LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The latest forecast figures from GfK Digital World, produced in partnership with Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), reveal global spending on consumer technology devices will surpass $1 trillion in 2012 for the first time, increasing by 5% over 2011’s figure of $993 billion.

 

On January 8th at the 2012 International CES, GfK Boutique Research and the Consumer Electronics Association discussed market trends within the Consumer Electronics (CE) industry. Using the latest global market data and forecasts from GfK Digital World, the presentation analyzed key product trends within a global market context; highlighting the importance of mobile connected devices as a key driver of spending growth. Additionally, the presentation addressed the importance of developing markets in driving growth in global spending.

“Despite slowing growth in developed markets, robust growth in emerging markets, particularly Emerging APAC* and Central & Eastern Europe^, has helped sustain global spending in 2011 at the relatively healthy level of 8%”, according to Steve Bambridge, Business Director for GfK Boutique Research.

Smartphones to remain the key growth driver in 2012

GfK Digital World estimates and forecasts show that booming global demand for smartphones made these devices the key spending growth driver in 2011 and that this is set to continue in 2012. Additionally, sales of tablet PCs, which are estimated to have reached $39 billion this year, are predicted to show a strong double digit increase in 2012.

“Today, consumers from every corner of the globe crave the latest tech innovations,” said Steve Koenig, Director, Industry Analysis for Consumer Electronics Association. “Rising consumer demand for mobile connected devices underpins the growth in global retail sales of CE we’re projecting this year.”

About GfK Digital World:

GfK Digital World is produced by GfK Boutique Research in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association. It brings together global sales data, estimates and forecasts for dozens of consumer technology devices and includes key regional break-outs. GfK Digital World is updated semi-annually and marketed by GfK Boutique Research and CEA.

About GfK Boutique Research:

GfK Boutique Research is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GfK Retail & Technology. With offices in Boston, London, and Hong Kong, GfK Boutique is dedicated to adding value to GfK POS data, producing forecasts, supply chain metrics, and other proprietary analysis

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $190 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org and www.DeclareInnovation.com.

*Emerging APAC comprises developing markets across the across the Asia Pacific region, including China and India

^ Central & Eastern Europe includes Russia and other CIS countries

 

ARLINGTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Consumer confidence in technology reached a yearly high in December, while confidence in the overall economy also improved this month, according to data release today from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^®.

“The holiday season closed out on a strong note with consumers feeling more optimistic about the overall economy than they have in months”

Consumer confidence in technology reached its highest level of the year and second highest level ever this month. The CEA Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE) reached 93.6, up more than two points from last month. The ICTE, which measures consumer expectations about technology spending, is nearly even with this time last year, when the ICTE reached a record-high of 93.7.

“Technology continues to be the leading category for shoppers during the holiday season and this year was no exception,” said Shawn DuBravac, CEA’s chief economist and director of research. “Looking ahead to 2012, consumer tech remains well positioned compared to all other durable good categories.”

Confidence in the economy also increased this month after reaching an all-time low in November. The CEA Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) reached 170.7, an increase of more than 14 points. The ICE, which measures consumer expectations about the broader economy, is at its highest point since February but remains down four points from this time last year.

“The holiday season closed out on a strong note with consumers feeling more optimistic about the overall economy than they have in months,” said DuBravac. “While the economic landscape will remain rocky for 2012, December’s numbers show signs of hope as we head into the New Year.”

The CEA Indexes comprise the ICE and ICTE, both of which are updated on a monthly basis through consumer surveys. New data is released on the fourth Tuesday of each month. CEA has been tracking index data since January 2007. To find current and past indexes, charts, methodology and future release dates, log on to CEAindexes.org.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $190 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org, www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media: https://www.facebook.com/#!/CEAfeed, http://twitter.com/ceafeed, http://blog.ce.org/.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of the International CES
  January 8, 2012, Las Vegas, NV
• 2012 International CES
  January 10-13, 2012, Las Vegas, NV
• Digital Music Forum East
  February 22 – 23, 2012, New York, NY
• CEA Economic Retreat
  February 28 – March 2, 2012, Vail, CO
• LA Games Conference
  April 23 – 24, 2012, Los Angeles, CA
• CES on the Hill
  April 24, 2012, Washington, D.C.
• Digital Patriots Dinner
  April 25, 2012, Washington, D.C.

• 2012 Spring Technology & Standards Forum
  May 14 – 18, 2012, Dallas, TX
• CE Week
  June 25 – 29, 2012, New York, NY
• CEA Line Shows
  June 27 – 28, 2012, New York, NY
• iStage Competition
  June 2012, New York, NY
• 2012 SINOCES
  July 5 – 8, 2012, Qingdao, China
• CEA Industry Forum
  October 14 – 17, 2012, San Francisco, CA
• CEO Summit and Board Retreat
  October 17 – 19, 2012, CA
• CES New York Press Preview featuring CES Unveiled@NY
  November 12, 2012, New York, NY

 

Contacts

 

ARLINGTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–More than 330 technology companies based in the Northeast region of the United States (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont) will showcase their latest consumer electronics products at the 2012 International CES^®. Owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^®, the 2012 International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow – which will feature more than 2,700 exhibitors across 1.7 million net square feet of exhibit space – is scheduled for Tuesday, January 10-Friday, January 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“The show is an incomparable platform for launching new and exciting products, and connecting with the most important decision makers in the industry.”

“The 2012 International CES offers us business opportunities to establish new partnerships that are key to our business, as we showcase for the first time our iBrag products,” said MJ Mitchell, president and owner of Brick, New Jersey based Braggables. “The iBrag Wet Croco iPad Case, compatible with iPad 1 & 2, holds a 4×6 photo and converts to a stand while maintaining full functionality. This is one of several key items to be launched at CES.”

CES will feature more than 25 market-specific TechZones, including four new destinations: Eureka Park, with innovative start-up companies and entrepreneurs looking to gain a footing in the industry; G.hn, featuring demonstrations of a suite of technologies by the International Telecommunications Union specification’s (ITU-T) member companies; MEMs, showcasing companies that are driving the adoption of wireless technology in mobile phones, game consoles, tablet PCs and other hot consumer electronic devices; and PMA@CES, which will feature the most-concentrated exhibits of digital imaging/photography products and services.

“dbx-tv cannot wait to hit the CES tradeshow floor again this year. We are excited to debut dbx-tv’s latest audio technology and to network with thousands of other audio and consumer electronics innovators at such an important event,” said Les Tyler, president of licenser THAT Corporation in Milford, Massachusetts. “dbx-tv, with 20 plus years of audio experience, combined with a portfolio of best-in-class audio technologies, will once again transform the quality and range of audio performance available in modern TVs.”

The 2012 CES is bringing back CES’ fastest growing TechZone, the iLounge Pavilion, with more than 300 iLounge exhibitors spanning two locations in both the North and South Halls of the LVCC. The highly trafficked CEPro@CES, Gaming Showcase, Go Electric Drive, Location Based Services, Safe Driver, Sustainable Planet and Wireless Mobility Brought to you by Qualcomm TechZones highlight the latest in cutting edge technology. Plus lifestyle TechZones will be featured: Digital Health, HigherEdTECH, Kids@Play, Mommy Tech, Silvers Summit and Sports and Fitness.

“Personal Communications Devices (PCD) is thrilled to be at CES and we look forward to seeing the latest devices brought to market by our fellow exhibitors,” said Joe Cufari, chief marketing officer of PCD, based in Hauppauge, New York. “This year, we will showcase several recently launched smartphones—including the Pantech Breakout and CASIO G’zOne Commando—and various other 4G phones, Android-powered devices and fixed wireless terminals that make up our product portfolio.”

Entertainment Matters, sponsored by Variety and Ericsson, is a back for its second year with exhibits, conference programs and special events for professionals in the entertainment community. In addition, the CES Conference Program will feature more than 250 conference sessions with 500 high-level speakers.

“The International CES is the largest and most important tradeshow in the consumer electronics industry, and provides a major opportunity for international exposure for breakout products like Wi3’s 2012 CES Innovations Award Honoree, WiFi WiPNET networking solution,” said Bill Thompson, CEO of Rochester, New York based Wi3. “The show is an incomparable platform for launching new and exciting products, and connecting with the most important decision makers in the industry.”

For a complete listing of CES exhibitors, please visit the 2012 CES Exhibitor Directory at CESweb.org.

Note to Journalists: Press information is available in the “For the Press” section of CESweb.org. Media are encouraged to arrive in Las Vegas by Sunday, January 8, 2012 to take advantage of all the preshow press events. These include the State of the Consumer Tech Industry and 2012 CES Trends to Watch, State of the Global CE Industry and CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of the 2012 International CES — all on January 8, 2012 at The Venetian. CES Press Day will follow on Monday, January 9 at The Venetian.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $190 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online: www.CE.org and www.DeclareInnovation.com. Follow CES at www.CESweb.org and through social media: http://www.facebook.com/InternationalCES, http://twitter.com/IntlCES, http://blog.ce.org/.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 2012 International CES
  January 10-13, 2012, Las Vegas, NV

Grand Prize Winner Receives Digital SLR and Accessories

ARLINGTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^® today launched a digital photo contest to encourage consumers to share and display their digital photographs. The grand prize winner, to be announced January 13, 2012, at the 2012 International CES, will receive a Nikon D3100 14.2MP digital SLR Camera, filter, memory card and a 55-200mm zoom lens.

“Through this contest, CEA is encouraging people to do more with their ‘best shots.’”

The “Best Shots” contest begins today and photo submissions will be accepted until December 23, 2011. Entrants can submit one photo in each of four categories: people, travel, pets and cell phone shots. A slate of expert judges will select the finalists, and winners will be determined by an online popular vote running from January 9 – 12, 2012. To enter, visit www.CEAte.org/BestShots2011.

Contest entries will be displayed in The Venetian foyer near the PMA@CES exhibits at the 2012 CES. In addition to the grand prize, top winners in each category will win one of four compact point-and-shoot cameras: Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS, Fujifilm FinePix Z900 EXR, Pentax Optio WG-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55. Prizes from the Photojojo store will be awarded to five honorable mention winners. Photojojo publishes a twice-weekly newsletter with photo tips, do-it-yourself projects and photography gear.

CEA research shows more than 84 percent of U.S. households own digital cameras, and 61 percent of those who have used their cameras in the last year consider themselves active photographers.

“With digital photography, there are many opportunities to go beyond uploading to a computer, including online sharing, printing, creating digital photo frames and producing fun photo projects,” said Colleen Lerro, communications specialist at CEA. “Through this contest, CEA is encouraging people to do more with their ‘best shots.’”

The Best Shots photo contest judges will include Dave Johnson, PC World’s Digital Focus; Mike McEnaney, Photo Industry Reporter; and Steve Tiffen, Tiffen Company.

To view the full rules of the contest and submit a picture, visit www.CEAte.org/BestShots2011.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $190 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org, www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media: https://www.facebook.com/#!/CEAfeed, http://twitter.com/ceafeed, http://blog.ce.org/.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 2012 International CES
  January 10-13, 2012, Las Vegas, NV

ARLINGTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Beginning June 22, the CEA Line Shows and Digital Downtown Conference will bring together the top media, trade analysts and technology thought leaders for two days of product exhibitions, conference panels, presentations and workshops focused on what’s hot in consumer electronics. The 2011 CEA Line Shows is scheduled for June 22-23 at the CE Week Headquarters, 7 West 34^th Street in New York City. On-site registration will open at 8 a.m. on June 22.

“Social Revolution: The Internet and Social Change”

Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA, will open Thursday’s program with a keynote address at 9 a.m. announcing a new initiative of The Innovation Movement and describing the need for more spectrum for wireless broadband.

The Digital Downtown Conference at CEA Line Shows is chaired by Natali Morris. The program is developed by the media for the media to showcase the latest technology trends and products. Conference highlights include:

• “CEA Mid-Year Reality Check,” with Sean DuBravac, Chief Economist, Director of Research, CEA
• “ESPN 3D Production Q&A,” with Bryan Burns, Vice President Strategic Business Planning and Development, ESPN
• “VC Panel: Web, Apps, Software, Cloud,” moderated by Caroline McCarthy, Manager of Trends and Insights, Google
• “Gadgets of the Year,” moderated by Clayton Morris, Host, Fox & Friends.
• “Reviewing the Reviews,” with Paul Reynolds, Electronics Editor, Consumer Reports
• “Tabula Rosa: Tablets and Apps,” moderated by Seth Porges, Senior Editor, Maxim Magazine
• “NY Tech Start-Up Classic,” hosted by Nate Westheimer, Executive Director, NY Tech Meet-Up
• “Show Me The Money: Gadgets and Hardware,” moderated by Daniel Sieberg, Host, ABC News’ Tech This Out!
• “How to Work With Mom Bloggers,” moderated by Suzanne Kantra, Founder, and Editor-in-Chief, Techlicious.com
• “3D Entertainment Summit in Association with Variety”
• “What’s in Store: Trends in CE and Technology Retailing,” moderated by Lance Ulanoff, Editor in Chief, PCMag.com
• “Social Revolution: The Internet and Social Change,” moderated by Zachary Sniderman, Features Editor, Mashable
• “NYC Internet Safety Symposium 3.0,” hosted by Robin Raskin, Founder, Living in Digital Times

Crestron, LG Mobile, Monster Cable, Pioneer and Vizio will make news announcements at their press conferences on June 22, 2011. Top company executives will introduce new products and discuss what’s ahead for their companies.

Intel is sponsoring a series of media briefings where attendees can check out new products, watch hands-on presentations and ask the experts questions. The media briefings schedule is as follows:

• June 22, 10–10:30 a.m.: “Intel Media Briefing: Inside Scoop on Netbooks and Tablets,” with Bill Kircos
• June 22, 3:30–4 p.m.: “Hot for the Holidays Media Briefing,” with Andrea Smith, News & Technology Producer, ABC News Radio
• June 22, 4–4:30 p.m.: “Best of Back-to-School Media Briefing,” with Natali Morris
• June 23, 9:30–10 a.m.: “Intel Media Briefing: Inside Scoop on Software,” with Peter Biddle

Major participating brands on the show floor and conferences include American Express, Chrysler, ESPN3D, Intel, LG, Mitsubishi, Monster, Motorola, Philips, Pioneer, RCA, Scosche, Sprint, Tiffen, Toshiba, Vizio, Westinghouse Digital, plus more than 50 additional innovators who are using the event to launch products. A few of the exciting new products on display include:

• AOC – The Aire Play: 2343Fi is a slim LED monitor with a universal docking station for streaming entertainment from your mobile device to the 22” display.
• Chrysler: Uconnect^® Touch, the next-generation mobile infotainment and multimedia system.
• Fuse –Antibacterial Screen Guards use nano silver technology to kill up to 99% of surface bacteria on touchscreen electronics.
• iHome: The W1 AirPlay wireless speaker system with rechargeable battery.
• Loksak – SHIELDSAK is a fabric faraday cage that blocks RF signals and skimming/scanning device from smart phones.
• Merel Technologies – The mTouch is a fully interactive, multi-touch table that allows multiple users to interact simultaneously with virtual objects using their fingers.
• Pioneer: Pioneer App Radio™ is the first aftermarket in-vehicle radio designed to utilize the power of the iPhone 4.
• Philips: Philips Fidelio Docking Speakers with Airplay™ enable wireless music streaming.
• RCA: Mobile Digital TVs, make it easy to keep up on your favorite shows, whether from standard of mobile digital TV broadcasts.
• Sprint: The Samsung Replenish, the first phone available in the U.S. with a solar battery cover.
• Tiffen: Dfx v3 Digital Effects Suite offers an advanced multiprocessor acceleration.
• Tremont Electric: nPower® PEG, charger for hand-held electronics that captures and stores kinetic energy generated from physical activity.
• Vizio: VIZIO 8” Tablet with WiFi (VTAB1008) features your movies, TV shows and music in a thin, ultra-light design.

CE Week attendees are invited to “Wear the Web” with Skanz, a new QR-coded social networking platform. Attendees will have the opportunity to customize their own secure, mobile website – or “Skanzsite” — with everything they want to share conveniently stored in their own QR- coded Socialprint^TM, that will be imprinted onto a CE Week NY-branded silicone band. Attendees can instantly connect and exchange business and personal information, vote for “Best in Show” and win prizes using Skanz at CEA Line Shows.

Chrysler, CE Week’s title sponsor, is providing a fleet of eight courtesy vehicles on June 22-23, 2011 to transport VIPs to and from CEA Line Shows at 7 West 34^th Street. The eight vehicles include three Chrysler 300s, three Dodge Journeys and two Dodge Chargers. For attendees that wish to utilize the cars, a dispatch table will be set-up in the lobby at 7 West 34^th Street.

To register and for more information about CE Week, the CEA Line Shows and CEA Demo Suites, please visit www.CEWeekNY.com. Attendees are encouraged to use #ceweek for event related tweets.

About CE Week

A weeklong, citywide event in New York City, including CEA Line Shows and Digital Downtown Conference, CEA Demo Suites and Conference, organized in association with CEA, along with Martin Porter Associates and Consumer Technology Publishing Group/NAPCO, publisher of Dealerscope, Custom Retailer and E-Gear Magazines.

About CEA

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $186 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at CE.org and Innovation-Movement.com.