This week, we’re off to the Consumer Electronics Show for the second consecutive year to check out the new toys, technologies, gadgets and trends. As many of you know, this is the largest trade show in North America, and the challenge is to figure out a way to simply take it all in.
One of the “newest” trends is actually a tip of the hat to retro. As The New York Times recently reported, a number of electronics manufacturers are packaging their gadgets in very familiar, throwback shapes and styles.
Part of the reason why is that given all the sleek gadgetry that seems to come out on a daily basis, comfortable forms to Baby Boomers (and even their parents) might help sell products. In the same way that sports franchises market throwback jerseys, these new/old gadgets look vintage but act modern.
Thus, a “turntable” that actually converts vinyl to MP3s (others include iPod docks as well as CD and/or cassette players and recorders) has been a big hit for Crosley Radio.
Or that mic-looking device from Blue Microphones called the Yeti actually has THX capability and can record sound around it from three different sources.
And even that retro red telephone handset that screams “Western Electric” is actually a Bluetooth device for your mobile phone that works in the conventional way – you hear on one end, and speak into the other, just like you would with a standard phone.
Any retro radios this year?
Well, you can bet that if we run across any cool radios, we’ll tell you about it. In a world of sleek Apple devices, a sea of tablets, eReaders, and 3D, it is interesting to take note the success of devices that are designed to look very “old school.”
Our reports start on Thursday from CES, and you can read them right here on our blog or follow them in real-time on Twitter @fnjacobs and @pauljacobsmedia. And as part if its CES coverage, Inside Radio will be including our perspective on the impact of consumer electronics innovations and technologies on radio, so you can follow our exploits there, too.
See you at the CES.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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