NETGEAR Launches Align Platform to Consolidate AV Infrastructure…

Event summary

NETGEAR introduced Align, its first AV platform, designed to consolidate AV infrastructure services and host applications like Engage.
The Align Controller is a single appliance handling precision timing, core network services, and AV management, shipping in August 2026.
Align enables secure remote access for up to five concurrent users, addressing a key demand since Engage's launch.
The platform is designed to evolve with future features, positioning it as a long-term foundation for AV-over-IP deployments.

The big picture

NETGEAR is shifting from being a preferred switching infrastructure provider to building an open, cloud-managed application platform for AV-over-IP. This move aligns with the growing demand for scalable, remotely manageable AV networks, particularly as these systems become more business-critical. The launch of Align positions NETGEAR to compete more directly with other AV platform providers, potentially reshaping the market dynamics.

What we're watching

Platform Adoption: How quickly integrators will transition from patchwork solutions to the Align platform.
Remote Management: Whether the secure remote access feature will drive demand for managed service offerings.
Future Features: The pace at which NETGEAR will introduce additional features to the Align platform.