Universal Electronics

UEI is one of the world's largest manufacturers of remote controls, responsible for an estimated 30% global market share in home entertainment remotes.[10] Under its Ecolink brand, it also makes home security and automation products such as motion and door/window entry sensors for DIY and professional home security markets and OEMs.

UEI makes numerous products that use Zigbee, Bluetooth[11] or Wi-Fi technology. They are a member of the ZigBee Alliance, Bluetooth SIG[12] and Wi-Fi Alliance.[13]

In February 2009, UEI purchased all of Zilog's software & IP assets related to Zilog's universal remote control business, including all ROM code, software, and database of infrared codes.[15] Zilog sold these assets for $31 million cash.

In August 2015, UEI acquired Ecolink Intelligent Technology, a wireless home security and automation specialist.[16] In May 2017, UEI further expanded by acquiring RCS Technology, a pioneer in smart thermostats and energy management.[17]

In 2017, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences awarded UEI a Technology & Engineering Emmy Award for its contribution to "Contextual Voice Navigation for Discovering and Interacting with TV Content."[18]

In October 2021, Reuters published an article in which it suggested that Universal Electronics Inc. employed Uyghur workers at one of its factories in China and that this employment “[bore] the hallmarks of what one would consider to be forced labor”. While the reporter acknowledge that she never visited the facility nor spoke to any of company official in China or any of the workers, a UEI spokesperson did confirm that UEI through a third-party agency had hired Uyghurs to work at the specific factory in China through a third-party staffing agency. Notwithstanding the many false statements and resulting implications, the company took swift and decisive action. First, the company commissioned two independent audits. One specifically focused on the labor practices of the staffing agency and the second on general working conditions and operations of the factory in question. Through these audits, the company confirmed that there was no evidence of forced labor and that these workers were treated in the same humane way as all other workers at the factory and that they received the same (above minimum) remuneration as their co-workers with similar employ. After these audits were concluded, and in consultation with customers and labor practice advisory experts, the company terminated its relationship with the third-party staffing agency, which resulted in all Uyghur workers leaving the factory. During this process, the company provided assistance to the workers in the form of additional severance (above that which was required by law) and transportation to the destination of their choice .Since then, management has implemented additional measures to further strengthen their labor practices and processes, which included becoming member of the Responsible Business Alliance.