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

Verizon to start selling iPad in October

The predictions and rumors of Apple and Verizon are starting to take shape. Verizon Wireless will start selling the iPad on October 28th. There will be three bundles available, all with Wifi and a Verizon mobile hotspot device.

Having broken the exclusivity with AT&T, it is probable that the overwhelming sales likely to ensue will start a snowball effect forcing Apple to release the iPhone to Verizon. The predominantly Verizon wireless consumer market is itching to get their hands on the iPhone without having to switch to AT&T. The iPad is the first step in what could be many maneuvers by Apple to broaden the market and remove the restrictions of AT&T.

If the Ipad sells, which being the fastest selling electronic of all time means that it most likely will, I am fairly certain that the 2011 predictions of the Verizon iPhone will come to life. This can be seen as a test for both companies. If the tablet sells, then there are good chances that the iPhone will as well. This is an exciting bridge in the consumer electronics industry and it may lead to unforeseen things in the future.

http://money.cnn.com/2010/10/14/technology/verizon_ipad/

New "Outlook" for Mac

Coming on October 26^th, Mac users are being presented with a new “Outlook” on their operating system. Microsoft Office is coming out with a faster, better version except this time it is not for Microsoft; it is for the Mac computers rival, Apple. For the first time, Mac users will be able to use Windows Outlook, a popular email, calendar and contacts program that had previously only been found in Microsoft based computers.

                This is a big deal because companies in which Outlook is the standard system of email and contacts will be looking to switch to the Mac system. Before this new system, many companies had to use special machines and software to convert the information to run on Windows. But now they can use this new version to directly import data from Windows Outlook.

                This is yet another example of Apple excelling in their field, and continuing to separate themselves in the consumer electronics industry. Time and time again, Apple has been innovating new ideas that directly benefit the consumers, and it has clearly worked. Apple prides itself with understanding their customer’s wants, and this new system of Windows for Mac computers is just the next of many examples.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703673604575550201474088146.html?mod=WSJ_PersonalTechnology_LEADTop

Second Generation Sync system

“Sync” technology enables consumers to have the availability of consumer electronic products (such as iPods, MP3 players, and cell phones) at their fingertips through their car dashboard system. In 2007, Ford invested a lot of resources and money into the development of this product, and it has surely proven its worth. Now, Ford has come out with a second generation of the Sync system that “aims to redesign the entire user interface of the dashboard with color-coded touch screens, better voice recognition and five-way control pads on the steering wheel.” Some of the new options with the new system include personalized “instrument-cluster gauges,” twin 4-inch screens on both sides of the speedometer, and even allows the user to set up a WI-FI network in their car. Lastly, most, but not all of these functions are controlled by voice commands.

                I believe that this device will be a huge success. People are always looking for more convenient ways to use their phones and music, and this product does just that. The most important of the new advances in the sync, I believe, is the WI-FI network. Many consumers want to be able to use their laptops when they are on long trips, or even if they are commuting with someone to work every day. The importance of the internet continues to grow every day, and this product helps buyers to connect to this trend more simply.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703735804575536012538806450.html?mod=WSJ_PersonalTechnology_LEADTop

A Closer Look at the Industry

Influential leaders in the Consumer Electronics Industry are for the most part company founders and CEOs. These leaders have progressed electronically devices and concepts throughout the years. Some of the most well known leaders include those leaders who work for the biggest names in the industry, especially over the past 20 years when technology has advanced exponentially. Steven Jobs; co-founder and CEO of Apple Inc., Howard Stringer, CEO of Sony Corporation of America; as well as Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis co-CEOs of Research In Motion (RIM),serve as an example of these types of leaders.

Based on the nature of the Industry, most companies tend to structure themselves as corporations. The limited liability, investment opportunities, and ease of transferring ownership make the companies perfect candidates for corporations. With the extent of research and money needed to create electronics, the business model for a corporation is ideal. Various sub-divisions are responsible for the differing company actions and capital is raised through forms of capital as well as shareholders. With amount of competition among products, companies are investing in research and manufacturing, so that products can reach the markets as soon as possible.

Companies of the Industry offer a range of job opportunities. At the corporate level, jobs are offered for student interns, recent graduates, as well as experienced professionals. Positions are available in administration, customer support, manufacturing, sales, development, operations, information technology, marketing, finance and accounting, management, as well as additional fields. Due to the fact that consumer electronic devices are used across the globe, jobs are available throughout the world dependant on one’s position.

http://www.sony.com/SCA/bios/stringer.shtml

http://www.apple.com/pr/bios/jobs.html

http://na.blackberry.com/eng/company.jsp

Cisco to Use Videoconferencing to Step Up Appeal to Consumers

Today Cisco is unveiling a new videoconferencing system to compete with Skype and other videochat programs. It is meant to appeal to consumers in that the conferencing will be available over TV screens which are in general much larger and more conveniently placed than computers. Cisco's stock has risen just from the announcement of the release of this new system in hopes that it will live up to the expectations that consumers will find it useful.

The system will be expensive, possibly around $600 according to the article but details will be specified later today at the news conference. This compares to the generally free version of Skype used by over 560 million people. Most of us have seen the Cisco videoconferencing commercials, but those are more business and education oriented such as all the Cisco projectors at our university. This new system will be utilized right at home in the living room where chats to friends, relatives, and business associates can be done.

I forsee Cisco struggling to win over the consumers who have already dedicated themselves to free chat programs such as Skype and Oovoo. The idea of spending for videoconferencing, even for better quality and convenience, has not yet been introduced until this. It will be up to consumers to decide whether the investment is worth its price, as the return on investment may be small depending on the number of calls you make. However, the success of Cisco in the business world could just as easily spill over into the consumer market and lead to a large revenue stream from satisfied customers. It will be interesting to see how Cisco can stack up against the already popular versions of videoconferencing.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-06/cisco-to-use-videoconferencing-to-step-up-appeal-to-consumers.html

TV on the Go

WCMH-TV, the NBC affiliate of Media General,Inc., has recently launched the company's first mobile TV (MDTV). This broadcast is available on electronic items such as laptops and cell phones, as long as they are properly equipped. This means that the portable device will need to have a chipset built into it. If the chipset is not already built in, consumers will be able to buy tuners or USB-type external devices to plug into the device. Other than having to buy the tuner, this service is completely free.

Contents that are available through this broadcasting include news (both national and local), sports, entertainment, and on-demand videos. These shows were chosen to meet the needs of the consumers.

Media General first began with reaching out to their consumers through providing internet services, emailing services, and texting. However, with a change in consumer needs, they have decided to fulfill these needs through this new service.

Certain countries in Asia, such as South Korea, are already providing mobile TV to consumers. It has proven to be a great hit in these countries and I'm interested to see if it will be as widespread in the United States as it is in those countries. Seeing that it will be free, I feel that many people will decide that it will be a worthwhile investment, even if they have to spend a little extra to buy the external tuners.

http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20100929-906333.html