In the tech realm, there are high expectations when a group of former smartphone industry leaders joins forces to create a new venture. Lumio, a home entertainment brand founded by ex-Xiaomi and Flipkart executives, has sparked speculation about a potential mobile comeback. India Today Tech recently interviewed Lumio CEO and Co-founder, Raghu Reddy, to uncover the truth behind these whispers.
When asked about the possibility of Lumio entering the smartphone market to compete with its previous employer, Reddy expressed cautious optimism. While not ruling out the idea entirely, he emphasized that Lumio’s current focus revolves solely around home entertainment products such as TVs, projectors, and potentially speakers in the future.
Established in 2024 by a team of experienced industry professionals, Lumio is not aiming to cater to every market segment right away. Instead, the startup is concentrating on addressing a specific consumer concern: the sluggish performance of televisions. Within a year of its inception, Lumio, based in Bangalore, is demonstrating that there is demand for a brand that treats TVs more like advanced smartphones than mere static fixtures.
Reddy outlined three primary issues Lumio aimed to tackle. Firstly, addressing the prevalent problem of lag in existing TVs. Lumio identified a market saturated with slow and frustrating devices across various price ranges. Secondly, the challenge of choice overload as consumers shift towards OTT platforms, leading to excessive scrolling and reduced viewing time. Lumio focused on enhancing the user experience to streamline content discovery. Lastly, the issue of longevity, with TVs intended to last for years but often lacking ongoing support and upgrades post-purchase.
In its inaugural year, Lumio successfully sold 20,000 units, a modest share in the vast market. However, the significant aspect lies in the data, with 64 percent of customers transitioning to Lumio from established brands like Sony, Samsung, LG, and Xiaomi.
Reddy emphasized the importance of clarity in addressing consumer needs within a competitive market. Lumio’s distinct identity revolves around prioritizing speed and performance, evident not only in their TV offerings but also in the Lumio Arc projector series.
The Lumio team, despite its ties to Xiaomi, comprises entirely of Indian professionals and receives local funding while manufacturing products through Dixon in Tirupati. Notably, Lumio’s dedication to customer service is evident through the setup of a network of over 300 service centers covering 19,000 pin codes even before the first sale.
Embracing the challenges posed by fluctuating component prices, Lumio views the uncertainty as an opportunity for growth. With a focus on doubling its customer base, Lumio is heavily investing in software R&D to enhance user experiences through initiatives like Project Neo and TLDR, set to debut on the Lumio Vision 9 in 2026.
The vision extends beyond sales figures, aiming to redefine the role of TVs in smart homes through AI-driven advancements. Lumio’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric strategies positions it as a promising player in the evolving home entertainment landscape.