Consumer Electronics Daily News

Sony Electronics to Launch New Retail Space, 'Sony Experience at Best Buy,' in approximately 350 Stores Nationwide

Sony Electronics will be opening new home theater retail spaces at approximately 350 Best Buy locations nationwide. The 'Sony Experience at Best Buy' shop-in-shops will provide consumers with a best-in-class shopping experience through enhanced fixtures, interactive demonstration areas and dedicated, knowledgeable Sony Experience Experts.
"We welcome consumers to experience the best of Sony with a premium and unique shopping experience at Best Buy," said Mike Fasulo, President and COO of Sony Electronics, "With user-friendly, interactive demonstration experiences and a dedicated team of Best Buy product experts trained to deliver a world-class experience, the Sony Experience at Best Buy will be an ideal place to inspire, engage and educate consumers about Sony's home theater products."
"The Sony Experience will give consumers a shopping experience unlike anything before," said Mike Mohan, Best Buy's Chief Merchandising Officer. "Sony's 4K Ultra HD televisions have to be seen to be believed. Our newly transformed home theater areas will, for the first time, allow customers to test, try and experience how all of the Sony products work together."
The 'Sony Experience at Best Buy' will deliver an exceptional home theater experience and will showcase a comprehensive selection of Sony's TV line-up, from entry level HDTVs to premium 4K Ultra HD TVs. The retail space will highlight a full 4K Ultra HD solution for consumers, including Sony's 4K Ultra HD TVs, 4K Ultra HD Media Players (FMP-X1 and FMP-X10) and 4K HandyCam camcorder (FDR-AX100), home theater sound solutions including sound bars, gaming solutions showcasing PlayStation 4 and more.
The 'Sony Experience at Best Buy' will offer consumers unique demonstration capabilities and an immersive shopping experience that will increase confidence in purchasing new technologies. Using touchscreens, visitors can control and engage with various content demonstrations on the TV wall. Users can compare 4K Ultra HD TVs alongside HDTVs with HD video and native 4k content, demonstrate all of Sony's superior technologies such as TRILUMINOS™ Display, explore broadcast TV and display Blu-ray™ quality content, all with the touch of their finger. For our consumers this will be an interactive environment that allows them to shop and compare products and features intuitively. The dedicated Sony Experience Experts will be certified and on-hand to assist and explain the benefits Sony products have to offer.
To address the online shopper, a Sony experience at BestBuy.com will be available to provide customers with a dedicated online space to learn about and shop the broad range of Sony home theater products.
The new 'Sony Experience at Best Buy' will begin deploying mid-May at Best Buy stores nationwide.

Visteon to Acquire Automotive Electronics Business of Johnson Controls for $265 Million in Cash

In a move that will create one of the world's three largest suppliers of vehicle cockpit electronics, Visteon Corporation has agreed to purchase the automotive electronics business of Johnson Controls in a cash transaction valued at $265 million, subject to adjustment. The acquisition is subject to certain regulatory and other consents and approvals and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2014. 

The acquisition will enhance Visteon's competitive position in the fast-growing vehicle cockpit electronics segment by strengthening its global scale, manufacturing and engineering footprint, product portfolio and customer penetration. The combined business will be a $3 billion global electronics enterprise with a No. 2 global position in driver information and above-average growth rates for the segment, supplying nine of the world's 10 largest vehicle manufacturers.

In the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2013, the business to be acquired by Visteon generated approximately $1.3 billion in revenue and about $58 million in EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization). This EBITDA includes a deduction of approximately $12 million for corporate allocations that will not transfer with the transaction. Visteon will assess the necessary addition of resources at its corporate center to support this operation. The transaction offers opportunities for long-term margin expansion through economies of scale, with estimated annual cost synergies reaching more than $40 million by 2017. The transaction will not impact the company's previously announced $1 billion share repurchase program, for which $875 million remains authorized.

Visteon President and CEO Timothy D. Leuliette said the transaction reinforces Visteon's commitment to cockpit electronics as one of Visteon's two core businesses, along with Halla Visteon Climate Control, the world's No. 2 automotive climate control supplier.

"We look forward to continuing on our path of value creation for customers and shareholders by integrating this highly regarded business into the Visteon Electronics family," Leuliette said. "This is a strong strategic fit with our existing electronics portfolio and gives us the worldwide scale and cost efficiencies needed to support vehicle manufacturers' global platforms and programs. It also diversifies our electronics customer base, solidifies our already strong global footprint, and brings new technologies, capabilities and outstanding engineers to help grow our business."

The business to be acquired from Johnson Controls provides automakers with driver information, infotainment, connectivity and body electronics products. The transaction involves about 4,800 employees, including about 1,000 engineers, electronics specialists and designers at seven research and development centers in Europe, North America and Asia. The business has a diversified customer base, with BMW, Honda, Renault-Nissan, PSA Peugeot-Citroen and Ford representing about 72 percent of its annual revenue.

By leveraging the combined strengths of the businesses, Leuliette said, Visteon will create a new global electronics market leader, capable of growing profitably as an enterprise that is "ideally positioned at the intersection of consumer electronics and the connected automobile of today and tomorrow."
 
Martin Thall, president, Visteon Electronics, said the transaction will allow Visteon to better serve vehicle manufacturers through its expanded global scale and customer base, and accelerate growth and market expansion objectives.

"The combined business will result in market and technology leadership in major cockpit electronics technologies, as well as opportunity for entry and fast growth into new product lines," Thall said. "The size and scale of our integrated research, development, and engineering will solidify Visteon as the 'go to' global innovation partner for automakers who require rapid development cycles and fast time-to-market.

"Visteon and Johnson Controls are committed to maintaining complete business continuity and providing excellent customer service while completing this transaction and driving a successful integration," Thall added.

Advising Visteon on the transaction are Rothschild Inc. and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.

Visteon Electronics, a division of Visteon Corporation, is a leading supplier of automotive cockpit electronics that delivers innovative in-vehicle user experiences through solutions in user interfaces, connectivity and open architectures. Supported by a global network of 16 manufacturing facilities, four technical centers and 11 customer centers, Visteon Electronics currently employs approximately 6,500 people in its consolidated operations.

Eight Retailers Recall 32" Coby Flat Screen Televisions Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has ordered a recall of 32-inch Coby flat screen televisions. CPSC has received reports of six incidents involving the televisions overheating, smoking or catching fire.  One incident involved a television catching on fire and scorching a wall. Another involved a fire that was limited to the television.  No injuries have been reported.

Consumers should immediately turn off and unplug the recalled televisions and contact the participating retailer where their television was purchased for instructions on the remedy available from that retailer, which could be a refund, store credit, gift card or replacement TV. Because the importer/distributor Coby USA is out of business, the retailers are providing the remedy. The remedy and terms vary between the retailers.  

The recalled televisions were sold at ABC Warehouse, Fry's Electronics, h.h. gregg, Nebraska Furniture Mart, P.C. Richard & Son, Sears/Kmart, Toys R Us and online at BestBuy.com, dealtree.com, techliquidators.com and bestbuy.dtdeals.com, and other stores and sites nationwide, from August 2011 through November 2013 for between $170 and $260.

United Airlines Begins Offering Electronics-Friendly Cabins

 United Airlines is now offering its customers electronics-friendly cabins on all domestic mainline flights. The airline received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to begin allowing passengers use of their portable electronic devices during all phases of flight. United will immediately implement the benefit for its customers.

With this change, United customers can safely use their lightweight, hand-held electronic devices – such as tablets, e-readers, games and smartphones – in non-transmitting mode from gate-to-gate, unless instructed otherwise by a crew member. Larger electronic devices, like laptops, must still be stored securely in an overhead bin or another approved stowage area during takeoff and landing.

"I want to thank the FAA and Administrator Huerta for working with us so quickly to offer this great benefit to our customers," said Jim Compton, Vice Chairman and Chief Revenue Officer at United. "Safely expanding the use of portable electronic devices is one of the many ways United is working to deliver a more user-friendly travel experience for our customers."

Currently, only United customers traveling on mainline flights arriving or departing within the 50 United States may operate portable electronic devices below 10,000 feet. However, the airline is working with its regional partners to extend the benefit, and expects to allow customers gate-to-gate use of their electronic devices across all United Express flights operating within the 50 United States by the end of the year as well.

Passengers may still be asked to turn off their electronic devices in certain situations, such as low-visibility operations, and are reminded to carefully follow crew member instructions at all times. Voice calls from cell phones or VoIP-enabled devices are also still prohibited during taxiing, takeoffs, landings and while the aircraft is in flight.

Delta First to Submit Plan for Gate to Gate Use of Devices

Delta Air Lines is ready to allow its customers to be the first to use their portable electronic devices below 10,000 feet as early as Nov. 1, 2013 pending Federal Aviation Administration approval. All Delta aircraft have completed carrier-defined PED tolerance testing to ensure the safe operation of passenger portable electronic devices during all phases of flight and Delta's plan has been submitted to the FAA for approval.

In support of the FAA's call for expanded PED usage in flight, more than 570 mainline domestic aircraft stand ready to allow customer use of e-readers, tablets, and smartphones, all in airplane mode, during taxi, takeoff and landing on domestic flights. Delta Connection's more than 550 regional aircraft will be ready by the end of the year. In-flight Wi-Fi will continue to be available for customers above 10,000 feet.

U.S. Game Publisher Acquires Russian Game Developer Event

DevGAMM, a conference for gaming industry professionals in Russia and Ukraine, has been acquired by Renatus Media, LLC, a U.S. publisher of mobile and social games.

The new sponsor will bring winds of change to DevGAMM's environment, according to Renatus. It's expected that there will be a greater focus on game development topics, so the number of speeches from developers will four times exceed those presented by marketing experts. This year the conference will feature world-famous speakers from the United States and other countries. Another goal is to attract more promising game publishing companies from all over the world. New organizers consider all these changes highly important in making DevGAMM the most exciting international gaming event of the year.

Founded in 2008 as FlashGAMM, the conference has been held twice a year in two main Eastern European capitals: Kiev, Ukraine and Moscow, Russia. The primary focus of the event is mobile, social and online games, as well as helping young developers to reach publishers and showcase their products.
To reflect the newly changed goals and directions, FlashGAMM changed its name to DevGAMM a couple of months ago.

DevGAMM's Managing Director, Valeriya Mallayeva, explained that the change reflects a market shift away from Flash technologies since 2008, the year of FlashGAMM's debut. "The number of participants, their presentations and the diversity of technical solutions in game development has grown, so we feel the need to extend the existing limits. We believe that with Renatus this goal will be achieved, and the DevGAMM brand will become even more recognizable worldwide," she said.

In 2013, DevGAMM held an inagural event in Hamburg, Germany. Next year it will arrive in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Renatus announced even more ambitious plans to bring DevGAMM overseas, to the United States, after its triumph in Western Europe.

Mark Watt, the President of Renatus Media, LLC, commented: "By organizing DevGAMM, we aim at getting into the epicenter of the gaming industry, creating our own space for contacts and cooperating with talented game developers. But there's more to DevGAMM. We firmly believe that it may become a 'ticket' to the international market for gaming startups accross Ukraine, Russia, Europe, and beyond."

The next DevGAMM event will take place in Kiev on December 7-8, 2013. Registration is open now. Visit to register: http://devgamm.com/kyiv2013/en/

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DevGAMM Expansion: Top Gaming Industry Event in Russia to Be Promoted by US Game Publisher, Renatus

Gogo and Allstate Offer 30 Minutes of Free In-flight Internet During Weekend Flights

Gogo, a pioneer in wireless in-flight digital entertainment solutions, is partnering with Allstate to offer passengers 30 minutes of free in-flight Internet access on their smartphones during weekend flights.

"We are extremely excited to work with Allstate to offer benefits to all Gogo in-flight Internet users who fly during the weekend," said Ash ElDifrawi, Gogo's chief commercial officer. "This partnership with Allstate is a great example of the ways in which Gogo is working with leading brands to reach a highly connected audience while they are in the air."

"The partnership with Gogo provides another opportunity for Allstate to be a part of the good in people's lives," said Bob Wasserman, Senior Vice President, e-Business Marketing, Allstate Insurance Company.  "Connecting with friends and family while in the air allows Allstate to bring the Good Life to customers and non-customers alike."

Starting September 21, the free 30 minute sessions will be available to passengers on all Gogo equipped flights with the exception of Gogo equipped Air Canada aircraft.

PRNewswire

Sold Out: iPhone 5S Gold in High Demand

Today marks the first day that that iPhone 5S is available for purchase in-store and online.

In Beijing, sales are "going off without a hitch," according to the Wall Street Journal. The demand for the iPhone 5S Gold is especially high in Beijing-- and worldwide-- because the color connotes status. According the article, "Lian Jiyu, 25 years old, said he wanted the 5S over the 5C because the 5S is the first phone to be offered in a gold color. 'I don’t care what’s inside the device,' said Mr. Lian, who works at a local TV station." 

But the demand for a gold iPhone 5S is not limited to the market in China-- Apple has already requested that its supplier boost production of the 5S Gold by 33 percent, to keep up with worldwide demand. Readwrite reports that the 5S Gold scarcity will continue well into October.

The other two iPhone 5S color options-- silver and "space grey"-- are selling fast but keeping up with the in-store purchases/pickups and online pre-orders in a timely manner. The verdict: if you want the gold, you'll have to wait-- but know that it's not what's on the outside that makes the new iPhone 5S worth the price.

Nintendo's Hiroshi Yamauchi Dies, Aged 85

The man responsible for bringing Nintendo's video games into global relevancy and demand has died at age 85. At the time of his death, he ran the Nintendo firm for 53 years (from 1949 to 2002) and was the company's second-largest shareholder. Yamauchi was president of Nintendo during the release of the NES, SNES, the Gameboy, the N64, and the Gamecube.

"In that time, he took what was a small-time collectable trading card company and built it into one of the most recognisable-- and successful-- video games brands today," says Dave Lee, BBC Technology reporter.

"He understood the social value of play, and economic potential of electronic gaming. Most importantly he steered Nintendo on its own course and was unconcerned by the actions of his competitors. He was a true visionary."

Rob Crossley, Associate Editor of Computer and Video Games magazine, told the BBC: "You cannot overestimate the influence the man had on the games industry."

Under Yamauchi's direction, he hired Shigeru Miyamoto (maker of Donkey Kong), who was responsible for bringing Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Starfox to households everywhere in the world. Yamauchi remained on the Nintendo board of directors, overseeing the launch of the Wii console and then retiring in 2005.

 

Girl Scouts of the USA and Dell Release Be the Video Game Developer, Available to All Girls

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has received a two-year, $600,000 grant for its Journey and Connect Through Technology program from the Dell Powering the Possible Youth Learning Initiative and is now releasing Be the Video Game Developer, an interactive experience that puts girls in the driver's seat of video game development.

Through Be the Video Game Developer, girls consider what they would like to see in video games and make selections accordingly—choosing avatars, storylines, and other video game features. They learn ideation, critical thinking, and teamwork skills to help them feel like creators in the game design process. Girl Scouts and Dell believe that Be the Video Game Developer will encourage girls to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and math by exposing them to the exciting world of video game development. The program builds on Dell's commitment to personalized learning for all students to help them to realize their academic goals.

Trisa Thompson, VP of Corporate Responsibility, said, "Our partnership with Girl Scouts highlights our commitment to truly 'powering the possible' so that girls can succeed in school, work, and life. We believe that Be the Video Game Developer will empower and provide unique opportunities for girls to acquire knowledge and skills to utilize in future STEM careers."

"We are thrilled to partner with Dell to bring girls a unique and exciting opportunity to design and create their own video game experience," said Anna Maria Chávez, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of the USA. "Today's girls are digital natives, as comfortable in front of computer screens and smartphones as adults. Be the Video Game Developer lets girls delve deeper into the world of technology, learning vital new skills and discovering their own creativity in a manner both engaging and interactive. As we face a future of ever-expanding opportunity in science and technology, Girl Scouts and Dell are partnering to create a girl-led learning experience that will drive more girls into these groundbreaking new fields."

On September 18, 2013, GSUSA and Dell will convene a think tank on innovation in today's gaming industry as it pertains to girls, and the key skills girls need exposure to in order to succeed. At Game On: Girls and Technology, a live audience will be treated to an exciting think-tank session of industry insiders and girls discussing the past, present, and future of video games and girls.

There will also be a live, interactive demonstration of Be the Video Game Developer, during which girls and audience members will contemplate what they would like to see in video games and make selections accordingly—choosing avatars, storylines, and other video game features.

Be the Video Game Developer is part of GSUSA's Journey and Connect Through Technology program, and plays an essential role in introducing girls to ICT concepts and helping them gain skills that promote critical thinking.

Dell has been involved with Girl Scouts for more than 10 years and has worked extensively with the five Girl Scout councils that will receive the game upon launch. Dell team members have provided valuable mentorship, volunteering their time and expertise to these councils, which include Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, Girl Scouts of the Nation's Capital, Girl Scouts of Northern California, and Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma.

GSUSA is the only organization, out of 50 charities managing 34 programs, to receive a two-year commitment from the Dell Powering the Possible Youth Learning Initiative. The initiative provides $2.4 million to charities nationwide.