2010: What Didn't Live Up to the Hype
The 2011 CES kicks off soon and will help turn everyone's eyes to what new tech products will be huge in the coming year. Are all the hyped products at CES always hits?
Not necessarily.
Last year on this blog, we talked about the three biggest takeaways from the 2010 show: tablet PCs, e-readers and 3D television. Two of these product ideas really took off this year. Just taking a look at a struggling Borders bookstore or the guy sitting next to you on a flight, it's obvious that e-readers have caught on as a mechandising trend. Then look at the iPad. Sure it wasn't out at CES last year but it definitely sparked the demand for tablet computing along with other strong competitors in Samsung's Android-based Galaxy tablet and RIM's Blackberry PlayBook.
The product idea that fell short this year was 3D television. According to this article in Reuter's, the sales of 3D TVs "fell short of industry expectations." Why is that?
Much of the blame is shifted toward a lack of content. Best Buy's Chief Executive Brian Dunn is quoted saying that "there was confusion about 3D early (on). It was a little short on content." An abundance of content is what helped drive the sales of devices like e-readers, yet there wasn't enough 3D TV content out there to justify the cost of investment. Content wasn't the only barrier to purchase for many people according to Jim Valenti, the Merchandise Operations Manager here at Hinda. He says that the high cost of 3D viewing glasses hindered sales of 3D television. "Most people don't want to spend an extra $100-$200 per pair of viewing glasses," Valenti said.
So is 3D dead?
Not necessarily. Jay Vandenbree, head of home entertainment at LG Electronics USA, said in an interview:
"Just like how high-definition TV started in sports and movies, as 3D evolves, it will go with sports and movies and then become more of an everyday thing."
The release of 3D camcorders in the marketplace will allow consumers to create their own content, which in turn should raise demand for more 3D technology. Once price points lower and 3D technology improves to the point that the need for glasses is erroneous, sales will most likely see an increase.
What other products from 2010 failed to live up to the hype?