With only two months to go until the International CES, our industry's largest trade show, governing body the Consumer Electronics Association held their annual press conference to put this year's buying season into perspective while also giving us a preview of what to expect in Las Vegas in January.
With notebook computers high on many gift-giving lists, and tablets even higher than that, this year could be considered a computing holiday versus more traditional consumer electronics (DVD, Blu-ray players, etc.) Smartphones too are heavily lusted after. Overall spending is expected to increase yet again, thanks in part to a new approach to "Black Friday" deals. Such wild sales have actually been popping up all year long, and are expected to start earlier than ever as we approach Thanksgiving, both at brick-and-mortar retailers as well as online champs like Amazon.com. Social media such as Facebook and Twitter are expected to assist consumers in navigating the best Black Friday bargains. Almost a third of gift-giving dollars are apparently earmarked for CE purchases.
Looking to 2012 and beyond, the CEA predicted certain trends in gear, and the way we use it. "Computing" as we know it could evolve to a point where we barely recognize it, as specs like processing power become less important and PC-type functionality moves into ever-smaller devices. "Tablet phones" might help make that transition a reality, with five-inch screens considered the sweet spot. The trend will also be bolstered by tablets of course, with seven-inch-screens and up. Connectivity is also essential, with cloud computing and wireless access looming large in our future.
Consumers also want to customize their experience more than ever, deciding for themselves exactly what they do with their gear and how they do it. TVs, tablets, phones and even car stereos can now download apps, while seemingly every device has a host of available aftermarket accessories. (Accessories remain a white-hot gift category, too.) User interfaces will also become increasingly invisible. Further out on the horizon, we will someday be seeing 4K x 2K video displays, OLED screens, thinner bezels and auto stereoscopic (glasses-free) 3D. In the meantime, current 3D technology remains a source of great curiosity for potential TV buyers.
Not coincidentally, Brian Burns of ESPN 3D was on-hand in New York to announce a series of sanctioned, professional boxing matches to be held live in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center on the final day of the International CES, in front of 3D cameras, of course. These fights will be broadcast over ESPN3D. In addition, ESPN said they would be broadcasting The Herd with Colin Cowherd as well as SportsNation live in 3D from the show floor.
Not to be outdone, head Monster Noel Lee, from Monster Cable announced two bombshells: 1) The company is officially changing its name from Monster Cable to Monster and 2.) The big act for their Dealer Awards concert (always a hot ticket at CES) will be none other than 70s/80s supergroup Chicago. Lee promised that the bands would play all their hits at this exclusive show.
Lastly, attending press were given a look at the newest crop of Best of Innovations Design and Engineering Honorees, the latest batch of gear across many categories. Those products with the highest judges' scores will be featured in the Innovations Design and Engineering Showcase at the 2012 International CES. Among the most noteworthy honorees:
And in the new category:
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