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March 28, 2019
From Sony: A new proposal for a smart home that makes technology feel personal | SONY
SponsoredSONY | Sony
What is Sony's Smart Home Concept, Inspired by "Space"?
MANOMARead as Ma-no-ma. What is Sony's new initiative with this intriguing name? We asked Mr. Otani, who led the development, about its true meaning.
Text by NAGASAKI YoshitsuguIllustration by Mori MayumiPhotograph by Morooka Yusuke
MANOMA: An Integrated Service to Enhance Quality of Life
First, where did the seemingly enigmatic name MANOMA originate?
"The name comes from the concept of connecting the 'ma' that exists between people and spaces, people and time, and people and the gaps in between."
This naming, a perfect embodiment of Sony's style, prompts the question: what exactly does it mean to connect 'ma'?

"Broadly speaking, you could call it a smart home. However, it's not just about simple IoT as we've seen before; it's a proposal for a smart lifestyle, tailored to each individual's way of life."
What Can It Do? How Is It Fun? How Does It Change Things?
So, how does MANOMA differ from the myriad of other smart home compatible devices? Let's simulate its actual use with illustrations.
CASE#1
<A, 32 years old. Lives with his girlfriend in an apartment>
He and his girlfriend have just moved into a new apartment and are busy with unpacking and household chores.
● Selectable Smart Home Services
The first challenge upon moving in was the internet connection. Due to restrictions in their apartment building, they opted for a SIM card and mobile router instead of a fixed line. That's when they discoveredMANOMA, a smart home service. By signing up for the service along with nuro mobile Home Wi-Fi (M), they received an "AI Home Gateway" with a built-in smart speaker and a Wi-Fi router at a price comparable to fiber optic internet. Depending on the plan, additional devices could be included to further enhance their smart home setup. Conveniently, all included devices can be controlled collectively through the MANOMA app, eliminating the need to switch between multiple apps and ensuring an efficient, stress-free experience.
● Security is a Strong Suit
The "AI Home Gateway" also serves as a hub for controlling the included devices via the MANOMA app. For instance, if you're worried about whether you locked the door after rushing out, there's no need to fret. Opening the app allows you to check the status of your devices and operate them remotely, providing peace of mind even if you forget to lock up.
● Seamless Integration into Daily Life
The built-in Amazon Alexa allows for voice control of various functions, which is also a welcome feature. With its integrated speaker, he enjoys listening to music while reading at home.※ A is now convinced that choosing MANOMA, a service that enhances his life at his own pace both inside and outside the home, was the right decision.
※ Separate registration, subscription, and fees may apply for Amazon Music.
CASE#2
<Mr. B, 45 years old. Lives in a detached house with his wife, son, and beloved dog>
Due to his work, he travels frequently and is often away from home. Considering enhancing home security, he looked into home security services. At that time, he was impressed by the security features of the devices included with the MANOMA smart home service.MANOMAThe option to subscribe to SECOM's emergency response service was also a deciding factor, and he signed up immediately.
● Prioritizing Security for Family Peace of Mind
He particularly appreciates features like the open/close sensors that detect window openings and the indoor communication camera that shows the current state of the home, allowing him to keep an eye on things even when he's not there.
● Excellent for Communication When Away
The camera also has a microphone, enabling two-way conversations through the app, which has become a useful communication tool with his son. When his son returns from school, they can chat at just the right 'moment,' and his son happily shares stories about his day.
● The Benefit of Using Services to Create Free Time
Furthermore, his wife, who also works, is pleased with the external services for "housekeeping" and "pet sitting." By linking these services with MANOMA in advance when making a reservation, they can securely lock and unlock their home and utilize the services even when they are not present. This means that at the scheduled time, household chores or dog walking will be carried out automatically, even if they are out. If necessary, they can also communicate with the service provider via the indoor communication camera, ensuring greater peace of mind. The visibility provided by the MANOMA app, even when they're away, lowers the barrier to using these services, and they find themselves utilizing them more frequently than before.
Page02.What Exactly Are MANOMA's Strengths?
SONY | Sony
Sony's Smart Home Concept, Inspired by "Space" (2)
What Exactly Are MANOMA's Strengths?
As seen in the simulation examples, MANOMA offers a new form of smart home service in the following ways:MANOMAcan be considered a new type of smart home service in the following aspects:
Firstly,IoT adapts to the user's lifestyle.While smart homes are often integrated during new construction or renovations, it's counterproductive to change one's lifestyle to accommodate IoT. MANOMA allows for easy retrofitting of necessary devices in existing homes, enabling a natural and simple introduction to smart home services without disrupting one's lifestyle. Furthermore, when moving, MANOMA facilitates easy transfer of systems and devices, making smart homes accessible and personal for everyone.
Secondly,the system configuration is flexible, allowing for easy addition or removal of hardware.Users can start with a minimal system and gradually add connected devices or change service plans as their lifestyle or family composition evolves. It's truly beneficial to be able to gradually smarten up your home to suit your needs, rather than having everything fully equipped from the start.
Thirdly, and surprisingly significant,it includes value-added services to create more free time for users.This extends beyond the benefits of MANOMA itself to include services from its partner companies, allowing users to create personal time without being bound by space or schedule. For example, by pre-booking services like housekeeping or pet sitting, MANOMA handles tasks such as unlocking and locking doors. This not only eliminates the need for physical presence but also allows for remote monitoring via installed cameras if desired. While seemingly simple, the ability to integrate this skill-sharing concept offers significant advantages. It essentially frees up time by removing various constraints associated with home management.
So, we've explored the benefits of MANOMA. With the advent of smart speakers and other devices, interest and understanding of IoT are growing. It's noteworthy that Sony, a company with a strong track record in home appliances, is focusing not only on when you are home but also onwhen you are awaywith its product development.
One more point: the devices feature an extremely simple design, allowing them to blend seamlessly with any interior. This reflects Sony's characteristic design philosophy.
This might be the perfect opportunity to not only enhance your home but also to start thinking about how to best utilize your own lifestyle, especially your free time.
MANOMA Devices
MANOMA is supported by an "AI Home Gateway" at its core, complemented by a range of accessories that enhance the user experience. The more devices you add, the more your plan is upgraded. In addition to the "Indoor Communication Camera" and "Open/Close Sensor" mentioned in the examples, and the "Qrio Lock" for remote door locking, MANOMA offers smart home devices like the "Qrio Smart Tag" to connect your smartphone with objects and people, tailored to your lifestyle.
Detailshere
Soji Otani
Service Design Department, Smart Home Service Division, IoT Business Unit.
He is responsible for the business and service planning of MANOMA, covering a wide range of activities from analysis and strategy formulation to execution, all while pursuing enhanced customer experiences.



