apple computer – Steve Blum's Blog

Samsung ready to be crowned King of the Elephants

2 January 2013 by Steve Blum
amazon, apple computer, CES2019, consumer electronics, google, huawei, lg, microsoft, mobile, samsung

The “four elephants” of the mobile electronics industry – if not the entire tech world – are Apple, Google, Microsoft and Samsung, as Tae Hea Nahm, founding general partner of Storm Ventures put it at a recent Wireless Communications Alliance event. They’re prepared to do “whatever it takes to win.”

Samsung is positioned to take honors as lead bull at CES next week, if only by default. Apple and Microsoft won’t be there. Google is relying on partners like LG and, maybe, Intel to build buzz.… More

Mobile phone disruption coming soon to a TV near you

6 January 2010 by Steve Blum
app store, apple computer, CES2019, consumer electronics, developers, mobile, mobile broadband, samsung, software

“If you like developing for a 3-inch screen, I have a 55-inch screen for you,” challenged Tim Baxter, president of Samsung Electronics America, as he invited mobile application developers into the world of television. Speaking at the Consumer Electronics Show, he introduced Samsung Apps, a consolidated app store for televisions, mobile phones and Blu-ray players.

You’re welcomeSamsung is a major mobile phone and television manufacturer, with a mobile phone app store already serving subscribers in Europe and Korea.… More

Carriers can't rock and roll

6 October 2009 by Steve Blum
apple computer, att, ctia, mobile, verizon

AT&T’s Rob Hyatt and Verizon’s Ed Ruth spoke today about the music business at the Mobile Entertainment conference at the CTIA show in San Diego. Neither were upbeat about their success to date, and both seemed to be waiting for something to happen. They seemed to define that something as “innovation” in the market place, but what they really seemed to want are innovations that allow them to keep music downloads and streaming within their walled gardens.… More

Live from CES Unveiled, pre-press day, Tuesday 6 January 2009

6 January 2009 by Steve Blum
apple computer, asus, blaupunkt, boxee, broadcom, CEA, CES2019, consumer electronics, hd radio, igo, Intel, lenovo, msi, novatel wireless, powermat, sigma, truphone

Last to first, real time tweets from Las Vegas…

Tethering is deciding battle between mobile carriers & CE industry. CE guys don’t get it, think it’s a tech problem. It’s the money!
Novatel Wireless hasn’t signed any carriers yet. Expects to Real Soon Now. If they do, it’s a significant market signal re tethering.
Novatel Wireless also into tethering. Selling gizmo combining mobile data card, embedded Linux, WiFi tethering. Serves 5 users at once.
Blaupunkt has Internet car radio.

… More

Recession Can't Hurt Consumer Electronics Retailers. They're Already Dead.

31 December 2008 by Steve Blum
apple computer, best buy, CES2019, circuit city, consumer electronics, consumer electronics retailing, macworld, retailing, showstoppers, superstores

21st Century retailing will be governed by a new Iron Triangle:

Consumer information.
Volume selling.
Physical presence.

Online retailers have inexhaustible information and limitless volume. Consumers save time and money.

Big box retailers have as much volume, and a physical presence that allows consumers to touch and feel products however they choose, and have the instant gratification of an on-the-spot purchase. Customers stay in control.

Manufacturers can sit back and enjoy the ride, or they can build the value of their brands by combining their ultimate control of information with a physical and/or virtual presence that promotes a direct personal relationship with consumers.… More