Enhanced Music Experience for the Mobile Phone

The first mobile phone, first generation or 1G, released in 1983 by the Motorola Company dawned the age of the mobile phone. Although its original purpose was to make phone calls and phones portable; mobile phones have evolutionized to become a multifaceted electronic device since its birth in 1983. From navigating us to our next destination, to checking our emails, and even recording a homemade video, a mobile phone can now perform a vast array of tasks. Recently, mobile phones are being used as mini - portable speakers, giving consumers music where ever they are, as long as they have the mobile phone.

To aid and enhance the music experience, Logitech has released the Pure-Fi Mobile speaker system which connects to a mobile phone in two ways. The first is through Bluetooth; however, this can only be done with phones that support Advanced Audio Distribution Profile technology (A2DP). Phones that do not support A2DP can still use the Pure - Fi Mobile through an auxiliary or USB cable connection. However, the wireless Bluetooth connection allows phones to be as far as 33 feet from the speakers. The speakers are charged by a rechargeable battery. They will get an estimate of 12 hours per full charge.

The speakers will cost around $150 when Logitech releases the product.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10085871-1.html?tag=mncol;3n

http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/mobilephones.html

Will the Verizon iPhone Cripple Verizon?

If the consumer dream comes true and the iPhone comes to Verizon, it could lead to a crippling of the Verizon network the way the iPhone hurt AT&Ts network. According to Verizon, their network is built for reliability and AT&T claims that customers may be disappointed switching to Verizon for the iPhone. Since Verizon has been able to look at AT&Ts problems with the iPhone when it was released, it is expected that Verizon will be able to avoid the pitfalls and learn from the mistakes.

AT&T may lose many customers in the future. Some immediately, others after spectating and discovering whether Verizon can handle the iPhone better than AT&T. Those locked into contracts with AT&T will have to wait to decide whether to switch or not. More importantly, according to analyst Charles Golvin, customers will be lost from Sprint and T-Mobile. Many customers did not want to switch to AT&T but will make the transition to Verizon for the iPhone.

The hype around the Verizon iPhone is so rumored and spoken about that it is now in Verizon's best interest to live up to the consumer demand and be sure they get the iPhone. The deal would benefit Apple and Verizon, and also increase competition between AT&T and Verizon. Offering the iPhone from more than one provider would give Apple more sales and possibly lower prices for consumers if Verizon and AT&T lower the price of the phone and plans to beat each other. It seems almost inevitable that Verizon will eventually get the iPhone, and as I have blogged about in the past, it is only a question of when and how big of a splash it will make.

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/03/will-the-verizon-iphone-cripple-verizon/

Convenience and Multi-taking Trends

Throughout the consumer electronics industry, one of the most important trends that have been shaping the industry is the consumer demand for products that are very convenient, and can perform multiple tasks. Years ago, companies were making separate products for internet access and cellular phones. Although this serves as a smart business tactic for the company, consumers do not want to have to buy two different products, and have to carry both around. With the ever-growing trend of smartphones, many companies are attempting to combine a cell phone with anything from internet access, to GPS devises, to convenient email use. This idea clearly favors the consumer because they only need to buy one product for multiple purposes. However, the business receives positive consumer feedback, and begins to develop brand equity and loyalty.

This new trend has then largely affected the competitive landscape in the United States. Companies that simply specialized in one product that performs one specific job can no longer stay competitive. Sales for products such as a GPS have declined because of smart-phones like the iPhone or BlackBerry have “apps” that contain a GPS system. In today’s society, many consumers continue to demand products that are convenient; therefore, companies need to broaden their production to stay competitive.

HP releases new tablet - to rival the iPad

The Hp slate 500 is the first tablet to be release by the Hewlett-Packard (HP) Co. The new HP tablet runs on a Microsoft Windows operating system, Windows 7, the same version used by many standard PC's. HP rival tablets have brought more of a smartphone feel to its devices unlike the "Slate 500." By using the same operating system, HP can almost duplicate the PC feel. This unique plan may be what gives HP the boost in sales.

In comparison to its rival, the iPad, the HP slate 500 has a larger base price tag. However, with this price tag comes a standard of 64 gigabytes of storage, the most expensive option on the iPad. Other speculations such as the weight and the multi-touch enabled screen are the same. The HP Slate 500 comes with Wi - Fi Access but not with a built-in capability to connect with high-speed cellular networks, like its rivals. Nevertheless, this may just be HP's attempt to further the Slate 500 from a smartphone-oriented tablet.

http://wifi.consumerelectronicsnet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=1232703

http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/

Out with the Old, in with the New

As technology and technological devices have changed drastically over recent years, some devices have been “left behind”. Of these devices is the commonly utilized remote control. With advances in televisions, DVD players, recording devices, and cable offerings, remote controls have not undergone equivalent advancements. Rather than being modified to accommodate new technologies, further buttons have been added to remotes. This proves to be a problem as we are now in a time of efficiency, where quick, user-friendly devices are desired over time consuming, packed devices.

The article compares the process of selecting a television show via a Comcast cable remote and then using Netflix on an iPad. The remote involved a five-step process, while the iPad, only three. This speaks to the problem at hand, a popular device lacking speed and ease of operation. To resolve this problem companies are resorting to alternative products and systems of operating. Cable company executives have said that, “…they are adapting their systems to run more of their software remotely in data centers, rather than from the cable box…” so, “that they can more easily update their services, without requiring users to get a new box” (Let Behind: the Clunky TV Remote). With this approach remotes will not only receive the facelift they need, but they will also become more competitive and have a chance of standing up to popular devices now being used for the same purposes. As the process comparison notes, there are new devices that offer the capability of watching television shows and movies. However, it is hoped that with a new remote cable and televisions will be able to extend their product life cycle.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303341904575576211248877210.html?mod=WSJ_PersonalTechnology_LEFTTop

Apple slips in Greenpeace green electronics ranking

Apple has fallen in rank on the Greenpeace ranking of green electronics. Conversely, HP and Samsung have made significant climbs from 8th to 4th and 13th to 5th place respectively. The main reason for HP's jump has been its elimination of PVC and BFR, toxic chemicals, in its products. Samsung has risen due to the removal of penalty points after it missed deadlines to remove PVC from products.

Nokia remains at the number one spot, a place it has held since 2008 due to its limited use of toxic chemicals and its energy efficiency. Microsoft was a surprising 17 out of 18 due to the change of mind after committing to remove PVC and BFR's from products and then not doing so.

The significance of this list is that Greenpeace, a well-respected environmental advocate, is informing the public on which companies are eco-friendly and which are not. In an age of going green, consumer electronics are held responsible to be cutting edge and lead the way toward energy efficiency and environmental protection. When there is little price difference, consumers will drift toward the products from companies with Corporate Social Responsibility for the environment. In fact, some even pay more for green products. The good PR that results from ranking high on Greenpeace's list will undoubtedly result in increased product sales because people will feel good when they are buying those environmentally friendly products.

Eventually, I think that all companies will have to have a large amount of CSR to be competitive. As transparency in companies increases with technology and public awareness, consumers will be more apt to buy TV's and laptops and cellphones from companies who show an interest in the well-being of the environment.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/oct/27/apple-greenpeace-greener-electronics-rankings

Television With Internet

Recently, the television industry has introduced a new way of watching, in 3D. With that recent innovative step, people may have thought that any improvement in Tv's may take a while. However, just last week companies such as Samsung and Sony have released televisions with the ability to browse the internet, just like how your computer or your phone does.

To watch use the internet on the television, one must have internet connection at their home. Once internet connection is established at the home, the user can connect the television to the home internet. First time user's will be asked to accept the general disclaimer before they may start browsing.

Additional, helpful "widgets" have been added, with more to come, for easy access to particular websites. So far the widgets include, Yahoo, Youtube, Twitter, Ebay, Amazon, Fantasy Sports League, and Blockbuster. Software updates may occur occasionally; this can be done automatically, via the internet. Or manually, through the internet or a USB cord.

Sony, has been trying to combine both a 3D element with internet capability to their televisions. It seems that the next step in television is the combination of the two. Consumer's will get too see, first hand if that really is television's next step.

http://www.samsung.com/us/internetTV/

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-21/sony-considering-offering-3-d-version-of-internet-televisions.html