Dynamo PR has launched a division dedicated to consumer technology after securing an account with New York-based Bluesmart, owner of what has been billed as the world's first "smart suitcase," controlled by an app.
The new Wearable Tech and Smart Home PR division will be headed by Ellen Powell-Chandler, who formerly worked at Burson-Marsteller on the Sony Mobile account.
Dynamo, which was named small consultancy of the year at the 2014 PRWeek Awards, said several new brands had already been signed up to the division. They include Digitsole, an insole that warms your feet and tracks your walking and running, and LightFreq, a lightbulb with a built-in speaker.
Dynamo said the wearable technology industry is growing quickly, with research indicating 1 in 10 consumers want a wearable tech device and volume shipped expected to approach half a billion by 2018. Dynamo also pointed to estimates that the value of the "smart home" sector will grow to $7.8 billion in the U.S. alone by 2019.
"Our homes and lives are becoming more connected," said Powell-Chandler, who oversees a four-person team at the new Dynamo division. "Different industries, whether it is technology, design or fashion, are battling to help us live and work smarter. Consumers are increasingly wearing fitness trackers and expecting their smartphone to be able to control their home.
"As the industry heats up," she said, "companies need to have a trusted team that knows the space inside out and understands how these products and services are transforming lives."
Bluesmart raised more than $850,000 on crowdfunding site Indiegogo in just 10 days. Its smart suitcase lets owners lock, unlock, weigh and track their suitcase via a smartphone.
"The Dynamo team has a great reputation for launching smart technology and driving targeted sales around the world," said Bluesmart co-founder Alejo Verlini. "It’s clear that everything from our luggage to our pets will be connected by our phones or our watches, so we’re excited to work with an awesome team that understands the future and what people are experiencing in this new era."