It is always dangerous to make predictions. It is even more dangerous and potentially embarrassing to make those predictions in writing. Nevertheless, I have a few things that might help you as you make decisions about purchasing electronic products and services in the new year.
In February you can look for some great deals on HD televisions. Leading up to the Super Bowl®, you will be inundated with ads from all the leading retailers touting sales of new TVs so you can wow your neighbors at your Super Bowl Party. Once that day passes, sales will slow down and you will be able to get some great deals.
February 2009 will then be just 12 months away. Remember February 17, 2009 is the day when we turn off all the analog channels and if you are among the 20% of US households that use over-the-air receivers to watch TV, you will need to do something. If you don’t decide to subscribe to cable or satellite you will need to either purchase a new digital TV or get a set top adapter. The adapters will begin to be found in stores in early 2008. Also, the federal government will begin to issue coupons. Each household is eligible to get 2 coupons each worth $40 toward the purchase of a DTV adapter. Right now they are priced at about $70. For more information you can call 888 DTV-2009 (800-388-2009) or go to the DTV information website http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/PreparingForTheDTVTransition.pdf
The cell phone providers will begin to expand capabilities beyond one-to-one communication. Many will find it surprising that the United States and Canada are among the most backward countries in the world with our cell phone networks and hand set capabilities. In many countries today you can now do your banking via cell phone, pay for gas, buy a subway fare and watch sporting events. While some of these features are now beginning to be made available here, 2009 should see some real advances.
Look for more devices to be controlled by voice commands. This technology has been available on higher end products but now is becoming common place. You may have seen the commercials on TV for some of the new Ford Motor Company cars with Synch Technology™. This system being co-developed by Microsoft®, allows you to operate your iPod® and phone using spoken commands. While many of us have had this calling feature on our cell phones, you will now see this technology being integrated into a host of other devices. Great news, we can all stop clapping to turn on our living room lamps!
You will see an increase in attempts to get information about you. The discount programs using ID cards with bar codes, the sales clerk request for your email address, the manufacture’s warranty cards that ask for much more information than the model number of the toaster you just bought, all are ways of gathering information about you and your consumer habits.
The green energy efficiency movement will get into full swing with added emphasis on doing little things in your home that will add up to substantial community savings. The dropping prices and greater variety of energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps are good examples. Look for more LED lamps in automobiles too.
I will revisit this list one year from now and see how I did.
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