It's not even Christmas, yet everyone in this industry is already gearing up for the 2009 International CES in Las Vegas. You're weeding through hundreds of e-mail product pitches and meeting requests. Setting up booth tours and plotting out a daily plan that allows you to cover as much ground as possible, and meet as many clients (and potential clients) as a day and evening will permit. Are you attending, and have you created a schedule yet?
Judging from e-mails requesting that I come see a nifty new gadget, or advising that on-site interviews can be set up with key manufacturer executives, it's clear that there will be plenty to see at the show. The most puzzling e-mail request I received, however, originated from an exhibitor at the Adult Expo, which runs concurrent to CES, inviting me to register, and visit their booth at that show. Two things initially crossed my mind. First: where do they see a tie-in between my industry and theirs? And second: how on earth did this person gain access to my e-mail address since the two expos have nothing to do with one another other than sharing the same city as their venue?
The person was pitching an iPhone application that optimizes adult films for viewing on the portable device's screen. Ahhh, now I get it. There is a clear tie in. Still: would traditional CE journalists cover this?
In many ways, when you think about it, the adult industry is a huge part of the consumer electronics industry. A few years ago, people were even predicting that X-rated films could very well be the deciding factor between which format won the high-definition DVD war - Blu-ray or HD DVD. In fact, this particular firm claims to have been filming in HD for the past 5 years! There are lucrative opportunities there, that's for certain. But you're walking a fine line if you consider covering this side.
With that said, while the Adult Expo won't be on my radar during CES (as if we don't have enough ground to cover already!), it'll be interesting to see how that area of business could eventually become further entwined with CE; especially with HDTVs, the Internet, and downloadable content making waves as the way of the future for content of pretty much every kind. Yes, including the adult kind.
As for CES, many still wonder whether attendance at the show will be down. It probably will be, but I doubt to very noticeable proportions. Exhibitors will have booked their booth space a year in advance, which means there will be just as much product on the show floor. From an attendee perspective, we'll most definitely see fewer feet roaming the aisles. But it will still be a packed show floor. And if some of those people decide to take the Adult Expo up on their offer and mosy on over to those exhibits at the Sands Convention Centre, so be it. But rest assured that the only scantily clad "booth babes" you'll see in the mainstream media will be holding a gadget of some sort, or standing nearby a line of flat-panel TVs.
Showing posts with label consumer electronics show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label consumer electronics show. Show all posts
Monday, December 22, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
What Will They Think of Next?: Convert Apple Earbuds into Headphones
While I'm not an Apple iPod owner, and I would advise anyone who has one (or any MP3 player, for that matter) to invest in a better set of headphones than what comes in the box, I can't help but recognize the cleverness of this product. Called BudFits, it turns the cheesy, white earbuds you get with your iPod into over-the-ear headphones that fit more securely, and won't annoying fall out of your ears.
If you have ever purchased or own a Bluetooth headset, you probably noticed that most come with a variety of different sized ear hooks that you can loop through a hole on the headset to wear it comfortably around your ear. Essentially, this is what EarBuds are: flexible, rubber hooks that you loop through each Apple earbud, to then secure them around your ears.
The company claims that, in upgrading to new 'phones, you "lose the coveted Apple image associated with Apple earbuds." Indeed, seeing those signature white cords hanging from someone's ears and into their jacket or backpack certainly cries "iPod". But I think at this point, the prestige has more to do with which iPod you have and what you have on it; not just the fact that you have one (who doesn't, these days, present company excluded, of course). Bottom line: the iPod earbuds might say "iPod, but they don't exactly scream "quality listening experience".
With that said, invest in a pair of new headphones, for goodness sakes. But if you want an affordable alternative to use at the beach or any other spot where you don't want to get your expensive 'phones diry or fear losing then, the BudFits are a neat stocking-stuffer idea for just US$9 per pair. www.budfits.com
If you have ever purchased or own a Bluetooth headset, you probably noticed that most come with a variety of different sized ear hooks that you can loop through a hole on the headset to wear it comfortably around your ear. Essentially, this is what EarBuds are: flexible, rubber hooks that you loop through each Apple earbud, to then secure them around your ears.
The company claims that, in upgrading to new 'phones, you "lose the coveted Apple image associated with Apple earbuds." Indeed, seeing those signature white cords hanging from someone's ears and into their jacket or backpack certainly cries "iPod". But I think at this point, the prestige has more to do with which iPod you have and what you have on it; not just the fact that you have one (who doesn't, these days, present company excluded, of course). Bottom line: the iPod earbuds might say "iPod, but they don't exactly scream "quality listening experience".
With that said, invest in a pair of new headphones, for goodness sakes. But if you want an affordable alternative to use at the beach or any other spot where you don't want to get your expensive 'phones diry or fear losing then, the BudFits are a neat stocking-stuffer idea for just US$9 per pair. www.budfits.com
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
CES: Huge Leaps or Status Quo?
As anyone in the CE industry knows, CES, North America's largest technology trade show, is fast approaching. Returning to Las Vegas this January, the show will feature everything from the latest in consumer electronics, computing, wireless technology and other portable gadgets, digital imaging, and entertainment. You name it: if it's a really influential, really cool, and attention-getting device or technology, it'll be at CES. But just as quickly as all the facets of the technology industry are coming together in harmony, so, too are they branching off in various directions. Because of this, does CES still have the same clout that it used to?When you think about it, the show, despite its massive magnitude, is surrounded by several other smaller, more focused events. In September, CEDIA EXPO is where the custom A/V companies congregate, while PMA EXPO, held in March, is the show for the photo industry. If you're looking at wireless, whether we're talking handsets, software, apps, or business systems, April's CTIA WIRELESS event is a must-attend. Do you work on the commercial side of things? Then InfoComm is the show for you! So where does this leave CES?
Sure, CES gets the most media attention, and the most visitors, especially internationally. Because of this, many companies hold out for the iconic show to make major announcements. But what if you don't have that much happening in a year? If you're a flat-panel TV maker, for example, you can't hold back the following year's big items until January. Then what will you show at CEDIA? Hey, here's my old stuff. Thanks for coming. See you at CES! (?) Likewise, a camera maker might wait until March to make its big announcements at PMA, but then what do they show at CES? Do you divy up the line-up, showing off some teasers at CES followed by the grand reveal at PMA? Granted, it makes absolutely perfect sense to display the same products at CES that you did at CEDIA or PMA or whatever show floats your boat, because the smaller-scale events certainly don't target the same, massively mainstream audience that CES does. But if your dealers, partners, and specifically targeted media members were already at that other show, is CES worth it for the remaining exposure you're going to get?
The answer to this, of course, depends on a number of factors. How much does the rest of the exposure mean to you? What percentage of your dealers attend CES but don't attend the other targeted show(s), whether that be CEDIA, PMA, or what have you? How important is your message to both targeted and mainstream audiences? And finally, how major is the new product or technology that you're featuring this year? Even if it isn't a "revolutionary" breakthrough as so many companies claim the smallest adjustment to represent, the more exposure your company gets, the better. Exposure is everything. As they say, people might not notice you were there, but they'll certainly notice that you weren't.
The answer to this, of course, depends on a number of factors. How much does the rest of the exposure mean to you? What percentage of your dealers attend CES but don't attend the other targeted show(s), whether that be CEDIA, PMA, or what have you? How important is your message to both targeted and mainstream audiences? And finally, how major is the new product or technology that you're featuring this year? Even if it isn't a "revolutionary" breakthrough as so many companies claim the smallest adjustment to represent, the more exposure your company gets, the better. Exposure is everything. As they say, people might not notice you were there, but they'll certainly notice that you weren't.
With that said, while the 2009 CES might very well be a "status quo" year where we don't see any mind-blowing technologies introduced like we might have in previous years (Blu-ray and HD DVD, flat-panels TVs and 1080p, digital photo frames, and satellite radio, to name a few), it still remains a worthy event to attend if you're in the industry.
**Speaking of those in the industry, I'd love to know your favourite spots in Vegas to take dealers/clients, hang out for a drink or two, or relax during down time. If you send your top recommendation(s) to me via e-mail at cpersaud@marketnews.ca, we'll compile a "top spots" list to publish in the mag and/or online that you can peruse and get some ideas. Because hey, just as much as the show is about learning about products, it's also about wining and dining your dealers, potential dealers, and American/overseas affiliates. Here are a few of my recommendations to get you started:
Japonais in the Mirage Hotel: it serves a fusion of Japanese and French food, and has sushi dishes that are absolutely amazing. The ambience is great, and service is impeccable.
Cirque de Soleil’s LOVE at the Mirage: It’s an exciting, captivating show that’s worth experiencing at least once, especially if you’re a Beatles fan.
The Shadow Bar in Caesar’s Palace: Having stayed in that hotel for the past three years, it’s almost become like my “local bar” a few times every year. It can, in many ways, be considered the new Bugsy’s Bar because it often ends up being a meeting place for Canucks. You’re sure to run into some Canadian industry members there.
And of course who can forget Canada Night at Caesar’s Palace: It’s the event for the Canadian consumer electronics industry. No invitation is required, and all are welcome. We’ll see you there on Friday, January 9, 2009 at 6 p.m.! Click Here for more details.
The deadline to send me your suggestion(s) is November 20, 2008.
The deadline to send me your suggestion(s) is November 20, 2008.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Measuring the Importance of the Trade Show
In this industry, there are so many trade shows, that it's often times difficult to keep up. Some take place in local, Canadian city venues, while others are all over the U.S., most often in Las Vegas (which is beginning to look like our second home!) How pertinent is it to attend such shows?
From our perspective as journalists, it's obviously of high importance to attend. We need to report on the products, see them, try them out, learn about them, and ask the necessary questions that allow us to properly educate and inform our readers. But what about retailers? Manufacturers? Installers? Distributors? Is it better to attend local shows, or the major ones, like CES, CEDIA, PMA, E3, and CTIA, to name just a few?
It really depends on the particular show, and what any given person's exact role is. Many industry members have told me that small, local events make more sense, cost less, and allow for better business deals when dealing with existing partners. But if you're looking for a fancy new line to distribute, or a cool new product to offer through your retail store, often times the neatest start-up companies can't afford to see you, and need you to come to shows like CES or CEDIA to see them. Sure, you'll have to weed through aisle after aisle and booth after booth of products you're not interested in, knock elbows with the crowds walking by, and invest in a new pair of comfortable shoes to cover all the necessary ground, but that's the price of doing business.
But don't completely rule out the "big" shows as useful events for maintaining your existing relationships. The other day, one industry member commented to me (upon discussing a particular trade show that we were at) that you're often not noticed when you're there, but it's definitely noticed if you're not. In that respect, sometimes it's necessary to attend shows just keep up appearances, so to speak. If you see your local rep every week, that's great, but so what? If his boss, and his boss's boss from the U.S., or even an international location, sees you down in Vegas for CES or Denver for CEDIA, that looks better on him, and, in turn, on you and your organization.
When it comes to smaller-scale, local events, they're equally as important for both fostering existing relationships, and nurturing new ones. One industry member told me that he might meet with 1,000 people at a major trade show, while only a handful are actually qualified. Meanwhile, he could speak to just 50 individuals at a small, local event, yet most, if not all of them, are good, qualified leads.
So what's the answer? Trade shows certainly are important, both big and local. They do get expensive and time consuming, so it's important to pick the ones most pertinant to you and your customer base. Most important, however, are the intimate meetings, one-on-ones, and of course, the occasional glass of beer (or wine!) to wash down all that business talk!
Which shows are most important to you?
From our perspective as journalists, it's obviously of high importance to attend. We need to report on the products, see them, try them out, learn about them, and ask the necessary questions that allow us to properly educate and inform our readers. But what about retailers? Manufacturers? Installers? Distributors? Is it better to attend local shows, or the major ones, like CES, CEDIA, PMA, E3, and CTIA, to name just a few?
It really depends on the particular show, and what any given person's exact role is. Many industry members have told me that small, local events make more sense, cost less, and allow for better business deals when dealing with existing partners. But if you're looking for a fancy new line to distribute, or a cool new product to offer through your retail store, often times the neatest start-up companies can't afford to see you, and need you to come to shows like CES or CEDIA to see them. Sure, you'll have to weed through aisle after aisle and booth after booth of products you're not interested in, knock elbows with the crowds walking by, and invest in a new pair of comfortable shoes to cover all the necessary ground, but that's the price of doing business.
But don't completely rule out the "big" shows as useful events for maintaining your existing relationships. The other day, one industry member commented to me (upon discussing a particular trade show that we were at) that you're often not noticed when you're there, but it's definitely noticed if you're not. In that respect, sometimes it's necessary to attend shows just keep up appearances, so to speak. If you see your local rep every week, that's great, but so what? If his boss, and his boss's boss from the U.S., or even an international location, sees you down in Vegas for CES or Denver for CEDIA, that looks better on him, and, in turn, on you and your organization.
When it comes to smaller-scale, local events, they're equally as important for both fostering existing relationships, and nurturing new ones. One industry member told me that he might meet with 1,000 people at a major trade show, while only a handful are actually qualified. Meanwhile, he could speak to just 50 individuals at a small, local event, yet most, if not all of them, are good, qualified leads.
So what's the answer? Trade shows certainly are important, both big and local. They do get expensive and time consuming, so it's important to pick the ones most pertinant to you and your customer base. Most important, however, are the intimate meetings, one-on-ones, and of course, the occasional glass of beer (or wine!) to wash down all that business talk!
Which shows are most important to you?
Sunday, January 6, 2008
2008 CES: Simply Beautiful
I'm not referring to CES itself when I say "simply beautiful", although Las Vegas is certainly a very bright and lively city. Rather, simplicity and beauty are underlying themes at the show, which is set to officially commence on Monday, January 7.
Today, Sunday, January 6, was deemed "press day" where major manufacturers gathered journalists of all kinds (including the new "blogger" designation, of which I noticed many) to learn about what's coming down the pike in 2008. The day is stressful, it's hot, you stand in line after line with fellow journalists bumping into you, stepping on your feet, and pushing you to get the best seats in the house or the free swag. But it's all worth it to see what's hot for the new year.
Before I get into all the goodies, I want to first address what's been the talk of the streets, so to speak, here at the show. Warner's decision to abandon the HD DVD high-definition DVD format and support Blu-ray exclusively has really put a thorn in HD DVD's side, and many are predicting that there will be an end to the format war earlier than we had anticipated. I must admit that the loss of Warner is quite a hefty blow, but we'll see how things pan out throughout the course of the show and the weeks that follow.
Now, back to press day. The design/lifestyle theme isn't really a "new" one: consumer electronics products have been looking sleek and sexy for ages. But we're seeing a revitalized emphasis in the flat-panel arena, specifically. I already discussed the expected trending toward thin-bezel designs, and new product announcements proved this to be true. Toshiba announced a new 52" model in its Super Narrow Bezel LCD line that's just 0.9" thin, and can fit in the spot typically occupied by a 46" model! Panasonic is taking the "thin" theme to Blu-ray with what it deems the "world's thinnest" Blu-ray disc drive; while Sharp displayed a 65" prototype LCD that is less than 1" thin and weighs 88 lbs. (and with a contrast of 100,000:1 to boot!)
But there are also other, aesthetically-pleasing enhancements being made in the category. Samsung is adding a "touch of colour" to its displays via a seamless cabinet that eliminates screws on the front, and adds, well, a touch of colour to the frame. Meanwhile, Sony is taking aesthetics to a whole new level with the launch of an 11" OLED TV that's actually available for purchase today! They say good things come in small packages, and they're right. Sure, it's a far stretch from a 60" TV in your home theatre, and lifespan issues persist. But with images so superbly gorgeous, you can't help but stare in awe.
Of course although a nice-looking TV is great, it's what's inside that counts, right? We all know about 1080p, 120 Hz refresh rate, and fast response times that are being incorporated into the latest and greatest flat-panels. But every manufacturer also demonstrated a specific focus on inter-connectivity, either involving the Web itself, and/or among various devices. Take Sharp's new AQUOS Net feature, for example, which provides access via an Ethernet port on the TV to a portal with neat items like sports, weather reports, traffic updates, and even entertainment through partnerships with companies like NBC. Just press a button on the remote, and up comes an interactive menu. J.W. Park, President of Samsung Electronics' Digital Media Group demonstrated a new feature that would allow a video captured on its new camcorder to be wirelessly streamed to a TV, along with its new Series 7 LCDs that would include a built-in Ethernet port and a side-mounted USB slot. Panasonic is focusing heavily on the flash memory card format, incorporating one in many new products scheduled for introduction, ranging from new high-def camcorders, to plasma and LCDs, GPS devices, and even an integrated home theatre system (which also includes a Blu-ray player and iPod dock). What's more, the company (which brands its own SD memory cards) will be launching a 32 GB (yes, you read that correctly!) later this month. Although a price point wasn't announced, we can expect it to be somewhat substantial.
Philips' most promising "integration" device is its BTM-630, which can play back CDs, has an iPod dock, SD card slot, USB port, and Bluetooth technology for connecting with a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. It can also serve as a speakerphone for your phone, and even shows the caller information on its screen. When a call comes through, it will automatically pause music, then resume once it's been terminated.
Noteworthy is also Samsung's announcement of its first prototype products using A-VSB mobile TV, an open industry standard for broadcast TV. "It transforms the digital broadcast signal to be able to reach mobile devices,"explained John Godfrey. "Using the over-the-air spectrum, it can deliver things like news, weather, and sports. It turns local TV into mobile platforms."
Today, Sunday, January 6, was deemed "press day" where major manufacturers gathered journalists of all kinds (including the new "blogger" designation, of which I noticed many) to learn about what's coming down the pike in 2008. The day is stressful, it's hot, you stand in line after line with fellow journalists bumping into you, stepping on your feet, and pushing you to get the best seats in the house or the free swag. But it's all worth it to see what's hot for the new year.
Before I get into all the goodies, I want to first address what's been the talk of the streets, so to speak, here at the show. Warner's decision to abandon the HD DVD high-definition DVD format and support Blu-ray exclusively has really put a thorn in HD DVD's side, and many are predicting that there will be an end to the format war earlier than we had anticipated. I must admit that the loss of Warner is quite a hefty blow, but we'll see how things pan out throughout the course of the show and the weeks that follow.
Now, back to press day. The design/lifestyle theme isn't really a "new" one: consumer electronics products have been looking sleek and sexy for ages. But we're seeing a revitalized emphasis in the flat-panel arena, specifically. I already discussed the expected trending toward thin-bezel designs, and new product announcements proved this to be true. Toshiba announced a new 52" model in its Super Narrow Bezel LCD line that's just 0.9" thin, and can fit in the spot typically occupied by a 46" model! Panasonic is taking the "thin" theme to Blu-ray with what it deems the "world's thinnest" Blu-ray disc drive; while Sharp displayed a 65" prototype LCD that is less than 1" thin and weighs 88 lbs. (and with a contrast of 100,000:1 to boot!)
But there are also other, aesthetically-pleasing enhancements being made in the category. Samsung is adding a "touch of colour" to its displays via a seamless cabinet that eliminates screws on the front, and adds, well, a touch of colour to the frame. Meanwhile, Sony is taking aesthetics to a whole new level with the launch of an 11" OLED TV that's actually available for purchase today! They say good things come in small packages, and they're right. Sure, it's a far stretch from a 60" TV in your home theatre, and lifespan issues persist. But with images so superbly gorgeous, you can't help but stare in awe.
Of course although a nice-looking TV is great, it's what's inside that counts, right? We all know about 1080p, 120 Hz refresh rate, and fast response times that are being incorporated into the latest and greatest flat-panels. But every manufacturer also demonstrated a specific focus on inter-connectivity, either involving the Web itself, and/or among various devices. Take Sharp's new AQUOS Net feature, for example, which provides access via an Ethernet port on the TV to a portal with neat items like sports, weather reports, traffic updates, and even entertainment through partnerships with companies like NBC. Just press a button on the remote, and up comes an interactive menu. J.W. Park, President of Samsung Electronics' Digital Media Group demonstrated a new feature that would allow a video captured on its new camcorder to be wirelessly streamed to a TV, along with its new Series 7 LCDs that would include a built-in Ethernet port and a side-mounted USB slot. Panasonic is focusing heavily on the flash memory card format, incorporating one in many new products scheduled for introduction, ranging from new high-def camcorders, to plasma and LCDs, GPS devices, and even an integrated home theatre system (which also includes a Blu-ray player and iPod dock). What's more, the company (which brands its own SD memory cards) will be launching a 32 GB (yes, you read that correctly!) later this month. Although a price point wasn't announced, we can expect it to be somewhat substantial.
Philips' most promising "integration" device is its BTM-630, which can play back CDs, has an iPod dock, SD card slot, USB port, and Bluetooth technology for connecting with a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. It can also serve as a speakerphone for your phone, and even shows the caller information on its screen. When a call comes through, it will automatically pause music, then resume once it's been terminated.
Noteworthy is also Samsung's announcement of its first prototype products using A-VSB mobile TV, an open industry standard for broadcast TV. "It transforms the digital broadcast signal to be able to reach mobile devices,"explained John Godfrey. "Using the over-the-air spectrum, it can deliver things like news, weather, and sports. It turns local TV into mobile platforms."
Snagging the award for the most unusual integrated, connected device of the day, however, is Sony. The Rolly is an egg-shaped device that can play back music from its 2 GB of flash memory or streamed from a Walkman or other MP3 player, a PC, or the new PSP. What's odd about Rolly is that it also dances to that music, rolling and gyrating on the surface with which it sits. "We've created a new way to listen and enjoy music," explained the company's Senior V.P. Rick Clancy. Indeed they have.
That brings us to another theme: simplicity, which was explicitly expressed through taglines like Philips' "Sense and Simplicity" and Samsung's "Life made simple". The focus here is, well, simple. Create products that are easy to use. Sharp takes this philosophy one step further via an Advantage Live tech-support service that would allow the rep (with the customer's permission, of course) access his TV remotely to troubleshoot problems, check settings, etc.
Finally, the last stand-out theme at this show was, by far, environmental initiatives. Arguably the most significant announcement involves the formation of the Electronic Manufacturer's Recycling Management Company, LLC or "MRM", which consists of a partnership among Toshiba, Panasonic, and Sharp. The three companies have joined forces to manage the collection and recycling of electronics within the U.S. The organization has already made arrangements with Hitachi, JVC, Mitsubishi, Philips, Pioneer, Sanyo, and Olevia. Kudos to these guys for taking initiative on helping make the world greener!
So much was announced and discussed today that it would be impossible for me to cover it all here. However, judging from my observations, we can look forward to a lot of simple and beautiful products, enhanced connectivity among all product categories, and an increased focus on helping the environment.
Stay tuned for more information throughout the show.
[Photo: Sony's OLED is just 11" in size, but it packs a lot of punch in picture quality.]
That brings us to another theme: simplicity, which was explicitly expressed through taglines like Philips' "Sense and Simplicity" and Samsung's "Life made simple". The focus here is, well, simple. Create products that are easy to use. Sharp takes this philosophy one step further via an Advantage Live tech-support service that would allow the rep (with the customer's permission, of course) access his TV remotely to troubleshoot problems, check settings, etc.
Finally, the last stand-out theme at this show was, by far, environmental initiatives. Arguably the most significant announcement involves the formation of the Electronic Manufacturer's Recycling Management Company, LLC or "MRM", which consists of a partnership among Toshiba, Panasonic, and Sharp. The three companies have joined forces to manage the collection and recycling of electronics within the U.S. The organization has already made arrangements with Hitachi, JVC, Mitsubishi, Philips, Pioneer, Sanyo, and Olevia. Kudos to these guys for taking initiative on helping make the world greener!
So much was announced and discussed today that it would be impossible for me to cover it all here. However, judging from my observations, we can look forward to a lot of simple and beautiful products, enhanced connectivity among all product categories, and an increased focus on helping the environment.
Stay tuned for more information throughout the show.
[Photo: Sony's OLED is just 11" in size, but it packs a lot of punch in picture quality.]
Friday, January 4, 2008
Pre-CES: What to Look Forward to
The largest technology showcase in North America, the 2008 International CES, is fast-approaching. Although I can't sum up the event with one, stand-out theme just yet (unless I want to use the boring, all-encompassing term "technological innovation"), there are a few observations that can be made before our feet even step foot onto the overwhelming 1.8 million square feet of exhibit space.Last year, the focus in flat-panels was on 1080p high-definition (yes, the "full" kind), and large screen sizes, as evidenced by announcements like Sharp's mammoth 108" LCD TV. This year, we can expect to see a shift in focus toward reduced depth rather than larger screen sizes. After all, can we really get much bigger than 108"? Needless to say, the term "thin is in" will be no stranger to many a company's exhibit. And don't forget OLED, which has also been garnering a lot of attention in the market as of late. We're certain to see some new and exciting innovations in that category.
Portable gadgets typically span every nook and cranny of the technology arena, and likewise, the CES show floor! In 2007, integrating features like video playback and GPS navigation into traditional MP3 players and smartphones were top-of-mind. This year, what we used to know as the portable audio player has since been enhanced to become the portable "media" player, as video playback has become almost an expected feature in the latest models. Given this, manufacturers are coming up with even more exciting ways to spice up the category, via abilities like WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity, and even fitness tracking. Ever since the iPhone hit the U.S. market, we've also seen an increased interest in creating a cell phone/multimedia player combo device that can serve as the true "jack of all trades" for the mobile consumer. The Sands Convention Center, as well as good ol' South and Central halls, will likely be the places to find hidden gems in the general gadgetry category.
It seems, then, that I can, in fact, pinpoint an overall, underlying theme of the show: entertainment. This year, CES is even attracting the attention of music and movie studio personalities that we often wouldn't find at a "technology" event (other than for publicity purposes, of course). These include, among celebrities like Yoko Ono, Natasha Bedingfield, will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas and Mary J. Blige, Comcast Corp. Chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts, who will join the esteemed group of keynote addresses; and long-time music industry veteran Quincy Jones III. Technology is certainly playing an ever important (and changing!) role in the distribution, consumption, and enjoyment of entertainment; and the entire industry will be on-hand to see just what's in store for 2008 and beyond.
Finally, one recurring theme across the show will be "going green", as companies demonstrate ways to do things like conserve energy, help eliminate e-waste, and promote more efficient living while still enjoying helpful and fun gadgetry and technologies.
All of these observations merely scratch the surface of what we can expect from the 2,700 exhibitors and almost 2 million square footage of space at the 2008 CES; not to mention the growing number of off-site suites that aim to provide some breathing-time away from the show (although they often require brutal travel time, but don't get me started...)
Despite the existence of several, more focused A/V, photo, and wireless trade events, CES still remains the major launchpad for the most influential technologies of the year, and is likely to be attended by many this year. Stay tuned next week for coverage from the show floor on this blog, and on our sister Websites, http://www.marketnews.ca/ and http://www.hereshow.ca/, including video product demos and diaries, and reportage of the latest and greatest in the tech sector.
On a related note, although Apple-fanatics will likely get their fill of iPod docks, skins, cases, accessories, and the like at CES, there will no doubt be some big news coming from Apple's dedicated MacWorld event, which actually runs after CES this year (January 15-18) rather than concurrent with it. Finally.
Portable gadgets typically span every nook and cranny of the technology arena, and likewise, the CES show floor! In 2007, integrating features like video playback and GPS navigation into traditional MP3 players and smartphones were top-of-mind. This year, what we used to know as the portable audio player has since been enhanced to become the portable "media" player, as video playback has become almost an expected feature in the latest models. Given this, manufacturers are coming up with even more exciting ways to spice up the category, via abilities like WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity, and even fitness tracking. Ever since the iPhone hit the U.S. market, we've also seen an increased interest in creating a cell phone/multimedia player combo device that can serve as the true "jack of all trades" for the mobile consumer. The Sands Convention Center, as well as good ol' South and Central halls, will likely be the places to find hidden gems in the general gadgetry category.
It seems, then, that I can, in fact, pinpoint an overall, underlying theme of the show: entertainment. This year, CES is even attracting the attention of music and movie studio personalities that we often wouldn't find at a "technology" event (other than for publicity purposes, of course). These include, among celebrities like Yoko Ono, Natasha Bedingfield, will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas and Mary J. Blige, Comcast Corp. Chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts, who will join the esteemed group of keynote addresses; and long-time music industry veteran Quincy Jones III. Technology is certainly playing an ever important (and changing!) role in the distribution, consumption, and enjoyment of entertainment; and the entire industry will be on-hand to see just what's in store for 2008 and beyond.
Finally, one recurring theme across the show will be "going green", as companies demonstrate ways to do things like conserve energy, help eliminate e-waste, and promote more efficient living while still enjoying helpful and fun gadgetry and technologies.
All of these observations merely scratch the surface of what we can expect from the 2,700 exhibitors and almost 2 million square footage of space at the 2008 CES; not to mention the growing number of off-site suites that aim to provide some breathing-time away from the show (although they often require brutal travel time, but don't get me started...)
Despite the existence of several, more focused A/V, photo, and wireless trade events, CES still remains the major launchpad for the most influential technologies of the year, and is likely to be attended by many this year. Stay tuned next week for coverage from the show floor on this blog, and on our sister Websites, http://www.marketnews.ca/ and http://www.hereshow.ca/, including video product demos and diaries, and reportage of the latest and greatest in the tech sector.
On a related note, although Apple-fanatics will likely get their fill of iPod docks, skins, cases, accessories, and the like at CES, there will no doubt be some big news coming from Apple's dedicated MacWorld event, which actually runs after CES this year (January 15-18) rather than concurrent with it. Finally.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
2008 International CES Fast Approaching; E-Mail Pitches Arrive in Droves
The 2008 International CES is fast approaching, and anyone in the consumer electronics industry knows that it's a must-attend event, serving as the launchpad for some of the biggest technologies of the year.Occupying an impressive 1.8 million square feet of exhibit space in Las Vegas, NV, it's no wonder that manufacturers have a difficult time rounding up members of the media and potential retailers to come see their wares. Weeding through my e-mail inbox over the past few weeks, I've noticed some interesting ways that companies and PR reps go about trying to get our attention, and thought I'd share some of them with you.
Most will get straight to the point with a subject line that reads: "meeting request at CES" or "CES briefing" or "can we set up an appointment?". Clear, concise, makes sense. Sometimes I'll get an e-mail that says "You're Invited": now who wouldn't open an e-mail that was clearly extending an invitation? Upon opening, it simply says you're invited to "come see our booth." OK, so it's not really some sort of cool, exclusive invite. But it did pique my interest (and likely the interest of other recipients), so congrats to them.
Others, however, use more creative methods to get a reader's attention. My favourite e-mail of the lot carried the subject line: "Attack of the CES PR People, Run For Your Life". The body of the e-mail simply went on to discuss the major announcements and booth locations of each of the PR firm's clients. But hey, at least they got my attention, right? Another one succinctly stated "CES Invitation: 7 Companies, 1 E-mail". In the matter of a subject line, this sender was able to convince me that there was a justifiable reason for looking at his message: I would get information on not only one company, but seven companies for the price of one! Kudos to these guys for thinking outside of the box.
I don't sympathize with exhibitors at this time of year. It can't be easy to try to convince people to come to your booth out of a choice of 2,699 others. To be honest, I really don't know that there is a tried and true method to get someone's attention with an e-mail pitch; especially when they're being flooded with hundreds of e-mail, phone call, and even snail mail pitches. My best advice to anyone attending, either in the media, investor, retail community, or otherwise, is 1)divide and conquer. You can cover more ground by splitting your resources among key areas. 2) take note of a few "must-see" booths based on what you know is coming down the pike and pitches you received ahead of time; 3) make time to walk the floor freely so you can search for some hidden gems; and finally, 4) wear comfortable shoes!
I look forward to checking out the latest and greatest in technology at next year's event. And for those in the consumer electronics industry, don't forget to attend Canada Night 2008 in the Roman Ballroom in Caesar's Palace on Tuesday, January 8 starting at 6 p.m. We hope to see you there!
Others, however, use more creative methods to get a reader's attention. My favourite e-mail of the lot carried the subject line: "Attack of the CES PR People, Run For Your Life". The body of the e-mail simply went on to discuss the major announcements and booth locations of each of the PR firm's clients. But hey, at least they got my attention, right? Another one succinctly stated "CES Invitation: 7 Companies, 1 E-mail". In the matter of a subject line, this sender was able to convince me that there was a justifiable reason for looking at his message: I would get information on not only one company, but seven companies for the price of one! Kudos to these guys for thinking outside of the box.
I don't sympathize with exhibitors at this time of year. It can't be easy to try to convince people to come to your booth out of a choice of 2,699 others. To be honest, I really don't know that there is a tried and true method to get someone's attention with an e-mail pitch; especially when they're being flooded with hundreds of e-mail, phone call, and even snail mail pitches. My best advice to anyone attending, either in the media, investor, retail community, or otherwise, is 1)divide and conquer. You can cover more ground by splitting your resources among key areas. 2) take note of a few "must-see" booths based on what you know is coming down the pike and pitches you received ahead of time; 3) make time to walk the floor freely so you can search for some hidden gems; and finally, 4) wear comfortable shoes!
I look forward to checking out the latest and greatest in technology at next year's event. And for those in the consumer electronics industry, don't forget to attend Canada Night 2008 in the Roman Ballroom in Caesar's Palace on Tuesday, January 8 starting at 6 p.m. We hope to see you there!
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