This year’s keynote from Panasonic included a lineup of their executive board, new products, and Justin Timberlake. But, in my opinion, all the glam they put into this event didn’t even out odd announcements and unveils that they chose to save for CES this year.
The Year of Smart Solutions
Possibly the most mentioned phrase throughout the keynote was “Smart Solutions.” Panasonic CEO of North America started by saying that “Panasonic’s goal is to become the leader in green innovations by 2018 (The company’s 100 year anniversary).
Continuing on that green bricked road, he also revealed an entirely green, mostly off of the grid, city to be built by Panasonic on the outskirts of Tokyo. This city would feature Panasonic green technologies designed to make everyday life easier.
And just when you thought the fun couldn’t continue, they also announced their plans to move Panasonic North American headquarters to Newark, NJ. This new building would be, of course, entirely green and will run off of solar energy. Why Newark? It gives them a strategic position right outside of Manhattan, NY and also access to a major international airport as well as great public transportation options.
And lastly, they revealed a new division: The Panasonic Eco Solutions Group. The division will focus on developing green solutions to everyday problems.
New Products
The four main products that Panasonic announced during their presentation included a Toughpad, a new 3D Video camera, LED TVs with SmartVierra, and a device that allows you to make skype video calls.
The toughpad looked like a nice and rugged addition to the current Android tablet lineup. Featuring a 10-inch display that could be dropped on a hard surface. In fact, President of Consumer Electronics, Shiro Kitajima, did just that. While presenting, he dropped the tablet on the floor to show off its toughness.
Their 3D video camera is the Z10000. It is meant to be a professional grade camera that will most likely be priced above $1,200. An interesting move into the growing field of 3D film for Panasonic.
They skype call device was a tablet-looking thing that allows users to make video skype calls. In my opinion, it’s a waste of product line because it is pretty much a tablet, but the only thing it can do is skype.
An expected announcement was that of their new LED TVs with Smart Vierra, a technology that looked like a GoogleTV type of device that would essentially allow users to install apps. Apps like…
SmartVierra, MySpace TV, and Justin Timberlake
The Panasonic executive team was joined on stage by MySpace CEO Tim Vanderhook and Justin Timberlake tou announce Myspace TV, a web-service that looks to reinvent MySpace. Myspace TV allows you to share what you’re watching and lets you interact with friends who are also watching what you are. You can even send and receive content to your friends like shows, music videos, etc. The Myspace TV app will be available on SmartVierra-enabled TVs.
But the main problem comes with the name Myspace. Through Myspace TV, you will have to have a Myspace account and so will your friends. Who still has a Myspace.
Interview with Myspace CEO Time Vanderhook coming soon!
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