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| CEA SmartBrief |
| November 13, 2009 |
After months of anticipation, Google Chrome OS to arrive
Google Chrome, the Web giant's first desktop operating system, will be available for download within a week according to a report by TechCrunch. First announced in July, TechCrunch says it expects the open-source Chrome to be initially "endorsed" for a handful of devices, although Google reps have said they have been partnering with firms including Adobe, Acer, ASUS, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, Texas Instruments and Toshiba for the system. TechCrunch (11/13)
Last of the coupons for DTV converter boxes expire
Americans redeemed 54% of the 64.1 million government-issued coupons toward the purchase of a digital-TV converter box, according to this report. The last 200,000 of those coupons that were sent by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration reached their 90-day expiration date Monday. The Denver Post (11/12)
Other News
Rovi offers new vehicle for home-to-car content exchange
Rovi wants consumers' home-based media devices to communicate better with their automotive brethren. With that in mind, the company said it had developed a middleware software platform that will allow users of its Connected Media system to exchange movie, music and other content between their home and car. TWICE (11/12)
TomTom and Navigon offer improvements to their iPhone apps
TomTom has announced app updates for the iPhone that include text-to-speech directions and 3-D images of complex intersections. Separately, Navigon announced its own iPhone app tweaks, which include the addition of the company's real-time traffic information. Macworld (11/12)
Shapiro: MPAA off base on analog-piracy complaint
The Motion Picture Association of America is asking the FCC to ban what the MPAA says is rampant piracy of Hollywood movies by TV owners using an analog interface. But, according to CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro, the MPAA's complaint "is not about piracy, but about control of your TV. With the ability to turn off your TV at will, the studios gain veto power over TV design and the viewer's TV experience. If they are successful, viewers will only be able to watch movies when, where and how Hollywood says." The Huffington Post (11/12)
Windows 7 inspires touch-screen boom
Manufacturers are releasing a range of touch-screen PCs to take advantage of multitouch support featured in Windows 7. Gartner predicts about 10% of new PCs this year will include touch-screen capabilities, with shipments next year expected to increase four times over 2008's total. USA TODAY (11/12)
Microsoft lets users download mobile apps from PCs
Microsoft this week created an online catalog to help Windows Mobile 6.5 users browse for applications without needing to access their mobile phones. Instead, they can download the apps from their PCs, which Windows will deliver wirelessly to their customers' cell phones. CNET/Webware blog (11/12) MocoNews.net (11/12)
Qualcomm prepares chips for transition to 4G
Qualcomm has developed wireless chips that will enable cell phones to hop back and forth between existing 3G networks and the 4G networks that carriers are planning to launch. CNET/Signal Strength blog (11/12)
Other News
D&H predicts consumers will want Web-enabled TV, e-books
D&H Distributing says it will help retailers cope with what CEA economists call a "pent-up demand" for products such as Internet-connected TV and e-books as consumers open their wallets again. "It's time to ask ourselves about the new consumer mind-set," said D&H executive Michael Schwab. "What kind of merchandise and lifestyle are people picturing for themselves, post-recession?" Dealerscope (11/12)
Holidays a mixed bag for custom-CE channel
Consumer-electronics retailers are about to head into what they hope is their busiest season of the year: the all-important holiday shopping bonanza. But, according to this report, CE dealers who concentrate on the custom-installation side of the business don't necessarily buy into the holiday hoopla. Marketnews Magazine (Toronto) (11/10)
Best Buy Mobile starts site for product information
Best Buy's mobile-retail division has launched BestBuyMobile.com, a Web site focusing on news, trends and information related to mobile products. "Most people do their research online before visiting us in Best Buy Mobile stores, so we're making it easier for them to get all the information they need in one place," said Andy Heddle of Best Buy Mobile. "We've combed the Web for the best mobile information and put it all in one place, added a deep catalog of video reviews and created a place for consumers to join the conversation." Softpedia (Romania) (11/12)
Apple to open "significant stores" around the world
Apple announced plans to open dozens of "significant stores" in London, Paris, Shanghai and elsewhere as it opens its fourth store in New York. "Other retailers call them flagship stores. We don't use that word," said Ron Johnson, senior vice president of retail at Apple. The Wall Street Journal/Digits blog (11/12)
Other News
Featured Content
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A guide to Bluetooth: Everything you need to get started
Bluetooth is everywhere -- most likely built into your phone, MP3 player and laptop. You may not know it's there, what it is or how to take advantage of it. Visit our Bluetooth guide on DigitalTips.org to understand the technology, what it can do for you and what you need to enjoy it.
Hot tech trends from CES and beyond
Get an early glimpse at the hot trends that will emerge at the 2010 International CES from CEA's chief economist Shawn Dubravac in this podcast from CEA Industry Forum. You can also listen to other audio recordings from Industry Forum, including sessions on the future of retail, social media, green your business, 3-D technologies and HDMI.
CES session highlight: The Twitter Revolution SuperSession
Tens of millions of your customers are tweeting like crazy about their activities, their interests and, yes, their consumer-electronics purchases. The Parnassus Group, host of the Twitter Conferences, will bring to the International CES stage real-world examples of companies taking full advantage of this new social-media platform. Check out details on this session. Learn about all conference sessions at CES: SuperSessions, CES Knowledge Tracks, Partner Programs and keynotes. To add any CES conference session to your schedule during CES, log in with the credentials you received during general registration or begin your CES registration now.
Straight-to-Web pocket camcorders
Whether you're shopping for a new camcorder or already have one, you've got to check out the new line of straight-to-Web camcorders from manufacturers such as Kodak, Flip Video, RCA and Creative. These pocket-size devices skimp on size and price to offer a digital video experience that's remarkably easy and instantly gratifying. Visit DigitalTips.org for more on the latest digital-imaging products.
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