| March 8, 2013 | News covering the consumer electronics industry |
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| Today's Digital Pulse |  |  |
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- Nvidia offers SDKs for the Sony PlayStation 4
Nvidia will support Sony's PlayStation 4 console with its APEX and PhysX software development kits, although the PS4 doesn't contain any Nvidia chips. "Great physics technology is essential for delivering a better gaming experience and multiplatform support is critical for developers. With PhysX and APEX support for PlayStation 4, customers can look forward to better games," Nvidia's Mike Skolones said. XBitLabs.com
(3/7)      
| CE in the Home | | |
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- Sookbox Server offers a cloud-like experience in the home
 The Sookbox Server, with pricing expected to be around $1,000, is a media server with 16 audio outputs, Ethernet connectivity, four HDMI outputs and 2 terabytes of data storage. It comes with content management software and a Web browser. Sookbox plans to offer a companion product, the Stream Runner -- $20 to $50 -- for adding devices to the Sookbox Server network. Availability wasn't disclosed, but the company is putting prospective buyers on a mailing list. ElectronicHouse.com
(3/7)
| Mobile Electronics | | |
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- Spotify, Volvo strike a deal for voice-activated music streaming
Spotify and Volvo have struck a deal to provide voice-activated streaming music through Volvo's in-dash Sensus Connected Touch system. Sensus differs from Ford Motor's Sync AppLink technology in that it integrates Spotify's software into the system, rather than providing a link between a Spotify application and the car radio. Sensus Connected Touch will be available for Volvo vehicles in May, it was said. TheNextWeb.com
(3/6)
- Best Buy drops car audio expeditor program for auto dealers
After a year's trial, Best Buy is ending its program to sell car audio products directly to automobile dealerships and auto fleet managers, in conjunction with the Car Toys retail chain. A Best Buy spokesperson said, "Our focus is on our core business as we work to turn around our company and increase shareholder value. The Mobile Electronics Commercial work was outside of our core business focus and the decision was made to end the program." The retailer plans to continue to sell car audio products to consumers. CEOutlook.com
(3/8)
| Tech News | | |
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- SXSW draws the digerati to Texas
 The annual South by Southwest Interactive conference in Austin, Texas, is expected to attract about 25,000 attendees eager to experience the latest in digital technology. While mobile applications and Web services have dominated the SXSW conference in recent years, this year computer hardware is expected to get the most attention, Geoffrey Fowler writes in this analysis. Gadgets from Google, Jawbone, Leap Motion, Memoto and Nike are already generating anticipation and buzz, he notes. The Wall Street Journal
(3/7)
| Retail Trends | | |
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- Amazon and Apple patents could lead to digital-content swapping
Amazon recently gained a patent to set up an exchange for sharing digital material, and Apple has filed for a similar patent, raising the possibility that consumers will be able to share used e-books and other digital content, potentially driving down the price. "In the short term, it's great for consumers," said Bill Rosenblatt, president of technology consultancy GiantSteps. "Over the long term, however, it could seriously reduce creators' incentive to create." The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
(3/7)
- J.D. Power: The faster the phone, the more consumers spend
Fast, reliable connections on wireless networks often lead to customers spending more on their wireless service, according to a study by J.D. Power and Associates. "Monthly wireless spending is considerably higher among customers who experience fewer problems with slower connections speeds," the report states. Telecompetitor.com
(3/7)
- Nook Video seals content-licensing deals
Barnes & Noble's Nook Video service has secured content deals with studios including Lionsgate, MGM, Paramount Pictures, Relativity Media, National Geographic, Little Pim and Film Buff. Users pay between $4.99 and $14.99 to rent or buy content, much of which has UltraViolet functionality. Home Media Magazine
(3/7)
| CEA Zap | | |
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CEA at SXSW: We are Innovation
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® is heading to Austin, Texas, for South by Southwest (SXSW®). We'll be speaking, exhibiting, networking and sharing how we are helping grow the consumer electronics industry and promoting innovation. There will be many opportunities for attendees to learn more about CEA's initiatives and how we can help your business. If you are around on March 9, join us at Tech Cocktail's SXSW Startup Celebration sponsored by CEA and .CO. Visit us on the show floor, March 10 to 13, at the Austin Convention Center, Booth #423. Want to hear our executives' thoughts on innovation? On March 11, hear Gary Shapiro discuss CEA's latest book, "Ninja Innovation: The Ten Killer Strategies of the World's Most Successful Businesses," or Michael Petricone on March 16 when he moderates a panel, "So We Won SOPA: Turning a Moment into a Movement." Check out our latest blog post for more details on all of these events. See you in Austin!
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CEA revising mobile electronics cabling and mobile amplifier standards
CEA's Portable, Handheld and In-Vehicle Electronics Committee has begun work on revisions to ANSI/CEA-2015, "Mobile Electronics Cabling Standard," and ANSI/CEA-2006-B, "Testing & Measurement Methods for Mobile Audio Amplifiers." The first standard defines the size, conductor resistivity and strand count requirements for CEA wire gauges. The second defines characteristics that, considered collectively, describe the performance of mobile power amplifiers for consumers. It is the basis for the CEA-2006 product mark program. To get involved in the CEA-2015 effort, join R6 WG14. To get involved in the CEA-2006 effort, join R6 WG10.
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CEA's members-only website
CEA corporate membership gives your company access to a multitude of resources and the best place to access these resources is via the members-only website. Here, members can learn about what our member groups are doing; how to get involved on one of our many working groups, committees, councils and division boards; how to get FREE access to a ton of market research made searchable using the SearchLink tool; and so much more! Not a CEA member? Join today.
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