Blog articles from 04/2012

Wearables have enormous potential for use in health and fitness, navigation, social networking, commerce and media. They have the capability to be even closer and more personal than the smartphone – lending brands the ability to form even more intimate relationships with consumers... When will connected wearables move from geeky gadget to mainstream must have? Will the rise of wearables heighten the platform wars? What else is getting connected and why? Find out at The Open...

Written by Pietro Macchiarella Gamesindustry asked Parks Associates to comment on rumors about the upcoming Nintendo Wii U. Will the new console be successful even if it is less powerful than current-generation consoles? Will a price of $300+ be too high? As a research analyst, I was asked to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the Nintendo console and its chances for success in the current market. In order to be successful, the Wii U will have to prove that...

Mobile commerce has emerged as one of the biggest opportunities in mobile and high tech this year, with retailers and brands increasingly using mobile to drive online and in-store sales. In fact, mobile is now the channel that differentiates retailers from their competitors. And it’s changing fast.  For physical and electronic retailers, mCommerce means getting a handle on SMS/MMS, mobile-commerce enabled advertising, coupons, social commerce and more. Meanwhile mobile,...

Parks Associates' 16th annual CONNECTIONS Conference: The Digital Living Conference and Showcase will be held June 5-7, 2012, at the Gaylord Texan Resort, near DFW airport.  This event is co-located with TIA 2012: Inside the Network Conference and Exhibition. Register today for the CONNECTIONS sneak preview webcast, "New Developments in the Connected Home" on April 26 at 1 p.m.  Topics include: -- Connected CE: Growth and New Apps -- Tech Support:...

Choosing Content - Video Viewing project analyzes the use of digital media and its impact on the market for consumer electronics, packaged media, and entertainment services. It reveals the decision processes for consumers and the key variables in choosing what to watch, how much to pay, and on what platforms to access their content. It aims to discover which options consumers consider first when looking for content, what factors trigger an immediate purchase versus a delay in...

LG announced that it has begun mass production of the world's first flexible e-ink display. The technology, known as electronic paper display (EPD), will enable e-reader manufacturers to produce thinner devices. This device features a 6-inch panel that promises to "revolutionize the e-book market". It has a resolution of 1024 x 768 and can be bent up to 40-degrees without breaking.The South Korean company says its plastic display survives repeated 1.5-meter drop tests as well as...