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October 29, 2009News covering the consumer electronics industry
 

  Today's Digital Pulse 
 
Announcing a revolution in digital entertainment.
Macrovision has changed its name to Rovi. Through a series of smart decisions, we've formed a company that delivers a premiere entertainment experience. Our technologies make it easier for you to create rich, personalized products that will join your customers to the entertainment they love.
  CE in the Home 
 
  • Vizio debuts 19- and 23-inch TVs with LED displays
      
    Source: Vizio
    Vizio has started shipping two new LED TV sets, which come in 19- and 23-inch versions. The VM190XVT and the VM230XVT Razor sell for $350 and $400, respectively, and perform double-duty as digital picture frames when not in service as TVs. Dealerscope (10/29) LinkedInFacebookTwitterEmail this Story
  • Other News
Download this free white paper to learn more about the advantages and considerations in moving to "on-demand" — and running your business via Software-as-a-Service. Learn why many organizations expect that on-demand services would allow them to adopt new applications they could not have previously cost justified. Help your business thrive today.
  From Blue Chips to Startups 
  • Google's music search expected to boost iTunes' rivals
    Google has entered the music business with a new search features that allows Web surfers to play songs for free and gives them the option to buy or rent them. Google, however, said it is not interested in competing with Amazon, Apple's iTunes and other digital music retailers, "We're not in the music business per se," said R.J. Pittman, director of product management at Google. "We don't license the music nor sell the music directly on Google. We are merely a music search feature." Los Angeles Times (10/29) LinkedInFacebookTwitterEmail this Story
  • Nintendo drops estimates on annual revenue, profit
    Faced with slumping sales of its Wii gaming console and a lack of hot new titles on the horizon, Nintendo took the highly unusual step of lowering its annual revenue and profit estimates. "Consumers are cutting unnecessary expenses in the face of falling disposable income, and Nintendo can't avoid that," Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management senior analyst Kiyoshi Ishigane said. Bloomberg (10/29) LinkedInFacebookTwitterEmail this Story
  • Other News
  Tech News 
  • Gartner: Smartphone revenue to outpace that of mobile PCs by 2012
    By 2012, revenue derived from the sale of smartphones will hit $191 million and will outpace revenue from mobile PCs such as laptops, according to a Gartner study. That development, the research firm predicts, will lead all major vendors of personal computers to announce plans, by the end of this year, to jump into the smartphone fray. InformationWeek (10/28) LinkedInFacebookTwitterEmail this Story
  • Touch-screen functions gravitate to computers
    The Windows 7 program allows makers of laptops and desktops to incorporate touch functions into their machines. BusinessWeek columnist Stephen H. Wildstrom says this touch technology won't supplant keyboards and mice for text input, editing and certain other tasks, but its possibilities are intriguing. Bloomberg Businessweek (10/28) LinkedInFacebookTwitterEmail this Story
  • Sony Ericsson brings Aino 3G multimedia phone to U.S. shores
    Sony Ericsson has introduced the Aino 3G multimedia phone in Sony Style stores in the U.S. as well as at the SonyStyle.com Web site. The unlocked phone, which retails for $600, enables users to wirelessly access the online PlayStation Store and purchase movies, TV shows, music, games and podcasts. TWICE (10/28) LinkedInFacebookTwitterEmail this Story
  Retail Trends 
  • How the switch to DTV benefited consumers, retailers
    In an in-depth analysis, Ben Arnold, senior research analyst for CEA, looks at how the June 12 switch to digital television enhanced picture quality, provided more channels and improved high-speed wireless Internet for consumers, while providing a much-needed economic shot in the arm for manufacturers and retailers. Dealerscope (10/28) LinkedInFacebookTwitterEmail this Story
  • E-commerce sites focus on improving service to entice consumers
    While traditional retailers have been cutting back on inventory levels, staffing and in other areas, online retailers have been investing to speed up delivery, offer new services and improve their sites. Most e-commerce sites are expecting their efforts to pay off this holiday season, despite forecasts of a challenging environment. A National Retail Federation survey found that 80% of online merchants expect holiday sales to increase year over year. The Wall Street Journal (10/28) LinkedInFacebookTwitterEmail this Story
  • Amazon launches shortcut for making Web purchases
    Amazon is preparing for a wave of holiday shopping by rolling out "PayPhrase." The service streamlines Web shopping on participating sites by allowing consumers to use a predetermined, unique phrase and a four-digit PIN, which is linked to their Amazon.com account. That account stores the consumers' shipping address and payment details. Reuters (10/29) LinkedInFacebookTwitterEmail this Story
  • Other News
The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)

Key Themes from Broadband World Forum and IBC Conferences – Research Newsletter — Service and device maintenance, energy-efficient CE, DLNA, and the evolution of the user interface and 3D solutions are all key areas of growth for the connected home. In this European Research Newsletter, Parks Associates reviews developments in connected CE, TVs, and set-tops, previewing important themes for CONNECTIONS™ Europe. Subscribe Today.

Interested in learning more about advertising in CEA SmartBrief? Contact Susan W. Kim at 703-909-7337 or skim@smartbrief.com.  

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  CEA Zap 
  • FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski joins 2010 CES speaker lineup
    FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski will join CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro for a one-on-one discussion addressing issues vital to every segment of the technology industry during the 2010 International CES. Chairman Genachowski's session is scheduled for noon to 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), North Hall, N255-257. Before joining the FCC, Genachowski spent more than 10 years working in the technology industry where he co-founded LaunchBox Digital and Rock Creek Ventures. LinkedInFacebookTwitterEmail this Story
  • Exclusive destination for custom-electronics pros
    EHX and CE Pro Magazine are proud to partner with CEA to bring the EHX experience of a dedicated custom-electronics exhibition to the 2010 International CES, Jan. 7 to 10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 2. Far more than an exhibit, EHX@CES is a dedicated show experience with more than 50 exhibiting companies including Volutone, Pioneer, Russound and Yamaha, free manufacturer training, an exclusive attendee reception, complimentary access to the high-performance audio demo rooms and CE Pro headquarters. Attendee registration is available directly through CES. For exhibiting information, contact George Keegan at (508) 663-1500, ext. 229. LinkedInFacebookTwitterEmail this Story
  • High-performance audio comes to life at The Venetian
    When you're at CES, there's a lot of ground to cover. Don't overlook the exhibit space at The Venetian, home to more than 200 high-performance audio exhibitors. From the Las Vegas Convention Center, hop on the free Venetian Express for a quick trip to this great venue. The shuttle makes the loop every 10 minutes. If you need to refuel at The Venetian, you'll find a variety of restaurants and two food courts to serve you. The intimate Venetian Tower Suites and Meeting Rooms are the perfect place to hear the latest high-performance sound technology. Don't miss a note! LinkedInFacebookTwitterEmail this Story
  • Distracted driving is a problem ... but what are the solutions?
    Check out and exhibit in the all new Safe Driver TechZone at the International CES. With the increasing public focus on distracted driving, this TechZone is an amazing opportunity for your company to show new technologies that empower drivers to use their in-vehicle electronics in a safe and responsible way. The Safe Driver TechZone is sure to be a key destination for buyers, media and policymakers looking for ways to improve highway safety. For more information, please contact Shari Gray at (703) 907-7025. LinkedInFacebookTwitterEmail this Story
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  SmartQuote 
A mind troubled by doubt cannot focus on the course to victory."
--Arthur Golden,
author, from "Memoirs of a Geisha"


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