Vision - January/February 2008 - (Page 4) in this issue on the consumer electronics horizon Ramping up for ’08 F or many of us in the consumer technology industry, New Year’s Eve means the International CES is just a few days away. Although the CES show requires a tremendous amount of effort for everyone that attends or exhibits, it also is the highlight of the year for most of us. Four jam-packed days (six if you include CES Unveiled for the press and back-to-back press conferences on Sunday) full of product debuts, new announcements, keynotes, sessions, receptions, networking with colleagues—all fueled by the buzz of new technology. What will be possible this year? 2008 looks to be a promising year with sales forecast to hit a staggering $170 billion. As the election year moves forward, the clock is ticking toward the Iowa caucuses. What will happen is anybody’s guess, but change is in the wind. This issue of CE Vision takes a look at the Blu-ray/HD DVD rivalry that has confused some consumers. Allan Richter found an upside in that consumers now are more aware of high-definition players because of their love of flat screen TVs. This may be the catalyst to spur demand for high-def players as well as the new combination devices. Meanwhile Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony are battling for market share in the intensely competitive gaming arena. How will it shake out for the Xbox, Wii and PS3? Alan Breznick looks at the struggles and successes for each in a market that CEA projects could surpass $20 billion in 2008. CE Vision also examines how consumers are researching products today. Do you know how to drive them to your product or store? Vik Murty offers some helpful insights in “The Upside Down World of eCommerce”. Our international feature looks at how technology is being developed for emerging markets. Gary Arlen tracks how some high-tech companies have successfully improved lives with innovative technology solutions. This dovetails with a CES Industry Insider’s Session on Technology and Emerging Countries to be held on January 9th with a distinguished line-up of speakers, including His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda; MIT’s Nicholas Negroponte; and Qualcomm’s Dr. Paul Jacobs. To see some of the most cutting-edge products, turn to our exclusive coverage of CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of the International CES on page 41. Plus be sure to check out the 2008 honorees of the Innovations Design and Engineering Awards on page 62. For those of you at CES, visit the Innovations Showcase, explore the TechZones, attend the keynotes and sessions and see the latest products from 2,700 leading technology companies on the show floor. Although you will leave Vegas tired, trust me I know, you also will be energized with ideas for your business for ’08. Please e-mail comments to cstevens@CE.org or mail to: 1919 South Eads Street, Crystal City, VA 22202. I look forward to hearing from you! Cindy Loffler Stevens Editor-in-Chief President and CeO Gary Shapiro ViCe President, COmmuniCatiOns Jason Oxman editOr-in-Chief Cindy Loffler Stevens managing editOr Carolyn Slater PubliCatiOns COOrdinatOr Mark Chisholm John Lindsey seniOr CreatiVe manager PrOduCtiOn COOrdinatOr Kathryn Covert Octavio Kano Ian Shields seniOr manager, CreatiVe direCtiOn graPhiC designer, CreatiVe serViCes seniOr marketing manager Jenni Moyer adVertising management Dan Cole, dcole@CE.org art direCtOrs Glenn Pierce and Brian Rees design, PrOduCtiOn and Publishing management The Magazine Group CirCulatiOn manager Gretchen Mitchler editOrial COntributOrs Gary Arlen, Alan Breznick, Robert Calem, Shawn DuBravac, Steve Koenig, Michael Grebb, Allan Richter, Ron Schneiderman, Susan Schreiner, Murray Slovick, Phillip Swann Consumer Electronics Vision is published as a service to the members of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and to key players in the consumer electronics industry. CEA represents more than 2,100 U.S. manufacturers of audio, video, digital imaging, accessories, mobile electronics, home networking, wireless communication, information technology and multimedia products that are sold through consumer channels. The opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of CEA. Comments, questions and letters to the editor are welcome. Address responses to: Consumer Electronics Vision, Consumer Electronics Association, 1919 South Eads St., Arlington, VA 22202, tel: 703 907 7600. © 2008 Consumer Electronics Association Articles from this issue may be reproduced in whole or in part, provided full credit is given to CEA. CES® and International Consumer Electronics Show® are trademarks owned by CEA. Consumer Electronics Vision (USPS 022897 Vol. 11, No. 6) is published bi-monthly by the Consumer Electronics Association, 1919 South Eads St., Arlington, VA 22202. Periodicals Postage Paid at Arlington, VA and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CE Vision, CEA,1919 South Eads St., Arlington, VA 22202. Canadian Publications Agreement No. 41502062. Canada Post returns: Pitney Bowes IMEX, Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor ON N9A 6J5. Email: returnsIL@imex.pb.com. The top five new things to see at CES: 1. Content@CES —Central Hall 2. Pit Lane Park—LVCC, Gold Lot Exhibits 3. John Lennon Educational Tour Bus—Concierge Center, Central Plaza 4. Wireless World—LVCC, SOuth Hall 3 5. Experience CEA—LVCC Grand Lobby Visit www.CE.org for the digital edition of CE Vision. 4 January/February 2008 www.CE.org www.ce.org http://www.CE.org http://www.CE.org http://www.CE.org http://www.ce.org
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