The system that was unveiled last year, has a quad core processor, and combines gaming and social connectivity via Wi-Fi and 3G options. It has a 5", multi-touch OLED screen (960 x 544 pixel resolution), as well as a multi-touch pad on the back of the device. The latter will allow gamers to interact and play in three dimensions through motions like touching, grabbing, tracing, pushing, and pulling via their fingers.

PlayStation Vita also has two analog sticks that are able to accommodate other types of games, like shooters, action games, and fighting titles.

Through the system's Content Manager, Vita users can transfer games, videos, music, and photos between the device and their PS3, or personal computer. Meanwhile, the Near feature lets a player share his location with friends, and tell other Vita users what games he is playing. Friends can rate games, and permit location based gaming features as well.

The Party application enables cross-game chat, which gives Vita users the ability to communicate with up to eight friends through text or voice chat, regardless of what games these friends are playing.

There's also cross-platform gameplay and compatible software titles that lets an individual start a game on his PlayStation3 system, pause it, and then resume the game using the PS Vita.

Consumers can now purchase PS Vita game cards at retailers, or download gamess through the PlayStation Store. Pricing for all Vita-friendly software is available for $9.99-$49.99 MSRP.

The Wi-Fi only model of Vita is available now for $249.99, while the Wi-Fi + 3G version is priced at $299.99.

The system has a pair of mounting options, including a two-way, padded SurfaceMount that can be fastened to a table or desk, and a three-way VersaMount, for securing the product directly to the wall.

It possesses three modular extension arms with 270-degree joints that, the company says, can adjust to any angle or height. The user can choose to use just one, or two, or all three of the arms when setting up the system.

Meanwhile, the secureSnap outer casing allows for "a quick attachment of the iPad," as the tablet is said to be able to ease onto the base, and have all four of its corners snap into place for a secure fit. This casing is connected to the shortest arm of the system, which features a ball joint connection and a 360-degree adjustment knob.

The SpiderArm iPad mount is available for $79.99 through the company's Website, and Amazon.

As of today, all 27 tracks from The Beatles' 1 album can be purchased for $1.29 each, or as a bundle for $12.99. Featured tracks include, I Want to Hold Your Hand, Help!, Yellow Submarine, Let it Be, and Hey Jude.

It hasn't been revealed when, or if, The Beatles entire catalogue will eventually be available in ringtone form.

A users must be running iOS 5 on his device in order to download these tones.

Operating profit rose 2.8% to $1.09 billion over a year ago, while adjusted net profit increased from $338 million, to $372 million. Meanwhile, revenue increased slightly from $3.14 billion to $3.18 billion, year-over-year.

Rogers experienced consolidated quarterly revenue growth of one percent, with wireless revenue growth of two percent, operations revenue growth of three percent, and media revenue growth of three percent, versus Q4 2010.

Meanwhile, adjusted profit increased by 83% at media, and by eight percent at cable operations, but was offset by a five percent decline at wireless. The latter, the company says, reflects the upfront costs associated with a record number of smartphone activations, iPhone sales, and a decline in voice average monthly revenue, per user (APRU).

Wireless data revenue for the quarter, however, grew by 19% and net postpaid subscriber additions totaled 42,000. Rogers also activated 791,000 additional smartphones during the quarter.

He will manage W3's emerging national relationships, and work at gaining new clients throughout Ontario.

Cayley has more than 24 years of industry experience, where he has designed and implemented go-to market strategies for the CE and consumer goods industries. He has worked with Toshiba, Samsung, Ingram Micro, and Rogers.

"I am very excited to join W3 Solutions and help them expand their market share both in Ontario and nationally, " says Cayley.

"Chris brings years of experience and solid relationships to our company," adds Scott Walker, President of W3 Solutions. "He will have an immediate impact on our existing dealer business, and will be the key point person for business development initiatives with our national accounts and our new partner, Power Group," adds Scott Walker, President of W3 Solutions.

This latest OS has integrated e-mail client with a unified inbox, which gives the user the option to use a single inbox to consolidate all messages in one place. This can include messages from personal and office e-mail accounts, as well as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Meanwhile the BlackBerry Bridge now allows individuals to view and edit documents, e-mails, photos, and Web pages that appear on BlackBerry smartphones, on the tablet. Beyond that, the upgraded Bridge app also offers a new remote control feature that lets a BlackBerry smartphone be used as a wireless keyboard and mouse for the PlayBook.

There's also a new Contacts app that can be populated with updated information from Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. The upgraded calendar app is able to integrate information from various social networking sites as well.

The company has also revealed that it is adding thousands of new apps to BlackBerry App World, including a range of Android ones that will be able to run on the PlayBook. A new BlackBerry Video store has been launched in the U.S., and will be available to other countries later this year.

Click here to read our Hands-on review of the BlackBerry PlayBook.

"Our commitment to excellence fuels our drive to improve year after year," says Joel Seigel, President and CEO of Gentec International. "Being recognized for a fifth year as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies means we've been successful in that endeavour. It's an honour we share with our retail and trade partners, who have been integral to our ongoing growth and success."

Established in 1993, Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies is a national awards program, which recognizes Canadian companies that have implemented world-class business practices, and created value in innovative ways.

Companies are judged based on how they address various business challenges, including new technologies, globalization, brand management, leadership, leveraging and developing core competencies, designing information systems, and hiring the right individuals to facilitate growth.

Gentec International is a Canadian accessory products company that supplies a complete range of photo, video, digital, sport optics, home theatre, electronics, wireless and mobile audio products to the Canadian retail marketplace.

Ericsson will acquire BelAir's carrier grade Wi-Fi portfolio, technological expertise, IPR, as well as established customer contracts and relationships.

In a statement, Ericsson notes that the company is now "taking the next step towards a truly integrated network," and that "the combination of Ericsson's mobile infrastructure technology leadership and BelAir Networks' leading position in carrier grade Wi-Fi equipment will accelerate the integration of Wi-Fi and cellular technologies."

BelAir Networks was established in 2002, and is based out of Ottawa, ON. All 120 of its employees will join Ericsson.

"We are very pleased to be members of InfoComm. They have an outstanding reputation in the pro AV industry. Our membership gives us the opportunity to expand our reach into commercial markets such as house of worship, hospitality, corporate and educational facilities, " says Bob Sollee, President of Audio Authority.

"Over the past eight years we've developed a compelling audio/video switching and distribution product line, designed specifically for the audio/video integrator," he continues. "We're excited to share these products with a new group of AV professionals at the InfoComm expo this year."

One of the products that the company plans on introducing at this year's InfoComm Expo is the SonaFlex SF-16M 16-Channel Matrix Amplifier. Scheduled to ship in late Q1, this item features 16 RCA and 2 Cat 5 based "FlexPort" inputs, all of which can be configured to mono or stereo, and switched to 16 amplified outputs at 60W per channel.

Using the optional FlexPort audio wallplates, the installer can input balanced line level, mic level, analog RCA and digital audio sources over a single Cat 5 connection up to 1,000 feet away from the SF-16M. The system can also mix FlexPort audio inputs, and apply DSP to any amplified output. Furthermore, an audio override feature allows for applications such as paging, local source override, and room combining.

The 2012 InfoComm Expo will take place from June 13-15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

This app offers free access to a searchable directory of Canadian certified general accountants across the country. Users are able to search a location, service, or specific accountant's name or firm.

As soon as the individual finds what he is looking for, he can then dial the firm automatically through the app. He is also able to send the address and driving directions to his phone. Additionally, the app tracks the individual's current location, and can thus provide a selection of CGA public practitioners that are in the immediate vicinity.

"We are pleased to be a leader in this market, and provide cutting edge technology that benefits the public and our members," says Anthony Ariganello, CGA-Canada's President and CEO. "We saw an opportunity to increase accessibility to CGAs across Canada, and developed an app to work on multiple platforms."

Two-channel audio, primarily for music, has made a comeback. For the most part, it's a different kind of two-channel than we had in the heyday of stereo. Today's systems are intended for playing digital music files from a portable player (not always an iDevice though) or computer. These can be portable systems for listening through headphones, home systems for serious headphone listening, or home systems for two-channel speaker playback. Some of the components are familiar (speakers, headphones), others more new-fangled (DAC, head amp).

At CES, many audio brands launched products for the burgeoning digital audio market. Some of these were from relatively new companies, others from established brands. Some were audiophile-oriented, others were aimed squarely at the mainstream.

What's interesting is how active this segment is. While still a solid category, home theatre appears to be in a holding pattern. Several companies for whom AV receivers are a mainstay - D&M and Yamaha for instance - passed on CES; and Pioneer was there only with 12-volt product. But in two-channel music, there's all kinds of stuff going on.

Scott Campbell, Managing Director of Arcam, and Kevin Main, Sales Manager at Erikson Consumer, at Arcam's CES 2012 exhibit, where the U.K. company introduced five new DACs.

Electronics

At its booth in the Venetian, Arcam launched five new DACs (digital-to-analog converters). While each addresses a specific niche, they perform a common function: they accept a digital audio stream from the source component (music player, computer), then convert it to an analog signal that can be routed to an external amplifier or powered speakers.

Doing D-to-A conversion in an external device has many advantages. The DAC chips and associated circuitry are almost invariably of much higher quality than those inside the computer or portable player. (One exception is computers with audiophile-grade sound cards.) Moving analog circuitry away from the electronically noisy interior of a digital device can pay enormous sonic dividends.

Due to ship in Canada in February for $319, Arcam's drDock is a remote-controlled dock that accepts iPods, iPhones and even iPads. Unlike many docks, the drDock accepts a digital stream from the docked device, rather than analog; so that the drDock is handling digital-to-analog conversion. In addition to analog line-level audio outputs, the drDock has an HDMI output for sending video to a connected HDTV. There's also a USB port, for connecting the rDock to a PC or Mac, for synching and charging the connected device. (For some reason, it won't charge an iPad from a PC.)

The rPAC is designed to work with Windows PCs and Macs. Connect it to a USB port on the host computer, and change the settings in Control Panel (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac), telling the computer to route audio to the rPAC instead of the internal sound card. No driver software is required. The rPAC's USB 2.0 connection is asynchronous, meaning that timing of the digital signal is controlled by the rPAC's internal clock, rather than the PC's; and that means drastically reduced jitter (timing errors in the digital stream). It supports 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96kHz sampling rates, and bit depths of 16 and 24 bits; CD-quality and high-resolution streams in other words. The rPAC is powered via USB, so there's no external wall wart. It has an internal headphone amp, as well as RCA line-level outputs for connection to an external amplifier or powered speakers. It arrives in Canada next month for $259.

Rather than USB input, the rLink DAC has optical and coaxial SPDIF (digital audio) inputs. It can be used to upgrade the sound quality of CD players, media players and game consoles with digital audio outputs. If your computer has a digital audio out (the headphone jacks on many Macs double as optical digital outputs when used with an appropriate cable), you can use the rLink DAC for computer audio as well. It has line-level RCA analog outputs for connection to an amplifier or powered speakers. The rLink DSC will launch in Canada this March for $259.

Designed to work with PCs and Macs, Arcam's rPAC can receive digital streams with resolution to 96kHz/24 bits over its USB port. It's also powered via USB.

At CES, NAD introduced three new Masters Series components: the M50 Digital Music Player, M52 Digital Vault, and M51 Direct Digital DAC.

The rBlink Bluetooth DAC is intended for Bluetooth devices. Pair it with a smartphone or tablet, and it will receive digital audio signals wirelessly, and then output line-level analog audio through its RCA stereo jacks. The rBlink supports APT-X, for optimum-quality streaming from compatible Bluetooth devices. It ships in Canada in April for $259.

Arcam's no-holds-barred DAC is the FMJ D33 Digital to Analogue Converter. Priced at $3,299 and arriving this month, the D33 has a full suite of input jacks, including asynchronous USB, dual coaxial and digital audio, and professional AES/EBU connectors. It employs dual audiophile-grade 192kHz/24-bit Burr-Brown DAC ICs, for support of ultra-high-resolution digital music files. Other refinements include twin toroidal power transformers, premium four-layer circuit boards, and a heavy resonance-free chassis.

NAD already has several digital audio products, notably the Masters Series M2 Digital Direct Amplifier. At CES, NAD added three Masters Series audio components. The M50 Digital Music Player has a CD/DVD transport and built-in Wi-Fi networking. It can stream music off computers or NAS drives on the local network, and from storage devices connected to its USB input. It can play CDs and DVDs, and also rip CDs. Supported formats include FLAC Lossless, MP3, AAC, WMA, Ogg Vorbis, and linear PCM to 192kHz/24-bit. The M50 will be available in March for $2,500.

Users can store ripped files on the M50 on networked and USB devices, or on the companion M52 Digital Music Vault. The latter component contains three two-terabyte hard drives in RAID 5 configuration, optimized for both performance and redundancy. The drives are low-noise units designed for media, and the component itself is fanless, for quiet operation. The M52 also arrives in March, at $2,200.

Playback on the M50 and M52 can be controlled by very nice iPad and iPhone apps, which controls the Masters Series components over a local network. The app will integrate music from multiple sources (Music Vault, NAS, computer etc.) under a single interface.

The M51 Direct Digital DAC is already shipping, for $2,000. Along with optical and coaxial digital-audio inputs, it has a USB input that conforms to the USB Audio Class 2 specification, indicating its ability to support 192kHz/24-bit content. (NAD's current M2 Direct Digital Amplifier lacks USB connectivity, which is becoming increasingly important in digital audio.) There are also balanced and single-ended analog inputs, plus two HDMI inputs and an HDMI output. A two-channel device, the M51 does not do surround-sound processing. But via HDMI, it will capture and process two-channel audio from DVDs and Blu-ray Discs, and pass video (including 3D) to a connected monitor. Incoming audio from all sources is converted to an 844kHz pulse-width-modulation (PWM) stream. Volume is controlled in the digital domain, with 35-bit precision. Even with high-resolution 24-bit content, volume can be reduced to -66dB before any bits are truncated.

At its exhibit, Peachtree Audio demonstrated the new novaPre preamp and Peachtree 220 power amp playing files from a MacBook Pro.

NAD's sister company PSB introduced a new speaker at CES. The Imagine T2 is a five-driver three-way tower speaker, borrowing technology from PSB's flagship Synchrony series. It takes its place in the line above the slightly smaller 2.5-way Imagine T, which stays in the line. No Canadian pricing yet; but Imagine T2 will retail in the U.S. for approximately $3,000 per pair in black ash. Premium finishes (gloss black, gloss white, walnut, cherry) will be available for a 10% premium.

Peachtree Audio has made its name as a company wholly devoted to digital audiophile products. At CES, the Bellevue, WA-based company introduced three new digital integrated amps and a new pre/power combination. Interestingly, there were no new docking products. With AirPlay, docks aren't as relevant as they once were, the company maintains. It's easier to add an Apple TV or AirPort Express, and beam music over a Wi-Fi network.

The major introduction was the Grand Integrated, which combines a DAC, hybrid tube preamp, 440-watt-per-channel digital amp and headphone amp in one chassis. Peachtree calls it "a stack killer." For its CES demo, Peachtree played a variety of digital files from a Mac Mini through Martin Logan Montis electrostatic speakers; and the sound was absolutely glorious. The Grand Integrated's asynchronous USB receiver, capable of handling 192kHz/24-bit streams, is optimized for the 32-bit ESS Saber DACs; jitter is under 1 picosecond (essentially non-existent), according to Peachtree. The Bascom King tube buffer in the preamp (which employs dual 12AX7 tubes) can be switched in to warm up compressed sound from sources like Pandora. While there's an ALPS potentiometer to adjust volume, the signal never passes through it; the pot operates a VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier) gain control, which controls volume. The signal path is all-digital, right to the output of the ICEpower modules (Peachtree replaced the receiver of the ICEpower amplifier with one of its own design). Peachtree says the Grand Integrated is stable to two ohms. Retail price is US$4,295.

The same 192kHz/24-bit asynchronous USB circuit is used in the novaPre Preamp/DAC (US$999), which features a simpler hybrid tube preamp employing a stereo 6N1P triode. The matching power amp is the 220-watt-per-channel Peachtree 220 (US$1,399). Peachtree demonstrated this system playing files from a MacBook Pro over USB, through a pair of Aerial 7T three-way floorstanders. The new separates are due to ship in February or March.

Samsung's DA-E750 music system has docks for Apple and Samsung Galaxy devices, a two-way speaker system, and a hybrid tube amplifier.

Arriving in April or May, the new Nova 125 integrated amplifier also employs the 192kHz/24-bit USB receiver and SPDIF input, and ESS Saber DAC. Output is 125 watts per channel into eight ohms, 220 wpc into four ohms. It will retail for US$1,499.

Rounding out Peachtree's new product introductions was the Decco 65, a compact digital integrated amplifier with 65-watt-per-channel output. Priced at US$899 and due to ship in March or April, the Decco 65 features the same tube buffer as the novaPre, ESS Saber DAC, 96kHz/24-bit asynchronous USB, and 192kHz/24-bit SPDIF inputs. The preamp's tube stage is automatically switched in for headphone listening.

Mainstream Makers

The foregoing are obviously specialty products; but there were some interesting launches from mainstream manufacturers as well, many of them docking products. Many of the new docks can accommodate iPads, as well as iPhones and iPods. We're also seeing many new products with Bluetooth, allowing users of all mobile devices (not just Apple) to stream music wirelessly. And a few new products also support docking of Android devices.

One of the most interesting new docks comes from an unlikely source: Samsung. Its DA-E750 music system has an iPhone/iPod dock, but also a dock for Samsung Galaxy devices. The DA-E750 is a gorgeous piece. The high-gloss wood cabinet houses stereo two-way speakers, with a woofer and dome tweeter on either side, and an amplifier with a vacuum tube. The tube adds to the retro looks, though I'm not sure what its role is (I assume it's in the preamp stage). Docking isn't the only form of connectivity. The DA-E750 has a USB input; Bluetooth for receiving sound wirelessly from smartphones and tablets; and AllPlay and AllShare for receiving content from DLNA-compliant devices over a home network. The DA-E750 will arrive in Canada in May or June; tentative retail price is $699.

LG's snazzy-looking ND-8520 can accept iPads as well as iPhones and iPods in its dock, and also supports AirPlay.

Looking like a downsized and funked-up public-address speaker system, the Klipsch Stadium features AirPlay. Sound is produced by 1" horn-loaded tweeters and 3" horn-loaded midrange drivers on either side, matched to internal 5.25" woofers.

LG also had a striking music product: the ND8520. The stylish black cabinet, which looks like a monochrome Rubik's Cube, contains a dock that can accommodate an iPad, iPhone or iPod; and the unit also supports AirPlay. It has a built-in "subwoofer" (I use scare quotes because nothing this size is ever a true sub; this usage is even more ridiculous when applied to notebooks). No word on price, but Frank Lee, Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications for LG Electronics Canada Inc., says it will be "very competitive." It will be available in Canada in June.

Sony introduced its first AirPlay products at CES, in the form of two HomeShare network speakers (SA-N310 and SA-N410) and an upmarket speaker dock (RDP-XA700iP). Priced respectively at $200 and $300, the network speakers are omnidirectional, and equipped with Wi-Fi, so they can play music from an iPad or iPhone wirelessly. They also stream music from online sources like Slacker Radio (available in Canada) and Pandora (not here yet). The two new HomeShare speakers launch this summer.

The RDA-XA700iP speaker dock arrives in Canada this spring, for $450 retail. Its rotating dock can accommodate an iPad, as well as iPhones and iPods. So can Sony's RDX-200iP and RDX-F300iP docks ($250 and $300 respectively), also coming in the spring. While the latter two models lack AirPlay, they do have Bluetooth. The RDX-F300iP adds an FM tuner and rechargeable battery.

Some new products from Klipsch sit at the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of size and price. Due to ship late this year or in early 2013, the Klipsch Console looks like the one-piece stereos that dominated living rooms in the 1960s and early '70s. The Console, which will be hand-built in Hope, AK, has 1,200 watts of amplification powering dual 10" woofers and horn-loaded tweeters; plus HDMI and USB connectivity, and AirPlay. According to Dick Tuerlings, Managing Director of the Klipsch Division at Gentec International, the Console can produce 120dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.

The Klipsch Stadium looks like a downsized and funked-up public-address speaker system. The 2.1 AirPlay speaker has 1" horn-loaded tweeters and 3" horn-loaded midrange drivers on either side, matched to internal 5.25" woofers. It will be available later this year for $1,499.

Closer to the mainstream is the RoomGroove Air, an AirPlay docking system with 1" horn-loaded soft dome tweeters and 2.5" woofers. It's coming this summer.

Dick Teurlings, Managing Director of Gentec International, poses with the Klipsch Console, which incorporates AirPlay and a powerful horn-loaded speaker system that can produce 120dB.

Klipsch showed two very stylish docking products under its Jamo brand, both with lovely curved lines. The Jamo i325 and i425 both offer wireless playback: the former via Bluetooth (there's also a dock), and the latter via AirPlay.

High-End Headphones

The boom in digital audio has created a boom in headphones. Elsewhere in this issue, Adam Grant covers new headphones (many with celebrity endorsements) aimed at the mainstream market, so I'll focus on some premium models.

Among audiophiles, one of the most anticipated new headphones was Sennheiser's HD 700, which was the subject of many pre-show rumours. Priced at US$999, the HD 700 takes its place between the HD 650 (for years, Sennseiser's top model) and the newer HD 800 (the flagship phone that Sennheiser launched in 2009). The HD 700 looks like a slightly scaled-down version of the HD 800, and shares many of its characteristics. Like the HD 800, the HD 700 is an open circumaural design, with ear cups that direct sound to the ear from a slight forward angle, thus providing a larger soundstage and delivering more of an "outside-the-head" experience. Holes in the transducer's magnet reduce backward air pressure on the diaphragm, drastically reducing distortion. As with the HD 800, the transducer on the HD 700 is mounted in a stainless steel gauze, whose shape enhances control of the diaphragm's motion.

Another anticipated phone among 'philes was the HE 400 from HiFiMan. Priced at $399, it's a planar magnetic design that is sensitive enough to be driven by portable devices.

The new T70 from Beyerdynamic is a closed phone employing the company's Tesla technology. The all-metal transducers create a very detailed, though not shrill, sound. Priced at US$570, the T70 is available in a 32-ohm version for portable applications, or a 250-ohm version for home use. The company is now addressing the Canadian market from its U.S. office in Farmingdale, NY.

Klipsch has just launched a new line of Reference headphones, including the Mode 40, a two-way over-the-ear model with active noise cancellation; retail is $400. It will be available in Canada by mid-February. The Reference series also includes an on-ear model with Apple Controls (Reference One) and two in-ear models.

The new Sennsheiser HD 700 headphones incorporate technology from the company's flagship model, the HD 800, including angled drivers that broaden the soundstage and vented magnets to cut distortion.

Polk Audio announced two phones geared toward portable listening. Arriving in March for US$150, the UltraFocus 6000 in-ear phones feature a push-to-hear button that mutes the audio signal and amplifies outside sound. The UltraFocus 8000 is an over-the-ear model with active noise cancellation, with on-ear buttons for controlling an iPhone, iPad or iPod. It arrives in the spring for US$350.

Sony introduced a broad new range of in-ear 'phones. The most intriguing is the XBA-NC85D, billed as "the world's smallest and lightest digital noise-cancelling headphones." There's no external box; the battery and processor are built right into the in-ear element. Sony rates battery life at 20 hours per charge, and says the phone's DSP cuts ambient noise by 97.5%. Sony also introduced eight models with balanced armature (BA) technology. These use micro drivers that are much smaller than standard earphone transducers. The various models use one to four of the new BA drivers. In addition to standard models, versions with built-in smartphone controls are available.

Portables

I can't think of a company that has ever owned a market the way Apple owns the market for portable music players. But Android smartphones and tablets are steadily eating into the marketshare of the iPhone and iPad. At CES, Sony launched the Walkman Z, an Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) media player, featuring Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, micro HDMI output and 4.3" LCD touchscreen. The Walkman Z will be available in Canada in March: $300 for a 16GB model, and $350 for the 32GB version. What does the Walkman Z have going for it in a market dominated by Apple? "It's the Android-ness," responded Sony of Canada's Brent de Waal to my query.

Running on Android 2.3 ("Gingerbread") Sony's Walkman Z media player has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. It can connect to Sony's Video Unlimited Service, and will support Music Unlimited when that service arrives in Canada.

It will be interesting to see whether Sony, Samsung, or anyone else can chip away at Apple's dominance of portable music. But one thing is certain. The iPod and its followers have kindled a renewed interest in music. The products outlined here, which are a small subset of the new stuff hitting the market, are a testament to that fact.

Items featured in the Wu line include handbags, tote bags, dresses, scarves, and more. Prices for the products range from $10 to $45. A special edition Target-branded tote bag created exclusively for the Canadian pop-up store will also be available.

Wu, who grew up in Vancouver, B.C., will be on-hand at the event, and pose for photos with the store's first 25 guests.

"Working with Target has allowed me to reach a much broader audience, and I'm so excited that my Canadian fans will have a chance to experience this collection for the first time," says Wu. "My collaboration with Target reflects my classic design aesthetic, and is filled with feminine pieces that will brighten up any woman's wardrobe."

Target will donate an amount equal to 100% of the sales from this event to United Way Toronto. This will be the company's first contribution to a Canadian charity.

The first Target Canada locations will open up in early 2013.

Details about what the game will entail is vague at the moment, but Rovio says that it will reveal new information about Angry Birds Space by the beginning of next month.

"Angry Birds Space is a completely new game with innovative new gameplay, but with some of the familiar Angry Birds elements that fans already know and love, plus some surprises," reads a statement posted by Rovio.

Click here to check out the teaser trailer for the game.

"It is scary how similar coaching and being a sales agent are. Everything from how you present yourself, to being punctual, to wearing the uniform. Having a goal. Preparing "the plan," communicating in a manner that everyone understands, and executing said plan. Also, you have to learn from your mistakes and successes and amend on the fly, plus encourage, correct and teach."

Read Surrett's full Q&A at http://www.marketnews.ca/QA/SalesRepProfile-BrianSurrett.html.

See the Profiles section of this Website for more profiles of key members in the consumer electronics industry, including retailers, suppliers, and independent sales reps.

Now, since CES is probably one of the worst places to properly evaluate how a pair of headphones sound, style and branding becomes even more important for certain vendors when it comes to attracting attention from the passers-by.

As one of many, many passers-by at the show, I too was looking out for style and branding. I also wanted to check out the unique designs, cool colour schemes, and which celebs slapped their seal of approval on a product they claim to have influenced, and in some cases, actually have influenced. Here is what I saw.

50 Cent in Da Headphone Club

Perhaps the most-hyped headphone vendor this year was SMS Audio. Award-winning rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is the company's Owner, CEO and face. In its booth within the CES South Hall, SMS Audio generated a strong amount of buzz and foot traffic, especially during the daily appearances by Jackson.

"50 is not an endorser. This is a passion project for him," says Jason A. Hardi, Technology and Product Development, SMS Audio. "50 is the CEO and owner of this business. He really cares (because) music is his passion."

The wireless Sync by 50 over-the-ear headphones use Kleer wireless technology to send music from a wireless transmitter that connects to the 3.5mm headphone output on an audio source. It has specified range of 50', and can sync up to four users from one source. Additionally, Sync has memory-foam-cushioned headphones, 40mm drivers, on-board bass boost, volume control and mute. It uses passive isolation to block out noise. This model comes in black and white, and has a battery life of up to 17 hours. MSRP is US$399.95.

There is also the wired Street by 50 line, which has many of the same features as the Sync, aside from, of course, the wireless capabilities. The standard Street line comes in black and blue, and is made out of ultra-flexible polymer material. At CES, the company also unveiled the Street Metallic line, which features the same headphones in an array of different, flashier colours. MSRP is US$299.95.

Lastly, SMS Audio is pushing the DJ Street earbuds, which are ergonomically designed, have 11mm drivers, an Apple control mic with volume control, reinforced cables, as well as gold-plated connectors. This model comes in black and white and has an MSRP of US$129.95.

"Obviously, the headphones are 50's style," says Hardi. "50 was fully involved in the design of the products, and the acoustics. He was completely hands-on. It was important to him to have a product be exactly the way he wanted it."

Monster Makes its Move

Another company that made a big splash in the headphone pool at CES was Monster. At its heavily attended press conference on media day, the company unveiled a whole host of listening options.

Monster introduced lots of new audio accessories at CES including the Diamond Tears - Edge headphones. Available this April for $279.

The company recently joined forces with Nick Cannon's NCredible Entertainment to develop the NCredible line of lifestyle-based products, which include the NTune on-ear headphones ($159), and the Nergy In-Ear headphones ($69), both of which will ship to Canada in the third week of April.

The NTune model headphones are said to be "precision tuned" to reproduce the subtle nuances of all types of music, and feature a sleek red, grey and black design, along with cushiony, but not overly sized phones for around the ears. This model also has tangle-free cables, and a low-profile right-angle connector for added comfort and flexibility.

Meanwhile, the Nergy in-ear headphones possess newly developed drivers that can amplify large sound through the tiny buds. Additionally, these same buds can attach to each other magnetically, so that users can snap them together and wear them like a necklace, instead of cramming the buds into a pocket.
Nick Cannon, who recently was in hospital with kidney issues, did not appear at the Monster press conference, but checked in via Skype to share his enthusiasm about the NCredible line.

Earth, Wind & Fire's Verdine White made an appearance at the press event to discuss the arrival of the Gratitude in-ear headphones that the company, and band, have spent the better part of a year developing.

These high-performance headphones have a rose gold finish, and a specially engineered noise-isolation design, which Monster says can reproduce detailed harmonic soundscapes. What's more, these headphones are designed to fit more comfortably, and deeper, into an individual's ear canal, therefore enabling a more optimized fit. This product is available now for $229.

One of the more unique looking headphone models at Monster's press event was the Diamond Tears - Edge headphones. According to Head Monster Noel Lee, this over-the-ear unit will make listeners look like they're wearing diamonds on their head. The Diamond Tears - Edge have an impressive, shiny look that will certainly appeal to those looking for a little more of a bling style from their headphones. These will hit the market in April for $279, while an in-ear version is expected to follow later in the year.

Monster has also partnered with fashion company Diesel, for the VEKTR headphones ($279). These have a silkscreen Mohican head on both ear cups, combined with touches of contrasting, black, grey, and brushed aluminum, as well as a number of different finishes. Also, the cable features a triangular section that prevents tangling. VEKTR will enter the market in April.

Monster is now collaborating with LIVESTRONG, for the iSport LIVESTRONG headphone line ($179). This model comes in bright yellow, and features a patented smart clip that is designed to hold the bud firmly inside one's ear, plus a variety of ear tips. This item is also sweat-proof and washable. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the LIVESTRONG model will be donated to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. It will be out in April as well.

More Marley En Route

House of Marley, a company that is perhaps sporting one of the most endorsable names in music, introduced additions to its Jammin' and Freedom headphone lines.

Riff, Lively Up, and Little Bird are the newest members of the Jammin' series.

The Riff model features 9.2mm dynamic micro-speakers, a recycled plastic body, and eco-foam ear tips. It comes in a variety of dazzling colours, and will be priced at US$19.99. Lively Up is a sport-designed in-ear headphone that is made out of the same materials as Riff, but instead has a price point of US$29.99. Meanwhile, Little Bird is a lightweight on-ear headphone that has a 30mm moving-coil driver, canvas headband and steel frame, plus a braided fabric cord. It too comes in multiple colours, and will be available for US$59.99.

The Freedom line now has Rhythm, a fabric-covered on-ear headphone that has a 40mm moving-coil driver, canvas covering, aluminum and steel frame, plus a braided cord. Then there's Flight, an over-the-ear headphone with a 50mm moving-coil driver, and a design similar to that of Rhythm. Both will be available for US$149.99.

"Fashion on headphones is more important than ever, but the sound quality must be there as well for a successful, long-lasting brand," relays Tanya Lynch, Associate Product Manager, The House of Marley Canada. "People wear headphones as fashion statements now, in bold colours and designs. I think people still buy for sound. The sound can be the best sound ever, but if the design isn't appealing, people won't buy it."

All of the new House of Marley headphones are slated for a summer release.

Klipsch Walks on the Wild Side

While Lou Reed would be one of the last musicians I'd assume to be interested in partaking in an endorsement deal, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer recently partnered with Klipsch for a new set of ear candy.

Rock & Roll legend Lou Reed recently partnered with Klipsch to customize the musician's favourite headphone, the Image X10i.

The Klipsch Signature Audio Edition Lou Reed X10i Headphones is a customized version of Reed's favourite headphone, the Image X10i. It has full-range KG 926 drive components, and specified 5Hz-19kHz frequency response. Impedance is 50 ohms, making the phone drivable by portable devices.

This sleek, purple, black, and gold coloured product utilizes Klipsch's patented over-ear tips, features active noise cancellation, as well as sturdy bass. Furthermore, the soft, circular shaped bud design is said to fit naturally into the contours of one's ear canals. Along with the noise-cancellation microphone, the 50" cord has a three-button remote that is compatible with Apple's iPod, iPhone, or iPad.

"I have been a fan of Klipsch products for eons," says Reed. "I've always admired the un-hyped bass, along with the clarity, depth of detail, and extraordinary comfort of the company's headphones. [This is] a serious model for the serious listener."

The Klipsch Signature Audio Edition Lou Reed X10i was released late last year. It retails in Canada for $349.95.

Comics Can Do

i-Mego, a headphone designer and manufacturer that launched in 2009, is attempting to etch out its own place in the personal audio market without the help of celebrities. Instead of endorsments, the company looks at providing consumers with fashionable, yet strong-sounding headphones. In fact, the company makes a point of saying that it's "bridging the gap between cool and quality," and that it's targeting both the audiophile and fashionista demographics.

Tony Dragich, Director of Marketing, Imego Infinity Ltd: "We know that The Dark Knight was such a big release, and its follow-up could be the biggest movie this summer. One of our focuses is on the comic series, so that we can ride the wave of that movie launch."

"When you're an unknown brand, the (celebrity endorsement) is the first thing that a buyer looks for," notes Tony Dragich, Director of Marketing, Imego Inifinity Ltd. "But, once they get to know you, and they actually listen to your product, and realize that you can stand on your own, with respect to design and quality of sound, then I think they ease back on the endorsement side."

In 2011, i-Mego did this with a very cool-looking Retro Infinity Gold over-the-ear headphone that featured a real leather headband, and memory-foam earcups outfitted with a gold metallic design, similar to that of an old-school microphone. Its 40mm drivers deliver frequency response of 20-20,000Hz, the company says.

This year, however, i-Mego is looking to capitalize on the forthcoming Batman movie (The Dark Knight Rises), by releasing a series of licensed, comic-themed over-the-ear headphones. Proudly displayed at its CES booth, i-Mego had headphones featuring the iconic Batman logo, an image of The Joker (complete with the eye-stealing purple and green colour scheme), as well as Superman. All three will be coming to market this April, for $44.99.

"We know that The Dark Knight was such a big release, and its follow-up could be the biggest movie this summer," continues Dragich. "One of our focuses is on the comic series, so that we can ride the wave of that movie launch."

JVC Jumps into Carbon Nanotubes

At the JVC booth at CES, the company introduced what it deems to be the world's first headphones to use new carbon nanotubes technology.

Found in the JVC HA-FX40 inner-ear headphones, carbon nanotube diaphragms are said to provide a balance of strength and flexibility that can't be matched by diaphragms made from plastics or metals.

JVC's HA-FX40 in-ear 'phones employ carbon nanotube diaphragms, which are said to provide a balance of strength and flexibility that can't be matched by diaphragms made from plastics or metals.

These earbuds also feature dual-layer aluminum-plated housings, and a rubber-fitting stabilizer that fits into the contour of an ear. To help get a perfect fit, three pairs of silicone earpiece and a set of memory-foam earpieces are included.

Beyond that, the HA-FX40 comes with a 1.2m pure oxygen-free copper cord, and a cord clip to minimize cord friction noise.

This product will be available this March for $49.99, and will come in silver, black, blue, and red.

Tried & True

In the case of Sennheiser, you have a company that has a strong reputation for producing high-quality headphones that also look good when attached to a human's head.

One of the models that Sennheiser was quick to show off at CES, was its HD 25 Amperior DJ-style headphones. This product will sell for $350 and be released in March.

An update of Sennheiser's popular HD 25 DJ, the Amperior model is optimized to work with an iPad, iPhone, and iPod. In addition to the 1.2m cable, the HD 25 Amperior comes with a 0.9m cable that integrates a three-button controller for iDevices. Impedance of 18 ohms makes the new phones easy to drive by portable players. Employing neodymium magnets, they can produce maximum sound pressure of 120dB. They come in a silver or blue finish, with an ultra-bendable dual basket headband, and cushiony die-cast earcups. Either earcup can be angled upward in use, for DJ-style monitoring.

Sennheiser's HD 25 Amperior DJ-style headphones come with a detachable cable that has an integrated remote control for an iPad, iPhone, and iPod.

One of the things that struck me the most about Sennheiser's exhibit was that it wasn't covered with images of famous people propping up the company's products. The truth of the matter is, had a Sennheiser employee not told me what famous faces put his products to use, I never would've known.

Secondarily, had he not told me that most of these individuals chose Sennheiser gear instead of being paid to use Sennheiser gear, I would've thought that the company was also relying on celeb endorsements to attract a demographic that is into that sort of thing.

"What we want to convey to the public is the expertise, knowledge, and being the top choice for artists around the world," says Gilles H. Marcotte, National Director, Sales, Sennheiser. "Whether it be Rihanna, Pink, Celine Dion or Bryan Adams, they're all using our in-ear monitors, monitor packs, and microphones. It's their choice [to be using Sennheiser products], it's not because we're necessarily paying them to do so. It's the choice of these people; it's how they listen to themselves, and what they perceive from singing into a Sennheiser microphone."

Yurbuds Pumps Some Iron

Yurbuds was on hand at CES to bring attention to its collection of athlete-friendly earbuds. The model that caught my attention the most was the Ironman Series Inspire PRO ($49.99). The bright red buds have a patented TwistLock technology that is designed to allow the users to twist said buds into their ears, and not have to worry about them falling out. To demonstrate this, Yurbuds had a guy regularly doing back flips in front of the company's booth, to prove the claim that the product will stay within the ear.

Yurbuds showcased its Ironman Series Inspire PRO earbuds at the show. They feature patented TwistLock technology to keep the buds in the ear during rigorous activities.

Although Yurbuds has been around for a few years now, the company took to CES with the intent of showing off some of the improvements it has made to its product line. The Inspire PRO, for instance, is now equipped with a sweat-and-water-resistant microphone and "i" device controller built into the tangle-free cord. While the sound quality isn't quite as mind-shattering as the earbud and headphone models previously mentioned in this story, it does provide athletes (or commuters) with enough quality sound to get from point A to B.

In the spring, the company will also be unveiling white-on-white versions of its products, which will likely appeal most to those that have a fetish for the Apple-style earbuds.

From Another Planet

Amidst all of the big-shot companies with big budgets and finely tuned marketing teams, are companies like Alien Head Gear (AHG), who used CES 2012 as its launching pad.

AHG is about as much of an upstart company, as an upstart company can be. It came to the show looking for everything from media exposure to, of course, distribution and retail connections.

Company co-founder John Villante was manning the booth the day I came across it, and expressed AHG's desire to not re-invent the headphone wheel. Instead he wanted to provide listeners with an attractive collection of products that may not have superior audiophile sound, but still packs enough of a punch to get people interested. For me, the bright colours and fun alien branding was what initially drew me into the AHG booth, so they at least have the eye-grab ability down pat.

"The feedback we got on the product was really good," confirms Villante. "I would say that 95 per cent of the people [we met] really liked the product, and the other five per cent offered input on how we could tweak it."

Alien Head Gear is fresh to the personal audio industry, and used CES to build awareness to its line of well-branded, extra-terrestrial-themed headphones and earbuds.

Villante, and his business partner Louis Hurn, realized nearly four years ago that the headphone market (partly due to loads of devices being in need of such an accessory) was on the rise, and worth exploring. So, when the two of them began the product development process, they focused on coming up with something that would create great brand awareness for its products. When the whole alien angle came about, they believed that it was middle-of-the-road enough, that such branding wouldn't offend or turn off consumers. Sure, it may segregate the believers from non-believers, but that wouldn't really hurt business.

"We feel like we have a good product, and we're not going to try to get into having a million different products," adds Villante. "We are going to try and keep it simple as far as covering the market with the necessary products, and having a good quality product, but branded with our logo, instead of doing what other (companies) do, and go out after athletes, rappers or music guys. There's nothing wrong with that, but we just feel that in the long term, it will benefit us as a company more for having a good product."

The products in which Villante speaks of includes a wide collection of colourful earbuds ranging in price from US$19.95-US$34.95, plus two over-the-ear headphone models, priced at US$59.95 and US$169.95, respectively. The higher-end product has a 50mm driver, 32ohm impedance at 1kHz, maximum input power of 20mW, and a frequency response of 20Hz-22kHz.

These items aren't yet shipping in Canada, as AHG is still working on its distribution arrangements.

Fashion Feast

If covering the CES headphone beat in 2012 taught me anything, it's that manufacturers are looking to dig into the pockets of consumers who are looking for style as much as high-end sound, if not more so. It's hard to blame them. Headphones are everywhere nowadays, and thus individuals are in need of distinguishing themselves from the rest of the crowd.

Sure, not every nice-looking set of headphones will sound sexy and smooth, but they'll at least try to appear that way. Add to that the ever-growing collective of famous faces ready to slap their signatures onto a model or two, and you have an industry that's surely going to give ear accessory lovers more of an excuse to update what they show off on the sides of their faces.

Dell Voice, a brand new one, jointly offered by Dell and Canadian VoIP provider Fongo, gives you free - yes, free - service that includes a new Canadian telephone number, unlimited calling in North America, low international rates, and voice mail.

Dell Voice works on iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android mobiles (it will eventually be available for BlackBerry too) and on Windows desktops. It works over 3G networks or Wi-Fi.

You can make free calls to any North American phone (unlike Skype which is only free when you're calling Skype to Skype), and receive calls at your new Dell Voice number. You could also forward calls from your regular phone (if you have call forwarding on the line) to the Dell Voice number.

How well does it all work?

Based on very limited testing from Spain (the service was only introduced on February 8), it works. Voice and connection quality are not quite as good as Skype (which in my experience is usually surprisingly good) or Primus TalkBroadband, (a paid service I'll be writing about in a future column.)

As more and more people find out about and start using Dell Voice, quality could degrade. It is a free service after all. Nobody else I know of in the VoIP biz is giving this much away.

Why Dell is offering this service is anyone's guess. But who cares? They are offering it, and as long as they do, travelers can take advantage.

On an iOS device, go to the App Store, search on Dell Voice and download the free app. When you launch the app, it takes you through a registration process that includes providing minimal personal information and authenticating by clicking a link in an email.

When I went through the process, Dell Voice automatically assigned a telephone number in the 226 area code, a relatively recent alternative area code for southwestern Ontario where I live.

Setting up voice mail is similar to setting it up on just about any other phone service. You can use a standard greeting or record your own.

The big opportunity, it seems to me, is using the service over Wi-Fi when travelling in places where you'd otherwise have to pay exorbitant roaming charges to use your mobile over the local 3G network.

Upon entering iTunes today, users are able to click on a dedicated Remembering Whitney Houston Web banner. Once on the page, customers are given the opportunity to purchase all of Houston's albums, singles, music videos, and movies.

Album prices range from $5.99 to $14.99, and singles from $0.99 to $1.29; music videos cost $1.99, while movies also vary in price, and are available to rent or purchase.

In addition, there's a sizeable photo at the top of the screen that shows Houston at her best, plus a link to her artist biography.

Houston sold more than 200 million albums and singles worldwide. She passed away on February 11 on the eve of the 2012 Grammy Awards. While tabloids have been speculating over the cause of her death, an official determination has yet to be made.

"Cinema EOS will be a new family of cameras," said Neil Stephenson, technical marketing manager for the Canon Canada's Consumer Imaging Group. "This is a bit of a departure for Canon. We are developing an entirely new product category aimed at the motion picture business."

One version of the C300 has an EF mount compatible with Canon's full-frame DSLR lenses. Another version will use the PL mount, a standard for cine cameras and lenses.

"This really reflects Canon's adoption of video camera technology into our DSLRs," Stephenson points out. He also explained what types of users Canon had in mind when they developed the camera. "A big target is Hollywood and also documentary filmmakers, cinematographers and directors of photography, who have been have been very interested in this product. Even wedding videographers who are raising their game can take advantage of this camera's features."

Tool of Cinematic Expression

To demonstrate the C300 and the Cinema EOS range of features, Canon invited filmmakers Vincent Laforet and Alex Buono to discuss their experiences with the new camera.

A Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, Laforet is a considered a pioneer for his work in tilt-shift and aerial photography, and for his use of HD-capable DSLR cameras as cinematic tools.

Laforet screened his short film Mobius during the event. Mobius, a supernatural thriller set in the Mexican desert, was shot with a pre-production C300s and a variety of Cinema EOS lenses. The short film was completed in a hectic three-day shoot, which is documented in an informative behind-the-scenes video.

Laforet spoke about the surprisingly filmic and organic quality of the C300's video. He was also impressed by the camera's low-light performance. "The C300's combination of sensor and Digic DV III image processor render an extraordinary signal-to-noise ratio, and make it possible to capture video at up to ISO 16000," he said.

The C300's light weight of 3.2 lbs. and small size made it possible for Laforet to place the camera on the ground, and have SUVs drive above it. The C300 was also mounted on various mechanical tripods as well as two remote-controlled helicopters to shoot aerial footage.

"The size and weight of this camera is incredible," Laforet says. "This is a significant advantage that Canon has in my opinion. You can literally pick this camera up with just your index finger."

Laforet was also impressed by the camera's durability in the field. "We shot with the C300 camera for 3 days in 95ºF + temperatures in the desert and we never had a single issue with the camera that I can recall. Impressive given that these were prototype cameras."

Live from New York...

Cinematographer Alex Buono was the other guest speaker at the Canon launch event. Buono is a 10-year veteran of the Saturday Night Live Film Unit, and received an Oscar Nomination for the short film Johnny Flynton.

He has experimented with various digital video cameras and has also pioneered the use of DSLR cameras for broadcasting.

Buono explained how he used the Canon EOS 5D MK II and 7D to shoot Saturday Night Live's popular opening title sequence. The 5D's low-light capabilities enabled to shoot the sequence without external lighting.

Buono also discussed how he has incorporated DSLRs into the SNL shooting workflow and explained how the C300 was used to shoot a number of commercial spoofs including the recent skit British Trailer.

DSLRs require add-ons like cages and monitors just so they can be useful for commercial video, he observed. "The C300 does come with all of that stuff, I compare it more to a CineStyle camera. It is more expensive but you are getting a production ready camera, this is a big step up from DSLR cinematography and I am very excited. The C300 is a veritable gumbo of camera innovation. It has the monitor, it has the playback deck, it's got the HDMI outputs, dual CF Card Slots."

Canon's Stephenson says that the C300 body will retail for $16,699, lower than the $20,000 price announced during the camera's announcement late last year. The Canon C300 will be available in mid-January.

Before we get started, this review will have a little bias, as I am a massive fan of Foo Fighters. Their debut album was one of the first that I ever purchased, I've been to a number of their concerts, own all of the albums, met Dave Grohl (the lead singer and guitarist, duh), and have a collectible belt buckle sporting the group's logo. There are only a few bands that I would trust enough to hold up my pants, and the Foos, (as we super fans like to refer to them as), are one of those bands.

Now, I have the band's app and can't be any more excited than I already am. I think I shouted a joyfully toned expletive as soon as I discovered it in the app store. Nevertheless...

For people like me that have a large crush on the Foos, this app is absolutely perfect and badass. What's more, it is free! Considering that a lot of band apps that I've sought out have had a fee attached to them, it's a nice switch to see a group not try to take more money out of the pockets of their fans when it's not necessary to do so. However, while the app may be free, it definitely would've been worth paying for.

Firstly it has a rather masterful collection of videos that can be viewed through a seamless YouTube link-up. In this section of the site are official band music videos, comedic spoofs (check out Keepin it Clean in KC), behind-the-scenes-footage, and live performances.

If tunes are more your thing, all Foo Fighters albums are featured in the music section of the app. Each track can be previewed for 30 seconds, and then purchased through iTunes if so desired.

There are also official band photos, a news section dedicated to all things Foo, tour dates, a link to purchase Foo Fighters merchandise, and engaging in-app community features, like the Fan Wall.

On that wall, individuals can post whatever Foo thoughts come to mind, communicate freely with other fans, and share personal photos of the band. In order to fully participate within this part of the app, one must sign-in to his Facebook and/or Twitter account, and give the app certain permissions. Needless to say, doing this also lets people share app content through their selected social network(s). From there, a user profile within Foo-ville is instantaneously created.

One of the cooler features (as if there weren't so many already!), is the in-app camera. Fans are able to take a photo, and eventually have it appear within the gallery on the app. Of course, these kinds of things always require approval to be posted, so they don't automatically turn up in the app's gallery.

The Foo Fighters app can take the stage within "i" devices that feature i0S4 or higher.

I've got another confession to make; this app is cool. Eveyone's got their bands to play, so why not Foos? Were you born to resist, or have fun too? Will this app be the best, the best, the best, the best for you?

In the words (or word) of Mr. Grohl, "Yeeeeaaaah!!!"

The primary data, being shipments for the second half of 2011, is presented below, showing Compact System Camera shipments as a percentage of all interchangeable lens cameras (ILCs), which includes both CSCs and DSLRs. As in previous years, CSCs are particularly popular in Japan where they accounted for 46% of shipments, nearing parity with DSLRs. Marketshare in terms of value is lower, at 37.7% due to the lower prices of many CSC models, but the numbers shipped indicate that this category may eclipse DSLRs during 2012 in Japan's home market.

Additional CIPA Data

The worldwide stats are not shown in the graph; but on a global basis, shipments of CSCs accounted for 22.7% of the ILC category. That's more than double the 10-11% share that market research companies had estimated for 2010.

Aside from the CSCs, CIPA's figures also indicate healthy growth for ILC cameras and lenses in 2011, in spite of the effects of the natural disasters in Japan and Thailand. On a worldwide basis, shipments of fixed-lens cameras fell 8.1% from 2010, but ILC shipments increased by 21.8% and lenses jumped by 19.9%.

CIPA is also bullish about the Interchangeable Lens Camera segment for 2012, forecasting a rise of 16.6% for cameras and 18.8% for lenses on a global basis.

The Americas

While North America still lags far behind Japan in Compact System Camera sales, shipments of this category have approximately doubled in this region as well in vs. 2010. And there's another bit of CIPA data that's worth noting. The proportion of mirrorless cameras shipped to the Americas region jumped from 12.5% to 22.1% between the third and fourth quarter of 2011, a 76% increase.

CIPA's report mentions the effects of the natural disasters in Asia. Global shipments of cameras and lenses in general were down 4.9% vs. 2010 partly because of these factors. Some pundits have suggested that the disasters caused a dramatic drop in DSLR production, accounting for the growth in the CSC category's proportion. However, the production of Sony's NEX-7 and 5N was halted for some months and the supply chain was disrupted for other CSC brands by parts shortages. Hence, it's likely that the natural disasters did not skew the Interchangeable Lens Camera stats as significantly as some have suggested.

The Bottom Line

Will we see Compact System Cameras taking a lion's share of the market in Canada anytime soon? That's not likely but continuing growth is probable in my estimation.
As industry observer Rob Galbraith indicates, "Japan is often seen as something of a bellwether for technology adoption, and especially consumer electronics. Given that it's only three years since the first compact system camera went on sale [in June 2009], the speed with which mirrorless models have almost caught up with their SLR brethren in Japan is incredible. That bodes very well for their future elsewhere!"