<February 8, 2012> Several reports of new iTV “sightings” have emerged around the Internet with many coming out of Canada as Apple is said to have submitted samples of its latest innovation – a revolutionary new television design – to various testing agencies for approval. [Read more…] about New Wave of Apple iTV Rumors Circulate as Industry Remains on Edge Waiting for Launch
Brands
Samsung & LG Outline Aggressive TV Biz Growth Plans
<February 8, 2012> Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics, Inc. plan to launch aggressive expansion of their flat panel television divisions in 2012, according to a new report in the Nikkei. And these aggressive plans contrast sharply with those of Japanese television manufacturers, who are looking for ways to cut their overhead in a search for profitability. [Read more…] about Samsung & LG Outline Aggressive TV Biz Growth Plans
S&P Cuts Sony’s Credit Rating to Just Above Junk, Issues Negative Outlook
<February 8, 2012> Credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s today cut the long-term debt rating on Sony Corporation to BBB+, just two notches above “junk” status, and further issued a negative outlook which suggests a potential further drop in the future. In a statement, S&P said that “the likelihood of a strong recovery in Sony’s earnings is low.” [Read more…] about S&P Cuts Sony’s Credit Rating to Just Above Junk, Issues Negative Outlook
Super Bowl Ads – Most Were Not So Super
<February 8, 2012> The Super Bowl for us this year was a doubly exciting event. Why? Well first, the New York Football Giants, our favorite NFL team, was one of the participants. And if you didn’t hear – the Giants WON!!! Secondly, as marketers, we look forward to the advertisements, as this event has come to have “super” meaning to the advertising industry as well. [Read more…] about Super Bowl Ads – Most Were Not So Super
Only Months Later, Pioneer Launches the Next Generation of Its Popular AppRadio
>> See a slideshow of the Pioneer 2012 CES Press Conference here… <<
<February 1, 2012> Pioneer Electronics USA, Inc. surprised everyone only months ago in the summer of last year with their launch of a radical new product called the AppRadio [ see our story on the original AppRadio here ]. Now, only a matter of months later, the company has hustled to get out a muscled next generation version called AppRadio 2. [Read more…] about Only Months Later, Pioneer Launches the Next Generation of Its Popular AppRadio
House of Marley Stages a Not-So-Quiet Revolution
>> See a slideshow of photos from the House of Marley Booth at CES here… <<
<January 31, 2012> Still early in its development, House of Marley, LLC has quickly, if not quietly, staged a rapid business ramp-up – building its product assortment, expanding its distribution network, and growing its fan base. If you haven’t been paying attention – you may have been blissfully fooled by their laid-back, reggae-inspired back-beat…but make no mistake, this is serious business. [Read more…] about House of Marley Stages a Not-So-Quiet Revolution
Soul by Ludacris Shows Party in a Box
<January 25, 2012> First revealed by the ALERT just after the 2010 CEDIA Expo, Soul by Ludacris at CES showed their remarkable product with a funny name, the Party In A Box. [ See original story here…]Sort of a boombox on steroids, PIAB was meant to re-invent boomboxes adding in today’s new technologies and taking the street beat to a whole new level. [Read more…] about Soul by Ludacris Shows Party in a Box
Though Ink Not Yet Dry on Gibson Deal, Onkyo Launches Another Partnership with Teac
<January 22, 2012> Just days after news reports of the formation of a strategic partnership between Osaka, Japan-based Onkyo Corporation and Nashville, Tennessee-based Gibson Guitar Corporation – a new report by the Nikkei says that Onkyo has now formed yet another new strategic partnership with Teac Corporation. While details are sketchy, apparently the two reached an agreement this past Friday, January 20th. [Read more…] about Though Ink Not Yet Dry on Gibson Deal, Onkyo Launches Another Partnership with Teac
End of an Era, Onkyo Halts Production of Loudspeakers in Japan
<January 22, 2012> On Thursday, the Nikkei said it had learned that Onkyo Corporation has decided to cease production of loudspeaker systems in Japan. This decision ends several decades of domestic production of a product category in which Onkyo not only had a great reputation for quality, but also leading market share. [Read more…] about End of an Era, Onkyo Halts Production of Loudspeakers in Japan
Onkyo & Gibson CEO’s Give the ALERT the Inside Scoop on their New Partnership
Gibson Guitar Becomes Exclusive U.S. Distributor of Onkyo & Integra Brands
<January 18, 2012> As one of a select (and very small) group of reporters invited to a hastily-arranged private audience with the CEO’s of both Gibson Guitar Corp. and Onkyo Corp. to discuss their recently announced strategic alliance, I was intrigued. The interview was held on a custom Gibson tour bus literally and figuratively…as the Gibson CEO clearly drove the discussion. [Read more…] about Onkyo & Gibson CEO’s Give the ALERT the Inside Scoop on their New Partnership
