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News
Issue #2002 - 02 (January 2002)
(Updated Jan.16, 2002)
TECHNOLOGY
Consumer Electronics Show 2002 in
Las Vegas: Highlights
The International 2002 Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas from January 8 to 11, 2002, was ablaze in hype fuelled by high-doses of optimism from among the 1,800-plus-technology companies exhibiting.
The Consumer Electronics Association was the first to ignite the flame of optimism with its announcement that the total sales for consumer electronics in the U.S. for 2001 hit $93.2-billion, and it is projecting $95.7-billion for 2002.
Convinced that the baby boomers are now ready to settle down at home, wireless vendors were out in force showcasing their products for "cocooning."
Moxi Box
Generating the most buzz this year was the Moxi Box from Moxi. This set-top box promises to handle all the consumer's home entertainment
passions wirelessly. Based on the Linux operating system, the Moxi Media Center set-top box combines satellite or cable receiver, jukebox, video recorder, DVD player, and gateway; however, the company doesn't expect to start shipping until late 2002.
Smart Phones
A number of smart phones were
introduced - many of these units will ship during 2002.
Wireless Networking
Vying for attention were the two rival home network standards: 802.11b and HomeRF.
Linksys unveiled its new wireless and home networking products. For example, Instant Wireless Ethernet Workgroup Bridge based on 802.11b technology enables any network device with an Ethernet port to go wireless, including PCs, Internet appliances, gaming consoles and entertainment hardware such as Replay TV.
In-Car
For some, their car is their home away from home. Comworxx showcased its Port-IT, a voice-activated telephone unit that provides navigation assistance and hands-free Web-browsing, which is being shipped this quarter.
Motorola introduced its Bluetooth Car Kit, which will switch a driver's Bluetooth 1.1 compatible mobile handset from traditional handheld to hands-free operation immediately upon entering their car.
For more information: Go to the following items :
(Additional sources CNN and NewsFactor)
Mobileinfo Comments & Advisory: Like November Comdex,
CES this year was low key. Convergence of devices will continue at
different levels - between voice and data, between wireless and IT,
and between entertainment and utility functionality. Devices are
still evolving with no clear form factor emerging for a while.
Note: This news release may contain
forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in
developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology
architectures. All trademarks used in this summary are
the property of their respective owners.
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