3. Comprehensive Discussion on Consumerism Issues
Panasonic adopted Firefox OS on their TV Panasonic faced huge competition in distributing and promoting the smart TV with operating system among the competitors such as Sony with Android TV, LG with webOS and Samsung with Tizen. In order to stay stable among the competitors, Panasonic made a great effort in their Smart TV platforms. Hence, Panasonic united together with Mozilla and subsequently came out with Panasonic Smart TV powered by Firefox OS. (Hands on: Panasonic Firefox OS Smart TV, 2015). By launching Firefox OS in smart TV, it will definitely bring more choices to customers, hardware manufacturers, developers and community. Panasonic has used the Firefox OS since year 2014. This development of the Firefox OS enhances the accessibility of the smart TV by supporting the HTML5 and web technologies on desktop computer and smart phones or tablets. (Harris, 2014). Simultaneously, this platform also facilitates the consumers in the optimal access to web browsers as well as broadcasts the content and services through the Internet. With the introduction of new Mozilla-pioeered WebAPIs for hardware operation, next generation smart TVs are capable of monitoring and controlling the devices of the home appliances. (Harris, 2014). Other than that, the manufacturers can create innovative applications across the connected devices by leveraging the flexibility of the web. (First Panasonic Smart TVs powered by Firefox OS Debut Worldwide, 2015). When the users are away from home, they can record to USB and use TV anytime features to stream television to their mobile devices. Furthermore, Panasonic enables the streaming content across the home network from the phone to the television by using the DLNA and Miracast support. (Hands on: Panasonic Firefox OS Smart TV, 2015) As Panasonic Smart TV powered by Firefox OS is optimized for HTML5, it provides better performance to let the customers connected to Web Browser through smart TV. The examples of Smart TV powered by Firefox OS include CR850, CR730, CX800, CX750, CX700 and CX680. (First Panasonic Smart TVs powered by Firefox OS Debut Worldwide, 2015). Meanwhile, these devices also allow the customers to gain a quick access to their favorite contents as videos, photos and websites and pin the contents to their TV’s home screen. The new Panasonic DX900 UHD TVs with the specification of “Ultra HD Premium” and Firefox OS 2.5 will be launched during the spring in 2016. (Stahie, 2016). The version of this operating system comes with official applications such as Vimeo, iHeartRadio and AOL. (Stahie, 2016). Additionally, a new trait called “send to TV” have been introduced to allow the users to transmit the contents from the web browser to a connected TV that runs either Android or Firefox OS. (Stahie, 2016).

Panasonic started focusing on business-to-business (B2B) instead of business-to-consumers (B2C). Panasonic has been announced to strengthen its B2B business at CommunicAsia2015 and BroadcastAsia2015. It has been launched seven new products and solutions in Asia Pacific markets such as Fully-rugged, 5-inch Handheld Tablet, High Definition Visual Communications (HDVC) System, Handheld 4K Camcorder, Wireless In-Vehicle Surveillance Solution, and Video Archive Solution Service. As an illustration, HDVC System allows the businesses to connect with each other and supports the operational efficiency for the mobile networks. Moreover, Wireless In-Vehicle Surveillance Solution provides a fully-automated for transport systems via WiFi in order to enable the fleet operators to improve the business operations and increase the cost efficiency. (Panasonic Strengthens its B2B Focus with Launch of New Business Technology Solutions in Asia Pacific, 2015). On the other hand, Panasonic India planed to shift the gear and started focusing on business instead of consumers due to the exchange rate of rupee. This is to prevent rupee depreciation as well as increase the profits. (Chatterjee, 2013). As there are no advertising and distribution expenses, the costs of the B2B segment are lower. Panasonic can directly deal with the end customers without the help of intermediaries. Hence, B2B segment is easier to expand and able to lead to a better profitability. (Chatterjee, 2013). Based on the research, 70 per cent of the company’s revenue worldwide has come from selling the products to the business instead of the consumers. Panasonic has been manufacturing the battery technology used by a majority of the hybrid car and also huge-scale audio or video equipment for sports stadiums. Nevertheless, Panasonic stated that it does not mean by getting out of the consumer electronic business. (Rosoff, 2016). Panasonic will continue to stay in this market and sell the consumer electronics. At the same time, it tried to extend its business to automobiles and others. (Cherray, 2015). Truly, the profit of Panasonic has been increased by focusing on B2B business. It has been contributing 75 per cent of the group’s total revenues. There is a 30 per cent growth in the revenues as it transforms itself from an electronics company into a more diversified group. (Cherray, 2015).