Consumer Electronics Show (CES)

January 8-11, 2007

IMC recently attended the Consumer Electronics Show and made the following observations:

• Digital Products International (GPX, Inc.) debuted its Crayola branded products.

• Microsoft was one of the few American-based corporate brands and trademarks exhibiting. 

• The For Dummies brand continues to grow, introducing products along with their books in conjunction with partners like Sakar international and Bell’O.

• Chinese brands like Haier and Lenovo showed off award winning products, continuing to make a name for themselves outside the Great Wall.

• Honda unveiled the latest iteration of its Asimo robot with enhanced mobility including the ability to run and turn in circles in front of a huge crowd of onlookers.

New Products on Show

• LG introduced the first player capable of playing both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs.

• Powercast uses the energy from a transmitted RF signal to power small, battery-operated devices like cell phones, wireless PC peripherals, and hearing aids.

• Sync, a Microsoft powered service developed in collaboration with Ford that will be a fully-integrated, flash memory-based system that enables drivers to call hands-free and to control a range of digital audio via voice commands and buttons mounted on the steering wheel available.
• Personal Navigation Devices were everywhere – with 56 companies exhibiting including surprise entries in this category from familiar names like Polaroid
• One relatively unknown brand in the personal navigation space is the Mio Digiwalker from Mio Technologies.  It combines handheld personal navigation with a digital entertainment device that includes a player for MP3, video, photos and 4 games.

Licensing Trends and Thoughts

Major brands continue to dominate the main categories, with licensees finding opportunities in peripherals and accessories. Dozens of Apple licensees are competing for your I-Pod accessory dollars. Brands like Crayola, Playskool, and Fisher Price are leading the way into lifestyle electronics for children.