Another CES... a report from Astak

[ssophon]

Originally Posted by Robertb

Dear ssophon:

I agree and I am very sure this can be done. I will stress that to the factories!!

Great! Thanks.

[Steven Lake]

Wow, Robertb, I was on the floor as a reporter (got to meet Dale, cool guy. ) and I remember how insane it was. But my experience was a candle compared to the forest fire you went through. Oy. >.<

[dioib]

I was wondering if the firmware on these new devices is still a subset of V3 generation so that people could use firmwares that have already been developed for V3..

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by Lord Raiden

Wow, Robertb, I was on the floor as a reporter (got to meet Dale, cool guy. ) and I remember how insane it was. But my experience was a candle compared to the forest fire you went through. Oy. >.<

Dear Lord:

For an accurate description of the forest fire see: www.robertbEZ.blogspot.com

[Davimee]

Robertb, thank you for letting us know about the background of a CES convention! I've never been to one, but it helps me appreciate those who put in all the hard work to put it all together!

[Steven Lake]

Yeah, my last two shows have been nuts. I'd like to go back again, but the discussion between the reporters and vendors (at least a number I talked to) is that all the big stuff you see at CES is all moving out to the smaller shows now. Partially because CES has gotten too big, and partially because it's easier to get real, quality face time with the vendors (a real problem I had the last two years) and because vendors are finding out that it's best to spread out their announcements through the year so that you don't have A) an overload of information (CES is famous for this) that swamps readers and can bury some good products behind a tidal wave of news, and B) better exposure due to a more drawn out and regulated/even spread of information.

One of my biggest complaints with big shows is, all the good stuff comes out all at once, you get overwhelmed, and then it's sorta boring the next several months until the next big show. With those same announcements being spread across smaller shows, it gives the reporters (like myself) and the readers time to look over an item, chew on it, comment, and either pan it or build up hype. The only ones who still love the big shows are the ultra big vendors, because they *know* that all the deluge will drown out the smaller competitors, AND it gives them a chance to show off and outdo everyone else in flare and glitz.

Robertb can probably attest to that, given how much overwhelming wow factor was on the floor the past two years. Your brain about melts down from all the stimulation you're exposed to.

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by Lord Raiden

Yeah, my last two shows have been nuts. I'd like to go back again, but the discussion between the reporters and vendors (at least a number I talked to) is that all the big stuff you see at CES is all moving out to the smaller shows now. Partially because CES has gotten too big, and partially because it's easier to get real, quality face time with the vendors (a real problem I had the last two years) and because vendors are finding out that it's best to spread out their announcements through the year so that you don't have A) an overload of information (CES is famous for this) that swamps readers and can bury some good products behind a tidal wave of news, and B) better exposure due to a more drawn out and regulated/even spread of information.

One of my biggest complaints with big shows is, all the good stuff comes out all at once, you get overwhelmed, and then it's sorta boring the next several months until the next big show. With those same announcements being spread across smaller shows, it gives the reporters (like myself) and the readers time to look over an item, chew on it, comment, and either pan it or build up hype. The only ones who still love the big shows are the ultra big vendors, because they *know* that all the deluge will drown out the smaller competitors, AND it gives them a chance to show off and outdo everyone else in flare and glitz.

Robertb can probably attest to that, given how much overwhelming wow factor was on the floor the past two years. Your brain about melts down from all the stimulation you're exposed to.

I remember very clearly when games hardware and software were the biggest part of CES. This was about 15 years ago. Nintendo and Sega and Atari had these huge pavilions. Nintendo even had Cafe Mario as a part of their booth where invited guests could dine. Then, Sega got to feeling CES did not appreciate them enough and started Electronic Entertainment Exposition (E3).

It is definite that the IDPF (International Digital Publishing Federation) IS combining the BEA (Book Expo America) with their regular IDPF conference in May. I see this as a growing thing. I know BEA wants to get the eBook Reader people into their shows. Of course, much of these shows in the past were PRINT and not eBook... but the change has already started.

I think eBooks will be bigger and more prolific at CES next year! This year it was a wait and see. Next year I see Nintendo and Sony being in the eBook Pavilion with large booths.

I do agree that the Samsungs and Microsofts and Panasonics of the world DO make it very hard for smaller booths to be noted. You are not going to see many if any city block-long eBook Reader booths.

[Steven Lake]

Well, if and when we go back again next year, I'll be sure to make plans to stop by your booth again. It was awesome meeting you guys.

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by Lord Raiden

Well, if and when we go back again next year, I'll be sure to make plans to stop by your booth again. It was awesome meeting you guys.

DO come by and see us. We have booth 14238 next year in the same Central Hall. YOU are always welcome!!