SiriusXM Adding Wi-Fi & Bluetooth – SiriusXM 2.0 service will offer in the fourth quarter of this year Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 25% more bandwidth to deliver more channels – which initially will only be available via two new aftermarket mobile radios due late this year. One of the major automakers will be offering 2.0 service by mid-2012 thru a new satellite radio. Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth could be used to communicate with SiriusXM servers thru a user’s cellphone or a vehicle’s embedded telematics system to personalize the service. 2.0-compatible tuners will be software-upgradable to add new features without consumers having to replace hardware. Early in 2012 the service will add on-demand music and talk. The increase in bandwidth will enable the company to deliver an increase in Hispanic-oriented content. New music and comedy channels will also be added. The SiriusXM subscriber base hit a record 21 million at the end of the half, which they attributed to an increase in U.S. light vehicle sales and increasing new-vehicle penetration.
Audio Recording App Added to TV-streaming Devices – The Canada-based marketers of connected TV streaming entertainment devices, Lookee TV, is adding an app for DVR-like recording of Internet-delivered audio content to its family of devices. Users can record netcasters’ programs and music to a free 2GB online content locker storage system maintained by DAR.fm partner MP3tunes. Lookee TV currently offers both 4.3-inch and 7-inch LCD HD desktop players, a 4.3-inch LCD portable player, and an HD set-top Internet TV box. All can achieve large-screen video playback at up to 72op HD resolution. Other functions of the devices include an FM radio, a dual alarm clock, a photo slide show player, and content streaming from a PC via UPnP function. Their 4.3-inch desktop player has an SRP of $180.
Top CE Manufacturers’ Losses – Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic and Logitech have all reported larger than expected first-quarter net losses.
Sony Adds Bluetooth to Walkmans – New Walkman-series MP3-video players shipping next month will include models with embedded Bluetooth stereo to stream music to Bluetooth-equipped home and car stereo systems and Bluetooth headphones. All models have color LCD screens. All three series have built-in voice recording with integrated mike, and new Media Go PC software to transfer music, videos, playlists and photos to the Walkman players. Users an also drag and drop unprotected music to the devices from iTunes for Windows, the Windows Media Player or Windows Explorer. A suite of Clear Audio Technologies software can improve sound quality, bookmark with multiple playlists, have a karaoke mode, and SensMe – which categorizes stored tracks by mood.
CE Distributor Capitol Now Handles Harman/Kardon – Consumer electronic products marketed under the Harman/Kardon, JBL and AKG banners will now be handled by Capitol distributors in Minnesota. Their strategic development director said “Audiophiles and everyday consumers alike equate the Harman name with some of the best CE products in the business.”
Panasonic Bows 3D HD Home Projector – Panasonic Solutions will begin shipping next month a new video projector using transparent LCD panel technology driver at 480Hz. The PR-AE7000U delivers full HD 1920 c 1080 pixel resolution and significantly lowers crosstalk in 3D applications. It has a 300,000:1 contrast ratio and 2000 lumens of brightness, can produce both 2D and 3D HD images, and requires active-shutter glass for 3D. SRP is $3500.
Wayne Shorter – In Memoriam
Rememberance of the artist
