ZTE’s Latest AI Video Solution Brings Greater Value to the Smart Home Experience

ZTE Corporation launched its AI Video Solution at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2026 in September. It spans three components, enhanced user-interactive experience, distributed Artificial Intelligence (AI) computing, and smart home management, and enables Content Delivery Network (CDN) operators to add further value to their existing video service products.

• AI Electronic Program Guide Plus (EPG+): This feature supports enhanced viewing experiences via the use of voice commands. Some examples include adding value to sports-related content, where viewers can interact with the platform to request player data/statistics, instant action replays, and upcoming match schedules through an AI-enabled voice assistant.
• AI Delivery Network (AIDN): This feature supports a distributed AI inference architecture and allows AI processing to occur locally, thereby increasing data security while reducing token and cloud-related costs.
• Smart Home Management: This feature enables management of smart home devices that are deployed in the home via a unified interface.

This solution announcement from ZTE is timely as it aligns with some of the major trends that ABI Research is seeing in the smart home entertainment market, namely: 1) enhanced immersive experiences; 2) unified smart home management; and 3) local data processing.

• Immersive Entertainment Experience: One of the key trends for home entertainment solutions is the development of more immersive entertainment features, such as enhanced picture and sound quality, as well as the integration of personalized AI assistants to augment the viewing experience. For example, major Television (TV) manufacturers, such as Samsung, LG, and TCL, have introduced their own AI-enabled solutions—namely Samsung Vision AI, LG AI TV, and TCL AI, respectively—to support features such as AI-based picture quality upscaling, dynamic optimization of color and brightness contrasts, and automatic calibrations to enhance audio quality. AI personal assistants are also being introduced into TV platforms to support personalized content recommendations and conversational features.
• Unified Smart Home Management: Another key trend that is being observed is the move away from standalone hubs toward devices with integrated hub functions. Some examples here include: 1) Samsung and LG TVs and refrigerators with home hub capabilities; 2) surveillance cameras with integrated hub functionalities (e.g., Aqara Camera Hub G3); and 3) home broadband routers with smart home hub capabilities (e.g., eero 7 routers). Of note, the recently released TR-517 by the Broadband Forum provides a common interface through which broadband gateways and routers can manage Matter devices regardless of manufacturer and/or smart home ecosystem (see ABI Insight “The Broadband Forum’s Latest TR-517 Specification Helps Operators Capture More Value from the Matter Ecosystem”).
• Local Processing: With increasing focus on data privacy and security, local data storage and processing are emerging as a key theme. Solutions such as Anker’s MindBase, Eufy’s EdgeAgent Security Platform, Samsung’s EdgeAware AI Home, Switchbot’s AI Hub, and ZTE’s AIDN seek to address these concerns by processing data at the home edge to increase data security and improve responsiveness.

With new solutions, such as ZTE’s AI Home Solution and TR-517 specifications being introduced, a key question to address is whether more network operators (content delivery or fixed broadband) should start seriously considering the addition of smart home services to unlock new revenue streams beyond their traditional content and/or connectivity businesses. Given the above trends, ABI Research is of the opinion that the answer is yes as network operators can leverage their existing networks and customer base to rapidly grow out their smart home services.

There are already some network operators leading the way, including players such as Comcast, Deutsche Telekom, e&, and Verizon. However, it is important to note that success in the smart home market is not guaranteed. For example, BT announced that support for its Smart Controls app, which is used to remotely access its Smart Home Cams, was stopped in September 2025, impacting the continued delivery of its smart home service. To ensure a successful venture into the smart home market, ABI Research recommends that network operators consider the following:

• Market Intelligence: A good understanding of the target market will be critical for success. Conducting sufficient market research and validation studies will be key to helping companies have a better grasp of important data points, such as:
  • Overall market size
  • Market demand for smart home products
  • Consumer pain points
  • Price sensitivity/tolerance
• Understanding Latest Solutions & Technologies in the Market: Network operators will need to have a good knowledge of technical solutions that they can leverage to build a compelling solution. An example is ZTE’s AI Home Solution that can not only help enhance the end users’ viewing experience but can also help operators introduce new smart home value-added capabilities to their customers. Having a robust understanding of the latest home and connectivity technology trends will also be critical in shaping business strategies.
• Providing a Comprehensive Solution: Rather than offering individual disaggregated solutions, operators can differentiate their smart home offerings by providing fully integrated solutions. For example, Comcast’s recently launched Xfinity Shield integrates cybersecurity, physical protection (through Wi-Fi Motion), and family protection into a single product solution. End users can also opt-in to the higher tiered option, Shield Select, which includes the addition of an indoor camera, door/window sensor, cloud video storage capabilities, and 24/7 urgent response functionality. Partnering with the right technology vendors will be an important step to support this strategy.

The smart home market is one with strong growth potential. However, this also means that there are many different stakeholders vying for a piece of the pie. These players include ecosystem platform players, device manufacturers, system integrators, and network operators. To succeed in this highly competitive market, one needs to craft a truly Unique Value Proposition (UVP) that can deliver a better experience for customers while maintaining robust data security.