According to LeEco, the platform has amassed more than 5,000 movies and 100,000 TV episodes, entertaining over 730 million monthly active users in China. Now in the U.S., the company has partnered with content providers including Lionsgate, MGM and Vice Media to accommodate the needs of local users.
Aside from content, LeEco also creates its own content with Le Vision Pictures, a top producer of box office hits and television shows in China. This September, the company announced Le Vision Entertainment to focus on English language original entertainment content.
At the event, LeEco showcased its LeSEE Pro electric vehicle. The LeSEE Pro exemplifies LeEco’s ambitious expansion beyond just consumer electronics. At the same time, the LeSEE Pro will be closely integrated with the preexisting LeEco electronic ecosystem.
LeEco introduced the first two smartphones, or “ecophones”, to be sold in the U.S. this early November: the Le Pro3, for USD 399, and the mid-range Le S3 for USD 249.
The uMax 85-inch smart TV, priced at USD 4,999 for home cinema, will also be available soon, together with the Super4 X Series of Android TVs at 43, 55, and 65 inches. It is noteworthy that, in China, LeEco’s smart TVs have sold more than seven million units over the past three years.
In addition to smartphones and TVs, LeEco’s vision of connected screens also involves its smart bikes, virtual reality devices, and self-driving electric vehicles.
To better shape its future, LeEco is inviting its users to help by introducing the User Planning to User (UP2U) program. Individuals can share their feedback with the company via user trials, social channels, on-device apps, and at various events. Their feedback can directly influence multiple aspects of the business, including product design and pricing, research and development, and even the content to be delivered, according to Rob Chandhok, chief R&D officer for LeEco North America.
LeEco’s financial report published in August shows a revenue of RMB 10.1 billion (USD 1.5 billion) for the first half of 2016, a YoY growth of 125.59%. The company entered India last year and Russia this September.
(top photo from LeEco)