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Intel kills Consumer Electronics
bribecka writes "Saw this on CNet News.com: Intel has decided to phase out its consumer electronics division. This division was responsible for digital cameras, digital audio players, and other gadgets. " Not really surprising considering the way things are these days.
I thought the only reason Intel was even in that business was to promote "their" USB technology. The microscope, the webcam, keyboard and mouse, joysticks...They were all USB devices, and Intel pushed them forth as some of the coolest things available on USB. Unfortunately, Intel has yet to learn that fads don't sell products long-term, hence the "failure to meet long-term growth potential". Well, duh! What'd you expect from selling a fad product?
"Mod, mod, mod...and another troll bites the dust."
One thing I like about the industry is the diversity of it all. You can walk in a store and be able to choose the product that better suits your needs. With Intel out of the (digital) picture (pun semi-intended), this might create doubt in the smaller manufacturers out there and make a few more drop out of the running. Worst case scenario, it might create a monopoly, at least, in the consumer electronics venue.
Dear Intel,
Please release the specs and documentation associated with the products you've discontinued. For example, the Intel Pocket PC Camera, along with your other webcams.
Thank you.
complex
Example: How many consumers really want an MP3 player in thier home entertainment system? We love it (and spend lots of time talking about the best way to do it), but does the average consumer?
I think this may be a trend. Geeks think of cool things, and start doing them. Someone in marketing says "Hey, look what the engeneers are putting together for themselves... if they want it and can do it... maybe we can market it!" A few months later geeks are interested... but marketing is looking at consumers not geeks... and projects get abandoned.
I mean, think about it, when's the last time you saw an add for a portable mp3 player on TV. I've just recently heard a few radio adds for car stereo with mp3 support... but nothing like the Rout 66 project.
If I can't see it in Lynx I'm not interested.
When the economy picks up in a few months, Intel will spend a bunch of money re-opening its Consumer Electronics Division. So will all the other megacorps who are having a contest to see who can lay off the most employees, shut down the most divisions, and finish the year in the black. I think people ("consumers" in business parlance) are just a little scared about spending money right now and are delaying purchases--rather than becoming introspective about overconsumption and all the other things that make America the Great Satan. When everybody feels a little safer again, the money will start rolling up the pyramid into the vaults of the upper caste yet again. Besides, the holiday shopping season is almost here.
While I was whoring for my undergrad business degree, I remember my profs always speaking of the risks of doing business, etc... I'm beginning to think that only applies to sole proprietors. Historically, corporate owners were only liable to the extent of their investment. With the $100,000,000,000+ US that Bush is trying to give to the megacorps, how can any of them still believe they will lose money this year?
"What is the sound of one belly slapping?"
I'm just sort of glad Motorola hasn't decided to ditch their much more popular 680x0 breed of processors, which can be found in everything from your phone to your PDA to your older computers. Intel leaving the industry just means there's more money to be made if you're one of the "other", higher quality chipmakers.
"Look at me, I invented the stove!" -- Ben Franklin