Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Surprise! Study finds internet worth a lot of money, is responsible for 4.7 percent of US economy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/20/internet-responsible-4-7-percent-US-economy/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/20/internet-responsible-4-7-percent-US-economy/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/20/internet-responsible-4-7-percent-US-economy/#comments ImageEver wondered how much the interwebs contribute to the Uncle Sam's bottom line? Thanks to the Boston Consulting Group, now you don't have to. It's estimated the net contributes a cool $684 billion to the US gross domestic product. That's roughly 4.7 percent of US GDP, the same tranche as its effect on Japan's economy, but less than the 5.5, 7.3 and 8.3 percent clocked in by China, South Korea and the United Kingdom, respectively. And per the report, the internet is just getting started, with future growth expected to hit eight percent on average by 2016 for developed countries, and well north of 20 percent in booming economies like those of Argentina and India. Hit the source for the full report.

Surprise! Study finds internet worth a lot of money, is responsible for 4.7 percent of US economy originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaeconomic impactEconomicImpacteconomyg-20g20global economiesGlobalEconomiesinternetjapanunited kingdomunited statesUnitedKingdomUnitedStatesTue, 20 Mar 2012 19:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple's Tim Cook says 'pipeline is full of stuff,' AT&T affirms record sales of new iPad]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/apple-new-product-pipeline-att-activation-ipad-record/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/apple-new-product-pipeline-att-activation-ipad-record/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/apple-new-product-pipeline-att-activation-ipad-record/#comments Apple's 'cash balance' conference call this morning was mostly uninteresting for folks not immediately involved with Wall Street (the actual thing and the Shia LaBeouf masterpiece, as it turns out), but CEO Tim Cook did let loose a few nuggets of interestingness for those hoping for insight into the future. For one, he stated that Apple's pipeline is "full of stuff," further impressing upon the masses the message he planted at the tail-end of the new iPad keynote on March 7th. He also stated: "I think our customers will be incredibly pleased with what they see coming out." Hardly a surprise, but Apple rarely hands out confirmation of boom times unless it truly has something significant in the labs.

He also confirmed that Apple had "a record opening weekend" in regard to the new iPad launch, but stopped short of handing out actual figures. In fact, we could be talking about a record low -- we jest, we jest. At any rate, AT&T has stepped in to announce that on Friday, March 16th, the carrier "set a new single-day record for its iPad sales and activations." Again, no hard figures, but something tells us the number crunchers (and auditors) are hard at work to bring us precisely that. Ma Bell's laughably brief press release can be found in its entirety after the break -- all 45 cliffhanging words of it.

Continue reading Apple's Tim Cook says 'pipeline is full of stuff,' AT&T affirms record sales of new iPad

Apple's Tim Cook says 'pipeline is full of stuff,' AT&T affirms record sales of new iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g4g lte4gLteactivationactivationsappleapple ipad 3apple new ipadAppleIpad3AppleNewIpadattbusinesseconomyindustryiosipadipad 3ipad hdIpad3IpadHdnew ipadNewIpadsalesslatetabletwirelessMon, 19 Mar 2012 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Liveblogging Apple's 'cash balance' conference call]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/apple-stock-repurchase-stock-dividend-liveblog/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/apple-stock-repurchase-stock-dividend-liveblog/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/apple-stock-repurchase-stock-dividend-liveblog/#comments Apple's already told us exactly what to expect on this so-called 'cash balance' conference call, but what they hey -- we'll be liveblogging it just in case Appel slips in that "one more thing." You know, that "thing" about spending a few billion on an Apple-shaped spacecraft for kicks and giggles. The call will get underway at 9AM ET, and we'll have quotes from CEO Tim Cook and CFO Peter Oppenheimer, as well as any juicy questions from the media.

March 19, 2012 9:00 AM EDT

Liveblogging Apple's 'cash balance' conference call originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebusinesscashcash balanceCashBalanceconference callConferenceCalldividenddividendsearningseconomyinvestorliveblogmoneyshare repurchaseShareRepurchaseMon, 19 Mar 2012 08:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple announces dividend and share repurchase program for 2012, expects to spend $45 billion over three years]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/apple-dividend-share-repurchase-program-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/apple-dividend-share-repurchase-program-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/apple-dividend-share-repurchase-program-2012/#comments Surprise, surprise -- Apple just let the cat out of its own bag. In right around a half-hour, the company will officially unwrap plans to initiate a dividend and share repurchase program commencing later this year. 'Course, analysts have been clamoring for such an announcement for quite some time, and with a stock price near $600 and some $100 billion in the bank, the outfit can clearly afford it. More specifically, Apple plans to "initiate a quarterly dividend of $2.65 per share sometime in the fourth quarter of its fiscal 2012, which begins on July 1, 2012." Granted, that's all subject to the Board of Directors giving the ole a-okay, but we highly doubt the company would issue such knowledge without a practical guarantee that everyone is on board. Additionally, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized a $10 billion share repurchase program commencing in the Apple's fiscal 2013, which begins on September 30, 2012; we're told that said program will be executed over three years, with the main goal being to "neutralize the impact of dilution from future employee equity grants and employee stock purchase programs."

As for CEO Tim Cook's thoughts on the matter?

"We have used some of our cash to make great investments in our business through increased research and development, acquisitions, new retail store openings, strategic prepayments and capital expenditures in our supply chain, and building out our infrastructure. You'll see more of all of these in the future. Even with these investments, we can maintain a war chest for strategic opportunities and have plenty of cash to run our business. So we are going to initiate a dividend and share repurchase program."

Naturally, this all shows that Apple is supremely confident in its future, but it doesn't shed any light into potential acquisitions from a technology standpoint. Strangely enough, it was just a few days ago that Mr. Cook ended his new iPad keynote with a promise that 2012 would be chock full of unbelievable things from his company, but it sounds like the only folks celebrating this particular announcement are those with a hand in the stockpile. We don't expect to glean much more than what's given in the presser just past the break, but we'll be liveblogging the actual conference call starting at 9AM ET.

Continue reading Apple announces dividend and share repurchase program for 2012, expects to spend $45 billion over three years

Apple announces dividend and share repurchase program for 2012, expects to spend $45 billion over three years originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionapplebreaking newsbusinesscashdividendearningseconomyindustrymergerrepurchasestockstockstim cookTimCookwall streetWallStreetMon, 19 Mar 2012 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[PayPal Here mobile card reader: it's like Square, but with way more frozen accounts]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/paypal-introduces-mobile-card-reader-square-rival/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/paypal-introduces-mobile-card-reader-square-rival/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/paypal-introduces-mobile-card-reader-square-rival/#comments Hear that? That's the sound of coins hitting the mental floor at a breakneck pace, and if PayPal's meteoric success is any indication of how it'll do in mobile... well, stockholders should be pleased. Nearly three years after first hearing of Jack Dorsey's Square (formerly 'Squirrel') project, the most hated division of eBay is coming out with a rival. President and CEO of eBay John Donahoe took the wraps off of the device at Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco today, with an aim to bring PayPal to "merchants in the offline world." The plastic triangle module plays a familiar role: pop it into an iPhone, load up an app and swipe until you just can't sell anything else. We're hearing that PayPal will charge merchants 2.7 percent (just 0.05 percent less than Square), but further details -- and even the thing's name -- are still developing.

As much as we jest about PayPal's polarizing nature, we've been victim to one too many unjustified account freezes to become overly joyous here, but we won't kvetch about a little competition. Here's hoping we see rates and fees on the decline thanks to another major player stepping up to bat, but something tells us those kinds of dreams are dreamt only by fools. That aside, the fact that famed designer Yves Behar (profiled here on The Engadget Show) and Fuseproject were tapped to engineer it gets a major thumbs-up from us.

Update: Looks like it'll go by the name Here. PayPal Here. Moreover, the hardware and app will be gratis, and shipments will begin to go out in the US, Canada, Hong Kong, and Australia today. Everyone else will need to sit tight for a few weeks, and we're still digging for information on compatibility beyond the iPhone.

Update 2: Look like Android support will be here at launch, but iOS devices will need to run iOS 4.0 or higher.

Continue reading PayPal Here mobile card reader: it's like Square, but with way more frozen accounts

PayPal Here mobile card reader: it's like Square, but with way more frozen accounts originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappleeconomygooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidhereiosiphonemobile card readermobile paymentsMobileCardReaderMobilePaymentsmoneypaymentpaypalpaypal herePaypalHeresquarevideoThu, 15 Mar 2012 13:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan to reduce rare earth consumption in response to China's export controls]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/japan-china-rare-earths-consumption/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/japan-china-rare-earths-consumption/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/japan-china-rare-earths-consumption/#comments
Japan took another step toward lessening its rare earths dependence today, announcing plans to drastically reduce consumption levels in response to China's continued market dominance. Of particular concern to the Japanese government is dysprosium -- a rare earth used in the production of high-powered magnets. China, which accounts for about 95 percent of the world's rare earth supply, has been tightening export controls on the metal in recent months, sending global prices skyward. With its domestic supplies dwindling, Japan has now committed to reducing its dysprosium consumption by 30 percent over the next few years, as part of a $65 million initiative. Much of that money will presumably go toward helping manufacturers develop alternative production and recycling methods, as some already have. Toyota, for instance, has found a way to produce hybrid and electric vehicles without using dysprosium, while Mitsubishi, Panasonic and TDK are currently looking at ways to extract the metal from old air conditioners. If effective, the government's program would reduce domestic consumption by between 200 and 400 tonnes per year.

Japan to reduce rare earth consumption in response to China's export controls originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiachinaconsumptiondysprosiumeconomicseconomyexportexport controlExportControljapanjapanesemanufacturingmetalmitsubishipanasonicrare earthrare earth mineralsrare earthsRareEarthRareEarthMineralsRareEarthsrecyclingresourcestdktoyotatradeWed, 08 Feb 2012 21:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: 'App Economy' has created 500,000 jobs since 2007]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/study-app-economy-has-created-500-000-jobs-since-2007/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/study-app-economy-has-created-500-000-jobs-since-2007/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/study-app-economy-has-created-500-000-jobs-since-2007/#comments
It's no secret that the rise of smartphones, tablets and social networking has fostered an entirely new market for app developers, but a freshly released study has now attempted to quantify this impact, in terms of real jobs. According to TechNet, a bipartisan network of tech execs, the so-called "App Economy" has created an estimated 466,000 jobs since 2007, when the iPhone was first unveiled. The report specifies that this estimate includes all jobs at Facebook-focused companies like Zynga, as well as dev gigs at Amazon, AT&T and Electronic Arts, in addition to the obvious heavyweights, Apple and Google. As far as geography goes, California leads the way as the most app-friendly state, though New York City tops the list of metropolitan areas. It's not an entirely bi-coastal affair, though, with some two-thirds of all app-related jobs located outside of California and New York. TechNet acknowledges that the App Economy "is only four years old and extremely fluid," so it's likely that these numbers will fluctuate in the years to come, though the organization says these numbers underscore a fundamental principle: "Innovation creates jobs, and in this case, lots of them." Read the full report at the source link below.

Study: 'App Economy' has created 500,000 jobs since 2007 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonandroidappapp economyAppEconomyappleapplicationblackberrydevdevelopmenteconomyemploymentfacebookgoogleiosjobsmarketmobilepostcrossreportRIMstatisticsstudytechnetwindows phoneWindowsPhonezyngaWed, 08 Feb 2012 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung looks to borrow $1 billion to expand production capacity in Austin, Texas]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/samsung-looks-to-borrow-1-billion-to-expand-production-capacity/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/samsung-looks-to-borrow-1-billion-to-expand-production-capacity/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/samsung-looks-to-borrow-1-billion-to-expand-production-capacity/#commentsWhen you're producing chips for the iPad and iPhone, you need a serious facility to meet those demands. And evidently, Samsung's not foreseeing its legal battles with Apple to cause any wrinkles in said plans. In fact, Bloomberg is reporting that Sammy has "sent requests for proposals to banks to borrow as much as $1 billion to expand production capacity at its factory in Austin, Texas," with the bonds to be issued by Samsung's US unit. It's bruited that the company -- which has around $19.2 billion in cash -- may sell its first overseas bonds since 1997 due to the impossibly low cost of borrowing money these days, and in a time where positive economic news is tough to come by, it's quite the relief to see a bit of forward progress come from historically low interest rates. Reuters is reporting that the investment will mostly be used to "boost production of mobile chips and next-generation OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display panels," but specific details beyond that remain murky.

Samsung looks to borrow $1 billion to expand production capacity in Austin, Texas originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinbusinesschicpudebteconomyexpansionindustrymicroprocessorprocessorproductionsamsungsamsung semiconductorSamsungSemiconductorsemiconductorsilicontexasMon, 16 Jan 2012 20:24:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2012 sets all-time records for attendance, exhibitors and claimed floor space]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/13/ces-2012-sets-all-time-records-for-attendance-exhibitors/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/13/ces-2012-sets-all-time-records-for-attendance-exhibitors/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/13/ces-2012-sets-all-time-records-for-attendance-exhibitors/#comments CES 2013 has already been scheduled (it's January 8 - 11, for those curious), and it'll have new records to break once things get going again. A source close to the CEA informed us today that CES 2012 has broken a trifecta of records already, and the final tallies aren't even in yet. For starters, more people attended CES this year than ever before. That's people who actually showed up and claimed a badge -- not just those who registered and flaked -- with the final figure already confirmed to be upward of 153,000. That trumps the 152,203 that arrived in Las Vegas back in 2006, as well as the 149,529 that hit the ground here last year.

Furthermore, a record amount of exhibition space was claimed, with 1.86 million net square feet used this year; the prior record was set in 2008 when 1.857 million net square feet were claimed. Finally, a new record was set when looking at the total number of exhibitors, with over 3,100 outfits checking in this go 'round. The prior record? 3,072, which was set in 2008. There's no question that CES felt busier than ever for us this year, and now we've got the numbers to prove our suspicions -- naturally, we're already mentally gearing up for CES 2013. We'll be here, and hopefully so will you.

Update: The official PR is out! It's embedded after the break.

P.S. - You can relive our CES 2012 coverage right here in our hub!

Continue reading CES 2012 sets all-time records for attendance, exhibitors and claimed floor space

CES 2012 sets all-time records for attendance, exhibitors and claimed floor space originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attendancebusinessceacesces 2012Ces2012economyexclusiveindustryrecordFri, 13 Jan 2012 17:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota to unveil Prius C, hydrogen and electric hybrid concepts at 2012 Tokyo Motor Show]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/toyota-to-unveil-prius-c-hydrogen-and-electric-hybrid-concepts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/toyota-to-unveil-prius-c-hydrogen-and-electric-hybrid-concepts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/toyota-to-unveil-prius-c-hydrogen-and-electric-hybrid-concepts/#comments
If there's one absolute truth to cars, it's this: next year's models will generally make you regret the one you just bought. Over at the Tokyo Motor Show, this standard will probably hold true, with Toyota set to launch a smaller-than-current-Prius in the form of the Prius C, or "Aqua". The C, which takes some interesting technological steps forward, packs a hybrid drivetrain, coupling an as-yet undisclosed "high-output" electric motor with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine. According to Toyota, this combination will yield over 50 miles per gallon in the city, the highest city fuel economy for any non-plug-in vehicle. Getting into more experimental territory, Toyota is also expected to unveil the FCV-R concept, this model previewing a hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle with room for four passengers and luggage space currently being targeted for a 2015 market launch. This, along with the FT-EV III (which will preview an upcoming electric version of the company's iQ model with a short-range battery-powered drivetrain) round out Toyota's morsels for the new model year. Stay tuned for additional pricing and release dates as they become available, and head down past the break to see what to expect from the new Prius.

Gallery: Toyota Motor Show 2012 Preview Gallery

Continue reading Toyota to unveil Prius C, hydrogen and electric hybrid concepts at 2012 Tokyo Motor Show

Toyota to unveil Prius C, hydrogen and electric hybrid concepts at 2012 Tokyo Motor Show originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AquacarcarscityeconomyelectricFCV-RFT-EV IIIFt-evIiifuelhybridpiggy bankPiggyBankpower trainPowerTrainPriusPrius CPriusCTokyo Motor ShowTokyoMotorShowToyotavideoWed, 16 Nov 2011 20:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple App Store shifts minimum pricing in multiple countries, for better or worse]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/16/apple-app-store-shifts-minimum-pricing-in-multiple-countries-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/16/apple-app-store-shifts-minimum-pricing-in-multiple-countries-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/16/apple-app-store-shifts-minimum-pricing-in-multiple-countries-fo/#commentsOh, how the mighty App Store prices have fallen... or risen, depending on which country you reside in. Apple quietly adjusted rates in several international App Stores, dropping the minimum cost in Australia while bumping it up in the UK, Mexico, and Norway. The bottom-line pricing didn't change by leaps and bounds -- the UK rose by £.10, while Oz fell by $.20 -- but these particular shifts have us wondering whether we should expect to see other countries get the switcharoo as well. No official word has been given from Apple on why the changes were made or the reasons behind choosing these particular nations, but this much is assured: we love it, we hate it, and we're indifferent to it.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Apple App Store shifts minimum pricing in multiple countries, for better or worse originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp priceapp storeappleapple app storeAppleAppStoreAppPriceappsAppStoreaustraliaeconomyinternationalinternational app storeInternationalAppStoreiosipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchmexicominimum priceMinimumPricemobilenorwaypricepricesukSat, 16 Jul 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Acer lowers forecast for tablet, notebook shipments, blames limping European economy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/acer-lowers-forecast-for-tablet-notebook-shipments-blames-limp/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/acer-lowers-forecast-for-tablet-notebook-shipments-blames-limp/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/acer-lowers-forecast-for-tablet-notebook-shipments-blames-limp/#comments
Acer had high hopes for 2011, but it looks like its expectations may have been a bit too optimistic. Today, the company issued revised forecasts for shipments of its tablet PCs, predicting to move between 2.5 and three million units by year's end -- down from the five to seven million it projected earlier. Acer chairman J.T. Wang expects current quarter notebook shipments to dip by ten percent from their Q1 levels, before stabilizing or slightly increasing during Q3. According to the new-look firm, these downward revisions are largely due to lagging economic growth in Europe, though its Asian and US markets "remain healthy." European inventories are expected to decrease to normal levels by the end of this month, which should allow the company's market share to rebound during the second half of this year. It's certainly not a dire outlook, but it's probably not the start new Corporate President Jim Wong was looking to get off to, either.

Acer lowers forecast for tablet, notebook shipments, blames limping European economy originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 07:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acerbusinesseconomic recoveryEconomicRecoveryeconomyeuropeexportforecastindustryinventoryJ.T. WangJ.t.Wangjim wongJimWongjt wangJtWangmarketmarket shareMarketSharemoneynetbookpcpredictionprojectionshipmentWed, 15 Jun 2011 07:36:00 EST<![CDATA[NoteSlate teased with new product shots, moves one step away from vaporware status]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/noteslate-teased-with-new-product-shots-moves-one-step-away-fro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/noteslate-teased-with-new-product-shots-moves-one-step-away-fro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/noteslate-teased-with-new-product-shots-moves-one-step-away-fro/#comments Look, you can't say no to a $99 electronic ink drawing tablet, but to believe that this here NoteSlate has any chance of retailing at that price you'd also need the naiveté of a child who accepts free candies from strangers. While we remain skeptical, said tablet's website has just been updated with a new stash of product shots and an in-depth walkthrough, which are kinda convincing if you ignore the price tag. The mono-color models are here to stay as well, though we should point out that there's a $30 alternative, already available, from Improv Electronics for those who need nothing more than just doodling. Otherwise, keep an eye out for the NoteSlate come June.

[Thanks, Eddie]

Filed under:

NoteSlate teased with new product shots, moves one step away from vaporware status originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BudgetBudget TabletBudgetTabletCheapDrawingDrawing TabletDrawingTabletE InkE Ink ReaderE ReaderE-bookE-inkEbookEconomyEInkEInkReaderEReaderNoteslatePrototypeTabletFri, 18 Feb 2011 11:16:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2011 sees big boost in attendance, CES 2012 scheduled way more sensibly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/ces-2011-sees-big-boost-in-attendance-ces-2012-scheduled-way-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/ces-2011-sees-big-boost-in-attendance-ces-2012-scheduled-way-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/ces-2011-sees-big-boost-in-attendance-ces-2012-scheduled-way-mo/#comments Good news for people who love bad good news. According to IDG News, this year's Consumer Electronics Show saw around 140,000 people descend upon it, which pretty much destroys the estimate of 126,000 attendees. We're told that around 126,000 humans showed up last year to see Palm introduce webOS 1.4 (and for everyone else to introduce an e-reader), while just 113,000 booked a ticket to Las Vegas for CES 2009. The last time this quantity of Earthlings arrived in the desert to get their geek on was CES 2008, or in other terms, the last year that life as we knew it was halfway normal. There's no question that we felt as if the floor was teeming with people, and the show in general just felt more alive than usual.

Furthermore, we're being hit with even more amazing news from the show floor: the official show dates for 2012. Rather than pushing CES up against a pair of holidays in Christmas and New Year's Day, the Consumer Electronics Association has finally seen fit to bump things forward a week. CES 2012 will officially be held January 10th through 13th, and we're guessing that most of the press events will start on the 8th or 9th. Sadly, we weren't able to go three for three with outstanding news today -- the show is still slated to be held in Las Vegas, so we're apologizing in advance to the internationals who will once again wonder how a place overran with neon, grotesque paper cards at every street corner and a public transportation system that only stops once every five minutes could be so highly touted.

CES 2011 sees big boost in attendance, CES 2012 scheduled way more sensibly originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attendancebusinesscesces 2011ces 2012Ces2011Ces2012economygadgetgadgetsindustrylas vegasLasVegasshowMon, 10 Jan 2011 10:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell moves back up to #2 position in global PC sales, Acer slips to 3rd, HP still reigns supreme]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/04/dell-moves-back-up-to-2-position-in-global-pc-sales-acer-slips/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/04/dell-moves-back-up-to-2-position-in-global-pc-sales-acer-slips/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/04/dell-moves-back-up-to-2-position-in-global-pc-sales-acer-slips/#commentsDell moves back up to #2 position in global PC sales, Acer slips to 3rd, HP still reigns supreme Acer Chairman JT Wang is quick to say that he thinks that iPad sales are only going down from here, but maybe he should listen to that age-old idiom: people in fragile economies shouldn't throw stones. According to iSuppli's latest report on the global PC market, Acer slipped down to third place after losing 6.2 percent of its market share compared to last quarter. Dell, meanwhile, lost a relatively slim 1.2 percent of its share, bumping it back up to second place -- a position it had previously given up to Acer. Meanwhile HP still sits on top, commanding 18.1 percent of the market share, though that too is down, 6.3 percent over last quarter. Still, all three are well up over last year, an encouraging sign in these supposedly troubling times.

Dell moves back up to #2 position in global PC sales, Acer slips to 3rd, HP still reigns supreme originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acerdelleconomyglobal pc marketglobal pc salesGlobalPcMarketGlobalPcSaleshewlett-packardhpisupplimarketpc salesPcSalesSat, 04 Sep 2010 23:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Video games industry in great health, unlike the rest of the US economy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/10/video-games-industry-is-in-rude-health-unlike-the-rest-of-the-u/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/10/video-games-industry-is-in-rude-health-unlike-the-rest-of-the-u/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/10/video-games-industry-is-in-rude-health-unlike-the-rest-of-the-u/#comments Interested in dosing up your video game knowledge with a shot of macroeconomic data? Of course you are. The US Entertainment Software Association has delivered its 2010 health report for entertaining software and things are looking rosy. While the US economy was enjoying a steady 2.8 percent annual growth between 2005 and 2008, video game revenues were expanding by 16.7 percent a year. Factoring in the economically arid 2009 chops total US economic growth in half down to 1.4 percent, but gaming again shows its resiliency by taking a smaller dip down to 10.6 percent. That'll be welcome news to the more than 120,000 people whose employment depends on this burgeoning industry, as will the fact that the average annual compensation in the sector is just under $90,000. Good work, if you can get it.

Video games industry in great health, unlike the rest of the US economy originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dataeconomicseconomyemploymententertainmentgamesgdpgrowthindustryjobsnumbersreportreveniesoftwarestatisticsstatstrendsususavideo gamesVideoGamesTue, 10 Aug 2010 19:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Gourmet Magazine resurrected for iPad premiere]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/22/gourmet-magazine-resurrected-for-ipad-premiere/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/22/gourmet-magazine-resurrected-for-ipad-premiere/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/22/gourmet-magazine-resurrected-for-ipad-premiere/#comments We aren't about to say that the iPad (or e-readers and tablets in general) is out to save the newspaper and magazine industry, but at least one Conde Nast brand is back in business after the paper edition was shuttered during last year's turmoil. Gourmet Magazine is being revived and retooled with a gratis iPad app, Gourmet Live. It'll bring the best of the magazine, but also weave in social networking integration in order to let readers "share articles to social sites like Facebook and Twitter, tag articles as favorites and see which articles are more popular among their friends." In fact, we're hungry just thinking about it.

Continue reading Gourmet Magazine resurrected for iPad premiere

Gourmet Magazine resurrected for iPad premiere originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappleconde nastCondeNasteconomyfoodGourmet LiveGourmet MagazineGourmetLiveGourmetMagazineipadipad appIpadAppMagazinevideoTue, 22 Jun 2010 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Shocker: CEA's spending report finds Americans buying more technology]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/06/shocker-ceas-spending-report-finds-americans-buying-more-techn/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/06/shocker-ceas-spending-report-finds-americans-buying-more-techn/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/06/shocker-ceas-spending-report-finds-americans-buying-more-techn/#comments Guess what kiddos? That recession that harshed your mellow all last year is officially over and done with... according to the Consumer Electronics Association, anyway. Based on a new report put out today by the CEA (you know, that organization that sets up CES each year?), the average US household spent $1,380 on consumer electronics over the past dozen months, which represents an increase of $151 from last year. The report also found that the average household spent 12 percent more on CE devices over the past year, and individual consumer spending shot up 10 percent year-over-year. Other tidbits included: ladies spent more on CE wares than the did last year (but still trail the guys overall), and the average home reported owning 25 consumer electronic products, up from 23 in 2009. We're also told that 86 percent of all US households own at least one computer, making it the third most owned CE product behind TVs and DVD players. Oh, and as for those pesky netbooks? 12 percent of US households own one of those, while 58 percent own "laptops" of some sort. Head on past the break for the full skinny -- we hope you're in the mood for good news, 'cause that's all you're getting.

[Image courtesy of TooMuchNick / WireImage]

Continue reading Shocker: CEA's spending report finds Americans buying more technology

Shocker: CEA's spending report finds Americans buying more technology originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americaamericansawesomebusinessceaconsumereconomygadgetgadgetsindustryrecessionsalesshockerususaThu, 06 May 2010 17:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Case-Mate offers $0.99 iPhone recession case... a day after recession ends]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/16/case-mate-offers-0-99-iphone-recession-case-a-day-after-rece/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/16/case-mate-offers-0-99-iphone-recession-case-a-day-after-rece/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/16/case-mate-offers-0-99-iphone-recession-case-a-day-after-rece/#comments
In life, you'll quickly learn that everything is about timing. And thankfully for us Earthlings, Case-Mate seems just 24 hours off with this one. A day after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke declared that this so-called recessions was "very likely over," the aforesaid accessory maker has popped out an iPhone case for those of us who vehemently disagree. The aptly titled iPhone recession case is quite possibly the greatest thing since sliced bread the AirMail, and at just $0.99 including shipping, we figure you'll have a tough time finding a better way to protect your cellie. Or waste $0.99, now that we think of it.

[Thanks, Andy]

Filed under: ,

Case-Mate offers $0.99 iPhone recession case... a day after recession ends originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebailoutcasecase-mateeconomyiphone 3giphone 3gsiphone accessoryiphone caseIphone3gIphone3gsIphoneAccessoryIphoneCasemobileperipheralsrecessionWed, 16 Sep 2009 22:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Case-Mate offers $0.99 iPhone recession case... a day after recession ends]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/16/case-mate-offers-0-99-iphone-recession-case-a-day-after-rece/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/16/case-mate-offers-0-99-iphone-recession-case-a-day-after-rece/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/16/case-mate-offers-0-99-iphone-recession-case-a-day-after-rece/#comments
In life, you'll quickly learn that everything is about timing. And thankfully for us Earthlings, Case-Mate seems just 24 hours off with this one. A day after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke declared that this so-called recessions was "very likely over," the aforesaid accessory maker has popped out an iPhone case for those of us who vehemently disagree. The aptly titled iPhone recession case is quite possibly the greatest thing since sliced bread the AirMail, and at just $0.99 including shipping, we figure you'll have a tough time finding a better way to protect your cellie. Or waste $0.99, now that we think of it.

[Thanks, Andy]

Filed under: ,

Case-Mate offers $0.99 iPhone recession case... a day after recession ends originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebailoutcasecase-mateeconomyiphone 3giphone 3gsiphone accessoryiphone caseIphone3gIphone3gsIphoneAccessoryIphoneCaserecessionWed, 16 Sep 2009 22:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony finally hacks $100 from 'old' PlayStation 3 price, starting today]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/18/sony-finally-hacks-100-from-playstation-3-price/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/18/sony-finally-hacks-100-from-playstation-3-price/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/18/sony-finally-hacks-100-from-playstation-3-price/#comments After begging, pleading and imploring Sony for months on end to lower the barrier to entry on its PlayStation 3 console, the company has at long last relented. Starting today (supposedly, anyway), all existing PS3 consoles will retail for $100 less than they did yesterday, though it looks as if most e-tailers have yet to ratchet their tags down to reflect the change. Of course, you could wait just a few more days and snag a PS3 Slim for the low, low price of $299, but the question is -- will you? Do tell in comments below.

Filed under:

Sony finally hacks $100 from 'old' PlayStation 3 price, starting today originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessconsoleeconomygamescomgamescom 2009Gamescom2009gamingplaystation 3Playstation3price dropPriceDroppricespricingps3sonyTue, 18 Aug 2009 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Research finds iPhone hurting operators, Boy George unavailable for comment]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/research-finds-iphone-hurting-operators-boy-george-unavailable/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/research-finds-iphone-hurting-operators-boy-george-unavailable/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/research-finds-iphone-hurting-operators-boy-george-unavailable/#comments
We've long since known that Apple (as opposed to AT&T) was getting the better end of the pair's exclusive partnership here in America, but new research from Strand Consult has found that the situation is fairly similar all around the globe. According to the report, nary a one of the telecom operators it studied had seen a boost in market share, revenue or earnings as a result of introducing the iPhone, and some carriers even issued profit warnings due to the heavily subsidized handset. The study goes on to shed pity on firms like SingTel and TeliaSonera, both of which are purportedly seeing margins and ARPU (average revenues per subscriber) sink due to Apple's darling joining the fray. But really, we can't help but express our doubts about the all encompassing, almost sensationalized nature of this; we've watched AT&T's profits soar ever since it snagged the iPhone, and considering that every iPhone buyer also coughs up a significant monthly fee for a data plan, we can't imagine revenues tanking that severely. Or, you know, maybe we're all just getting a really good deal on our bloated iPhone plans.

Continue reading Research finds iPhone hurting operators, Boy George unavailable for comment

Filed under: , , ,

Research finds iPhone hurting operators, Boy George unavailable for comment originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleatandtattbusinesscarriereconomyiphonemobileoperatorprofitsalessingteltelecomtelecommunicationsMon, 17 Aug 2009 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Research finds iPhone hurting operators, Boy George unavailable for comment]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/research-finds-iphone-hurting-operators-boy-george-unavailable/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/research-finds-iphone-hurting-operators-boy-george-unavailable/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/research-finds-iphone-hurting-operators-boy-george-unavailable/#comments We've long since known that Apple (as opposed to AT&T) was getting the better end of the pair's exclusive partnership here in America, but new research from Strand Consult has found that the situation is fairly similar all around the globe. According to the report, nary a single telecom operator it studied had seen a boost in market share, revenue or earnings as a result of introducing the iPhone, and some carriers even issued profit warnings due to the heavily subsidized handset. The study goes on to shed pity on firms like SingTel and TeliaSonera, both of which are purportedly seeing margins and ARPU (average revenues per subscriber) sink due to Apple's darling joining the fray. But really, we can't help but express our doubts about the all encompassing, almost sensationalized nature of this; we've watched AT&T's profits soar ever since it snagged the iPhone, and considering that every iPhone buyer also coughs up a significant monthly fee for a data plan, we can't imagine revenues tanking that severely. Or, you know, maybe we're all just getting a really good deal on our bloated iPhone plans.

Continue reading Research finds iPhone hurting operators, Boy George unavailable for comment

Filed under:

Research finds iPhone hurting operators, Boy George unavailable for comment originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleattbusinesscarriereconomyiphonemobileoperatorprofitsalessingteltelecomtelecommunicationsMon, 17 Aug 2009 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Nabaztag can't make RFID cool, has to file for bankruptcy ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/nabaztag-cant-make-rfid-cool-has-to-file-for-bankruptcy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/nabaztag-cant-make-rfid-cool-has-to-file-for-bankruptcy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/nabaztag-cant-make-rfid-cool-has-to-file-for-bankruptcy/#comments
We always knew that any company courageous enough to take a technology designed to help mega-corps monitor their inventory levels and make it mainstream would face an uphill battle, but we never envisioned Nabaztag caving entirely to the pressure. If a snippet in a recent issue of Les Echos (a French financial paper) is to be believed, the creator of the rabbit-inspired Violet RFID Mirror has filed for bankruptcy, giving any company interested in keeping the brand alive until September 4th to toss out a cash infusion. Not like we're looking at you, Mr. VC, but we're definitely hoping to not be sobbing about this in just under a month. Tick, tock.

[Voa Loic Le Meur]

Filed under: ,

Nabaztag can't make RFID cool, has to file for bankruptcy originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 02:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptbankruptcybusinesschapter 11Chapter11economyNabaztagrabbitrecessionrfidtoytoysusb mirrorUsbMirrorvioletTue, 11 Aug 2009 02:27:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC sees revenue falling due to "delays in product launches"]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/03/htc-sees-revenue-falling-due-to-delays-in-product-launches/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/03/htc-sees-revenue-falling-due-to-delays-in-product-launches/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/03/htc-sees-revenue-falling-due-to-delays-in-product-launches/#comments
HTC's been on somewhat of a hot streak here lately, but word on the street has it that the aforesaid outfit may not be able to ship all of its forthcoming handsets on time. A new Wall Street Journal report on falling revenue in the HTC camp notes that an undisclosed amount of delays, a larger-than-anticipated drop in contract orders and lower-than-expected sales in China could lead to drooping income in the short term, and some analysts are pointing out that the company's average selling price per phone is sliding due to looming Android competition from the likes of Motorola and Sony Ericsson. Aside from the Touch Pro2 that'll probably never, ever land on Sprint, HTC has about a gazillion other rumored handsets on the horizon, but it's hard to know for sure which "product launches" are expected to be stalled. So, is HTC secretly retooling a smattering of its handsets in order to stay one step ahead of SE and Moto? Or are old fashioned supply chain inefficiencies to blame?

Filed under: , , ,

HTC sees revenue falling due to "delays in product launches" originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 02:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystanalystsandroidbusinessChinacompetitiondelaydelayeddelaysearningseconomygooglehtcindustrymobilemotorolapricespricingrevenuesalesSEsony ericssonSonyEricssonMon, 03 Aug 2009 02:28:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC sees revenue falling due to "delays in product launches"]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/03/htc-sees-revenue-falling-due-to-delays-in-product-launches/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/03/htc-sees-revenue-falling-due-to-delays-in-product-launches/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/03/htc-sees-revenue-falling-due-to-delays-in-product-launches/#comments
HTC's been on somewhat of a hot streak here lately, but word on the street has it that the aforesaid outfit may not be able to ship all of its forthcoming handsets on time. A new Wall Street Journal report on falling revenue in the HTC camp notes that an undisclosed amount of delays, a larger-than-anticipated drop in contract orders and lower-than-expected sales in China could lead to drooping income in the short term, and some analysts are pointing out that the company's average selling price per phone is sliding due to looming Android competition from the likes of Motorola and Sony Ericsson. Aside from the Touch Pro2 that'll probably never, ever land on Sprint, HTC has about a gazillion other rumored handsets on the horizon, but it's hard to know for sure which "product launches" are expected to be stalled. So, is HTC secretly retooling a smattering of its handsets in order to stay one step ahead of SE and Moto? Or are old fashioned supply chain inefficiencies to blame?

Filed under:

HTC sees revenue falling due to "delays in product launches" originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 02:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystanalystsandroidbusinessChinacompetitiondelaydelayeddelaysearningseconomygooglehtcindustrymotorolapricespricingrevenuesalesSEsony ericssonSonyEricssonMon, 03 Aug 2009 02:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola posts $26m Q2 profit, promises cheap Android thrills, does a little dance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/motorola-posts-26m-q2-profit-promises-loads-of-android-fun-do/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/motorola-posts-26m-q2-profit-promises-loads-of-android-fun-do/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/motorola-posts-26m-q2-profit-promises-loads-of-android-fun-do/#commentsSee that image there on the right? Yeah, it's a pretty drastic departure from the Sad Moto[TM] face that had become all too common when talking about the company's financials. Just a quarter after posting a dreadful $291 million loss, the outfit responsible for creating the RAZR and then doing nothing for half a decade is finally showing a profit once more. The Q2 numbers show an "unexpected" $26 million profit on sales of $5.5 billion, $1.8 billion of which came from the handset division. Of course, that very division managed to lose $253 million and see its global market share slip to 5.5 percent, but with a big bang from Android reportedly just months away, CEO Sanjay Jha ain't taking time to frown.

Just hours after the Verizon-branded Sholes smartphone surfaced, Mr. Jha was quoted as saying that two Android devices would be "in stores for the holiday season," with launches occurring on "two major carriers in North America and multiple carriers outside the US." He also noted that plans were in place to ship "several additional Android-based devices in the first quarter of 2010," but details beyond that were vague. So, is this the beginning of a new, happier Moto? Our aged copy of Photoshop certainly hopes so.

Read - Motorola's Q2 results
Read - Jha on future Android devices

Filed under: ,

Motorola posts $26m Q2 profit, promises cheap Android thrills, does a little dance originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbusinessearningseconomygoogleindustrymobilemotomotorolaquarterly earningsQuarterlyEarningssholesSnapdragonFri, 31 Jul 2009 08:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola posts $26m Q2 profit, promises cheap Android thrills, does a little dance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/motorola-posts-26m-q2-profit-promises-loads-of-android-fun-do/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/motorola-posts-26m-q2-profit-promises-loads-of-android-fun-do/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/motorola-posts-26m-q2-profit-promises-loads-of-android-fun-do/#commentsSee that image there on the right? Yeah, it's a pretty drastic departure from the Sad Moto[TM] face that had become all too common when talking about the company's financials. Just a quarter after posting a dreadful $291 million loss, the outfit responsible for creating the RAZR and then doing nothing for half a decade is finally showing a profit once more. The Q2 numbers show an "unexpected" $26 million profit on sales of $5.5 billion, $1.8 billion of which came from the handset division. Of course, that very division managed to lose $253 million and see its global market share slip to 5.5 percent, but with a big bang from Android reportedly just months away, CEO Sanjay Jha ain't taking time to frown.

Just hours after the Verizon-branded Sholes smartphone surfaced, Mr. Jha was quoted as saying that two Android devices would be "in stores for the holiday season," with launches occurring on "two major carriers in North America and multiple carriers outside the US." He also noted that plans were in place to ship "several additional Android-based devices in the first quarter of 2010," but details beyond that were vague. So, is this the beginning of a new, happier Moto? Our aged copy of Photoshop certainly hopes so.

Read - Motorola's Q2 results
Read - Jha on future Android devices

Filed under: ,

Motorola posts $26m Q2 profit, promises cheap Android thrills, does a little dance originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbusinessearningseconomygoogleindustrymotomotorolaquarterly earningsQuarterlyEarningssholesSnapdragonFri, 31 Jul 2009 08:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo finally sees Wii demand slowing, calls iPhone a DS / DSi competitor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/30/nintendo-finally-sees-wii-demand-slowing-calls-iphone-a-ds-ds/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/30/nintendo-finally-sees-wii-demand-slowing-calls-iphone-a-ds-ds/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/30/nintendo-finally-sees-wii-demand-slowing-calls-iphone-a-ds-ds/#comments
While it seemed that all was going well for the Big N, it looks like those jovial times are finally coming to a (temporary) end. In an earnings report filed today, the company posted a 66 percent fall in quarterly operating profit on "slowing demand for its Wii console and a stronger yen." It's not so much the profit slide that's surprising, but the sudden admission that Wii demand has finally (finally!) slowed from a raging boil to simply piping hot definitely caught us off guard. Still, Nintendo maintained that it would sell 26 million Wii consoles before the year was out alongside 30 million DS handhelds, the latter of which has seen momentum slow due to "increased competition in the handheld business from Apple's iPhone." Now, we've known for some time that the suits in Cupertino have always viewed the iPhone as a game console, but to hear it called out as such from an entity not named Apple is another matter entirely. Maybe it should reconsider that whole "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" thing? Nah.

[Image courtesy of QuiteCurious]

Filed under: ,

Nintendo finally sees Wii demand slowing, calls iPhone a DS / DSi competitor originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 04:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebusinesscompetitionconsoledsdsiearningseconomygaminghandheldindustryiphonenintendoquarterly earningsQuarterlyEarningsrecessionshortagewiiwii shortageWiiShortageThu, 30 Jul 2009 04:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Crestron makes room in its CEDIA booth for Runco, Planar (update: Runco not in Crestron booth, CEDIA plans forthcoming)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/29/crestron-makes-room-in-its-cedia-booth-for-runco-planar-update/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/29/crestron-makes-room-in-its-cedia-booth-for-runco-planar-update/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/29/crestron-makes-room-in-its-cedia-booth-for-runco-planar-update/#commentsRunco's CEDIA 2008 booth
Those shopping for a 100-inch VideoWall or say, a $20,000 projector will be pleased to know that Runco will be at September's CEDIA tradeshow, after all. Although the Planar/Runco presence at the custom-oriented show was in doubt, Crestron made room in its huge CEDIA booth for the brands will be at CEDIA -- which sounds like a good match to us, especially if Runco delivers on its promise to show off a new "benchmark" front projection product. No doubt it'll be something beyond our tax bracket (ditto for the Crestron gear), but we'll try to get a look at what Runco's cooking up when we go through the exhibition hall.

Update: The original source article has been pulled, but a check with Crestron confirms that there is no formal CEDIA collaboration between Crestron and Runco/Planar. For its part, Runco plans to make an official announcement regarding its CEDIA plans in the next few days. Stay tuned!

Filed under: , , , , ,

Crestron makes room in its CEDIA booth for Runco, Planar (update: Runco not in Crestron booth, CEDIA plans forthcoming) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cediacedia 2009Cedia2009crestroneconomyhdothersplanarplasmaprojectorrecessionruncoWed, 29 Jul 2009 18:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple, record labels working to spur album sales with interactive goodies, tablet due this September?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/27/apple-record-labels-reportedly-working-to-spur-album-sales-with/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/27/apple-record-labels-reportedly-working-to-spur-album-sales-with/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/27/apple-record-labels-reportedly-working-to-spur-album-sales-with/#comments
Let's face it, folks -- the CD insert is no longer "the new hotness." And besides, those wacky PDFs included with iTunes album purchases never did much more than take up valuable hard drive space anyway, right?. In an effort to get consumers to stop buying single tracks and start buying more filler entire albums, Apple has reportedly joined forces with EMI, Sony Music, Warner Music and Universal Music Group in a project that's being codenamed "Cocktail." Financial Times is reporting that said initiative is considering adding "interactive booklets, sleeve notes and other interactive features with music downloads," with one executive familiar with the situation saying that "it's not just a bunch of PDFs; there's real engagement with the ancillary stuff." Of course, all of this should still be taken with a pinch of salt for now, as even the music companies mentioned above refused to comment. And given the tremendous indifference consumers have shown with that other interactive tech that's being pushed so hard right now, we're not even sure it'll have the desired effect.

In related news, another sect of folks "briefed on the project" have stated that these new content deals could be launched alongside a new, full-featured "tablet-sized computer in time for the Christmas shopping season, in what the entertainment industry hopes will be a new revolution." Adding fuel to the already raging fire, the report asserts that the "touch-sensitive device... will have a screen that may be up to ten inches diagonally," and while it will "connect to the internet like the iPod touch, it'll probably [do so] without phone capabilities." You do know that Apple has been good for a music / iPod-related event right around September the past few years, right?

[Via AppleInsider]

Filed under: ,

Apple, record labels working to spur album sales with interactive goodies, tablet due this September? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 01:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple tabletAppleTabletcocktaileconomyemigrowthitmsitunesitunes music storeItunesMusicStoremusicportable audioportableaudiorumorsalessonytablettablet pcTabletPcuniversalwarnerMon, 27 Jul 2009 01:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's Wii MotionPlus selling well, and Wii Sports Resort ain't even out yet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/19/nintendos-wii-motionplus-selling-well-and-wii-sports-resort-ai/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/19/nintendos-wii-motionplus-selling-well-and-wii-sports-resort-ai/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/19/nintendos-wii-motionplus-selling-well-and-wii-sports-resort-ai/#comments
For a device that took a solid year to go from "debuting at E3" to "shipping," we're pretty surprised to see that Nintendo's Wii MotionPlus held as much steam as it did. With overall video game sales dropping in June for the first time since 2000 (when looking at year-over-year figures, anyway), the Big N still had a few hundred thousand reasons to smile. Aside from the 361,700 Wii consoles and 766,500 DS units that shipped in June, the company also managed to sell 169,000 Wii MotionPlus dongles -- and that's not including the ones that were packaged with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10, of which 272,400 units were sold. The real kicker, however, is that the accessory's real partner in crime (that'd be Wii Sports Resort) has yet to be released. It's good to be king, ain't it Mario?

Filed under:

Nintendo's Wii MotionPlus selling well, and Wii Sports Resort ain't even out yet originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Jul 2009 03:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economygamingmicrosoftmotionplusnintendoplaystation 3Playstation3ps3recessionsalessonyvideo gamevideo gamesVideoGameVideoGameswiiwii motionplusWiiMotionplusxboxxbox 360Xbox360Sun, 19 Jul 2009 03:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Belkin kills the FlyWire -- does wireless HD / HDMI even have a chance?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/16/belkin-kills-the-flywire-does-wireless-hd-hdmi-even-have-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/16/belkin-kills-the-flywire-does-wireless-hd-hdmi-even-have-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/16/belkin-kills-the-flywire-does-wireless-hd-hdmi-even-have-a/#comments We sort of saw the writing on the wall, but now Belkin has went and made it official: the FlyWire is dead. Originally showcased at CES 2008 and at practically every AV-related trade show since, the wireless HD-enabling FlyWire was seen as the poster child for wireless HD / HDMI by many, and the death of this product certainly doesn't bode well for the technology as a whole. It's true that AMIMON -- the wireless startup responsible for the WHDI technology within the FlyWire and a few other devices -- just landed an extra $10 million in VC funding, but still, we've literally been waiting years for this so-called "promising technology" to get a foothold in the market. Or even make a wave, really.

As has become customary these days, Belkin is also pinning the cancellation of the FlyWire on the economy, with a spokesperson telling us that the "retail price of $1,499 would be out of line given the current state of the economy." She continued by stating that the company has "opted to halt production of FlyWire" and "will no longer be introducing [it] to the market." Granted, the company does seem somewhat apologetic, concluding that "there will be some disappointed folks out there, but [Belkin's] end goal is to introduce products that are accessible and that make sense in the current environment."


Frankly, we're not buying it. In April, Belkin affirmed to us that while AMIMON's WDHI technology was "solid," it was taking its sweet time in order to "pay very close attention to the user experience, such as the packaging, setup, and the quick install guide." We could be way off base here, but we'd say the economy was sucking quite a bit harder in April than it is today. And honestly, that's beside the point. A $1,500 device that enabled a Blu-ray player to communicate wirelessly with an HDTV is obviously a luxury item, and regardless of unemployment numbers, Belkin had to know that the FlyWire would only appeal to upscale consumers. You know, the same folks who also put in an order for a Ferrari California in 1H 2009 while their hedge fund dived.

To us, the sudden death of the FlyWire is more of an industry signal than anything. For quite some while, we've been wondering when the industry at large would embrace wireless HD and HDMI technology, and now we're beginning to think that said embrace will never happen in any significant capacity. Even Wireless USB couldn't cut it, and we're guessing there are an awful lot more USB users out there than HDMI. If the price dropped dramatically and the sector consolidated a bit in order to agree on a single standard, we'd say wireless HD / HDMI has a fighting chance. 'Til that happens, you can pretty much bank on the FlyWire fiasco becoming a model for the rest. Belkin's statement in full is past the break.

Continue reading Belkin kills the FlyWire -- does wireless HD / HDMI even have a chance?

Filed under: , ,

Belkin kills the FlyWire -- does wireless HD / HDMI even have a chance? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amimonbelkincancelcancelleddelaydelayedeconomyflywirehdother formatsotherformatsrecessionWHDIwireless hdwireless hdmiWirelessHdWirelessHdmiThu, 16 Jul 2009 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Belkin kills the FlyWire -- does wireless HD / HDMI even have a chance?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/16/belkin-kills-the-flywire-does-wireless-hd-hdmi-even-have-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/16/belkin-kills-the-flywire-does-wireless-hd-hdmi-even-have-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/16/belkin-kills-the-flywire-does-wireless-hd-hdmi-even-have-a/#comments We sort of saw the writing on the wall, but now Belkin has went and made it official: the FlyWire is dead. Originally showcased at CES 2008 and at practically every AV-related trade show since, the wireless HD-enabling FlyWire was seen as the poster child for wireless HD / HDMI by many, and the death of this product certainly doesn't bode well for the technology as a whole. It's true that AMIMON -- the wireless startup responsible for the WHDI technology within the FlyWire and a few other devices -- just landed an extra $10 million in VC funding, but still, we've literally been waiting years for this so-called "promising technology" to get a foothold in the market. Or even make a wave, really.

As has become customary these days, Belkin is also pinning the cancellation of the FlyWire on the economy, with a spokesperson telling us that the "retail price of $1,499 would be out of line given the current state of the economy." She continued by stating that the company has "opted to halt production of FlyWire" and "will no longer be introducing [it] to the market." Granted, the company does seem somewhat apologetic, concluding that "there will be some disappointed folks out there, but [Belkin's] end goal is to introduce products that are accessible and that make sense in the current environment."


Frankly, we're not buying it. In April, Belkin affirmed to us that while AMIMON's WDHI technology was "solid," it was taking its sweet time in order to "pay very close attention to the user experience, such as the packaging, setup, and the quick install guide." We could be way off base here, but we'd say the economy was sucking quite a bit harder in April than it is today. And honestly, that's beside the point. A $1,500 device that enabled a Blu-ray player to communicate wirelessly with an HDTV is obviously a luxury item, and regardless of unemployment numbers, Belkin had to know that the FlyWire would only appeal to upscale consumers. You know, the same folks who also put in an order for a Ferrari California in 1H 2009 while their hedge fund dived.

To us, the sudden death of the FlyWire is more of an industry signal than anything. For quite some while, we've been wondering when the industry at large would embrace wireless HD and HDMI technology, and now we're beginning to think that said embrace will never happen in any significant capacity. Even Wireless USB couldn't cut it, and we're guessing there are an awful lot more USB users out there than HDMI. If the price dropped dramatically and the sector consolidated a bit in order to agree on a single standard, we'd say wireless HD / HDMI has a fighting chance. 'Til that happens, you can pretty much bank on the FlyWire fiasco becoming a model for the rest. Belkin's statement in full is past the break.

Continue reading Belkin kills the FlyWire -- does wireless HD / HDMI even have a chance?

Filed under: , ,

Belkin kills the FlyWire -- does wireless HD / HDMI even have a chance? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amimonbelkincancelcancelleddelaydelayedeconomyflywirehdtvrecessionWHDIwireless hdwireless hdmiWirelessHdWirelessHdmiThu, 16 Jul 2009 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Tough economy sidelines D&M Holdings, Planar at CEDIA Expo 2009]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/04/tough-economy-sidelines-dandm-holdings-planar-at-cedia-expo-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/04/tough-economy-sidelines-dandm-holdings-planar-at-cedia-expo-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/04/tough-economy-sidelines-dandm-holdings-planar-at-cedia-expo-2009/#commentsCEDIA Expo 2009, no D&M, Planar
If you thought the well-to-do crowd wasn't feeling the pinch from the rotten economy, consider this -- D&M is not going to be at CEDIA Expo 2009 in a couple of months. You know, the show that features pricey, high-end custom install toys. Not being able to get our paws on the latest toys from Denon, Marantz, McIntosh, Boston Acoustics, Snell and Escient breaks our hearts, but D&M has decided to commit its resources to dealer training (and promotions, we hope); all the better to drive new customer sales. To be clear, D&M will have a presence at CEDIA, it just won't be on the Expo floor -- meetings will be by appointment only. We're just keeping our fingers crossed that similar measures won't have to be taken at CES in January. Planar (and by association, Runco) may take a similar CEDIA approach, not entirely surprising given its recent performance.

Filed under:

Tough economy sidelines D&M Holdings, Planar at CEDIA Expo 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boston acousticsBostonAcousticscediacedia 2009Cedia2009dandmdandmholdingsdenoneconomyescienthdmarantzmcintoshplanarruncosnellSat, 04 Jul 2009 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[SanDisk CEO concedes: "You can't out-iPod the iPod"]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/sandisk-ceo-concedes-you-cant-out-ipod-the-ipod/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/sandisk-ceo-concedes-you-cant-out-ipod-the-ipod/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/sandisk-ceo-concedes-you-cant-out-ipod-the-ipod/#comments
It's a truth that many open-minded observers have known for awhile now: Apple rules the roost in the portable media player market, and everyone else is just trying to keep up. Sorry, but it's true. So true, in fact, that SanDisk's own CEO has finally come forward to admit it, recently stating in a Fortune interview that "you can't out-iPod the iPod." And believe us, such a statement probably wasn't easy for Mr. Eli Harari to make. Remember, this is the same fellow that spent boatloads of dough on an "iDon't" anti-iPod campaign back in 2006. 'Course, SanDisk is still a (very distant) second place in the sector, and its flash memory is used in all manners of PMP devices. Still, it's a huge relief to finally hear the mastermind behind slotMusic confess that he doesn't actually believe such gimmicks will put it on a fast track to first place. Then again, crazier things have happened.

[Image courtesy of dnorton]

Filed under: ,

SanDisk CEO concedes: "You can't out-iPod the iPod" originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebusinessceodapeconomyindustryipodmp3 playerMp3Playerportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideosandisksansaThu, 04 Jun 2009 08:43:00 EST<![CDATA[GM says bankruptcy won't affect the Volt, but how much say does it have?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/gm-says-bankruptcy-wont-affect-the-volt-but-how-much-say-does/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/gm-says-bankruptcy-wont-affect-the-volt-but-how-much-say-does/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/gm-says-bankruptcy-wont-affect-the-volt-but-how-much-say-does/#comments
As General Motors finally caved this morning, waved the white flag and filed for bankruptcy, those following electric cars immediately wondered what this all would mean for the long-awaited Volt. For years now, GM has steadfastly affirmed that it was moving forward with production regardless of what else was going on within the company and the economy at large. According to Technology Review, a GM spokesperson confirmed again this morning that "the filing will have no impact on the company's plans to start selling the Volt at the end of next year." That said, we have to wonder how much such a statement really means; reports have stated that the US government may up holding as much as 60 percent of the company, and if the primary goal is to bring the outfit back to profitability as soon as possible, Obama and Company may not feel that pouring even more into the high-priced Volt is a good idea. In related news, we hear Tesla is still taking orders...

Update: GM has pushed out an official statement that (in a few words) also suggests that the Volt is still on track.

Filed under:

GM says bankruptcy won't affect the Volt, but how much say does it have? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobilebankruptbankruptcycarchevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVolteco-friendlyeconomyelectric carElectricCargeneral motorsGeneralMotorsGMgreenplug-inplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridproductionvehicleVoltMon, 01 Jun 2009 13:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Systemax relaunches Circuit City's website, this time with feeling ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/23/systemax-relaunches-circuit-citys-website-this-time-with-feeli/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/23/systemax-relaunches-circuit-citys-website-this-time-with-feeli/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/23/systemax-relaunches-circuit-citys-website-this-time-with-feeli/#comments
After shelling out some $6.5 million, you had to know that Systemax planned on doing something with Circuit City's trademarks and internet domain names. As of today, CircuitCity.com is back and better than ever, carrying on the legacy of a name that became synonymous with overpriced consumer electronics for nearly six decades. Of course, this doesn't mean that any Circuit City retail stores will be re-opening, but at least the brand is living on in the world wide web. The wonders of the internet: I Can Has Cheezburger?, Twitter and the continuation of an icon that would otherwise be six feet underground.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under:

Systemax relaunches Circuit City's website, this time with feeling originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 23 May 2009 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptbankruptcybrandcircuit cityCircuitCityeconomylaunchmarketingonlinerelaunchretailsalesSystemaxtiger directTigerDirectwebsiteSat, 23 May 2009 17:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Red is the new black as Panasonic joins Sony in posting annual losses]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/19/red-is-the-new-black-as-panasonic-joins-sony-in-posting-annual-l/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/19/red-is-the-new-black-as-panasonic-joins-sony-in-posting-annual-l/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/19/red-is-the-new-black-as-panasonic-joins-sony-in-posting-annual-l/#commentsPanasonic logoThe corporate cultures at Panasonic and Sony are quite different, but the two companies now have something in common -- annual losses for the first time in a long time. At seven years long, Panasonic's run of profitability was only half that of Sony's, but this economy doesn't discriminate -- Panasonic wrapped up the fiscal year in March with parentheses surrounding a ¥444 billion ($4.6 billion) figure. All the product sectors we love -- TVs, digicams, appliances and semiconductors -- are hurting, falling short of the previous year's sales figures by 14.4-percent. With cost-cutting a top priority for the coming year, Panasonic's plasma TVs will have to pull in some numbers to avoid the axe -- we're hoping the NeoPDPs are as much of a hit with consumers as they are with reviewers.

Filed under: ,

Red is the new black as Panasonic joins Sony in posting annual losses originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 May 2009 09:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesseconomyhdpanasonicTue, 19 May 2009 09:23:00 EST<![CDATA[SGI name lives on after $42.5 million sale to Rackable Systems]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/sgi-name-lives-on-after-42-5-million-sale-to-rackable-systems/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/sgi-name-lives-on-after-42-5-million-sale-to-rackable-systems/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/sgi-name-lives-on-after-42-5-million-sale-to-rackable-systems/#commentsAs you know, Rackable Systems was originally hoping to acquire the one-time king of the 3D set for $25 million (with some speculating that even that was a bit much), but it looks like the bankruptcy judges had other plans. Now that the dust has settled (and a check has been cut for almost twice the original asking price) it looks like the two companies will finally merge, forming an outfit called... SGI. The newly minted Silicon Graphics International hopes to combine the strong server business of Rackable with the original Silicon Graphics Inc. name (and overseas service contracts), inspiring the same sort of technological alchemy that once brought the iconic brand to the silver screen by way of such fine cinematic fare as First Kid. In addition, SGI plans continued development and support for the existing Silicon Graphics and Rackable product lines. Quite frankly, we really don't care what they do, as long as they bring back the Indigo -- back in the day we would have killed for one of those bad boys.

Filed under:

SGI name lives on after $42.5 million sale to Rackable Systems originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 May 2009 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptbankruptcychapter 11Chapter11deadeconomygraphics computersGraphicsComputersindigoindyirisirixkillkilledlinuxRackable SystemsRackableSystemsripsgisilicon graphicssilicon graphics inc.silicon graphics internationalSiliconGraphicsInc.SiliconGraphicsInternationalunixworkstationsTue, 12 May 2009 10:33:00 EST