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| CEA SmartBrief |
| November 6, 2009 |
Windows 7 gets off to a fast start
U.S. unit sales of boxed copies of Windows 7 were 234% higher during the new operating system's first few days on store shelves than the comparable period two years ago for Windows Vista, according to research firm NPD Group. But one analyst quoted in this report said the Windows 7 effect so far on the PC market as a whole had been "mixed." The Wall Street Journal (11/6)
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Study: 25% of consumers in the market for a new TV
If NPD Group's "2009 TV Inventory Study" is accurate, Santa is going to see a lot of HDTVs on Christmas lists this holiday season. The study contends that 25% of consumers are planning to buy a new TV in the next six months and that screen size and higher resolution will be the two most important factors in shopppers' decisions. CEPro.com (11/5)
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Companies debut the LTE Connected Car
A consortium of companies -- including Alcatel-Lucent, Atlantic Records, QNX Software Systems and Toyota -- rolled out a prototype of the LTE Connected Car. The Web-enabled concept car offers a variety of hi-tech, in-car niceties, such as four touch screens, navigation, entertainment and communications systems and vehicle diagnostics. eWeek.com (11/5)
Qualcomm, Audiovox ready to roll with FLO TV
Qualcomm and Audiovox soon will launch FLO TV, an in-car live-TV system, at about 12,000 auto dealerships in 85 markets, according to this report. Inside Radio (free content) (11/5)
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CEA filing staves off CEC vote on TV-energy standards
A 90-plus-page filing from the CEA led the California Energy Commission to delay a planned vote on proposed energy-efficiency guidelines for new TV sets. The CEC wants to make all TVs up to 58 inches use 30% less electricity by 2011 and 50% less by 2013, but, according to this report, most TVs on the market already meet or exceed the 2013 standards set by the commission. TWICE (11/5) Dealerscope (11/5)
Verizon Wireless readies prepaid-wireless offerings
Verizon Wireless will begin offering this month a series of prepaid wireless-broadband options for away-from-home laptop users. The service, which will be sold at Verizon Wireless stores and at Best Buy, offers users a $15 daily plan with access to 75 megabytes of data, a $30 weekly plan with 250 MB and a $50 monthly plan with 500 MB. CNET/Signal Strength blog (11/5) PC World/IDG News Service (11/5)
Will wireless industry support Android 2.0?
Today's release of Verizon Wireless' Droid phone -- the first to run on the Android 2.0 operating system -- could provide a real test on whether the market will support three versions of the software, according to industry observers who note that neither carriers nor vendors are saying firmly whether they will upgrade their devices to the latest version. Relatedly, the MOTO Development Group released its Android Media Platform MID device -- which can run Android 2.0 -- to developers. Network World/IDG News Service (11/5) Electronista (11/5)
Video industry looks for next move on Internet front
While there have been some positive steps recently, the video industry remains slow to embrace innovative, commercially viable ways to migrate TV and film content over to the Internet, according to this report. "Studios are feeling their way through," said Rick Bolton, the chief executive officer of Film Fresh, a digital-downloads firm. "On the one hand, they have the cautionary tale of the music industry before them, and on the other, they have the relatively positive example of the TV side's relationship with iTunes. But the consumer is going to decide where this all is going, not the corporate side." The Hollywood Reporter (11/5)
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Price war shifts to DVDs
On Thursday, Wal-Mart Stores slashed prices of 10 highly anticipated DVD releases to $10 for online sales. Amazon and Target quickly matched some of the reductions, prompting Wal-Mart to drop its price by a penny. The exchange is the next battle in the ongoing price war among the retailers. The Wall Street Journal (11/6)
Analysts: Retailers, consumers suffer from a disconnect
Too many retailers remain out of touch with customers' changing attitudes, analysts warn. In a time of tighter budgets, consumers are looking for bargains on items they need. Instead, retailers are slashing prices on items they're looking to dump, analysts say. They're also playing it safe with few "must-have" items for consumers. Together, the disconnect could be disastrous for retailers' holiday sales, analysts warn. MSNBC (11/3)
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Featured Content
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From LA to LAS: What the content world should look for at the 2010 International CES
Content has become an increasingly important part of the consumer-electronics industry and the International CES. This year will be no different. Get an early look at the trends emerging at the show, from conference sessions to products on the show floor. If you are in the world of content, don't miss this webcast Dec. 15.
Early-bird rates offered at more CES hotels
Good news for CES attendees: Two more hotels are now offering early-bird rates! Hooters Casino Hotel and New York-New York are now offering reduced, early-bird rates. Additionally, three other CES hotels have lowered their rates: Alexis Park, Circus Circus and Excalibur. View all rates and booking information.
Be transported in just minutes
Hop on the free Venetian Express for a quick trip between the Las Vegas Convention Center and The Venetian. 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. Check out all the CES Shuttle Services.
CEA launches Metadata Study Group
The Consumer Electronics Association is seeking participation in a new Metadata Study Group to examine how and where metadata is used. Metadata describes the characteristics of a digital file, a digital stream or other resource. Common types of metadata include, for example, title and performer, although the number of metadata elements associated with a particular item can be extensive. The group will make recommendations concerning metadata requirements for consumer-electronics devices, the need for relationships with other organizations, and possible standards and/or recommended practices that define how CE products receive, share, process and display metadata. To join the effort, please complete the application form.
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