14 DAY TRIAL // The hype surrounding mobile electronics has already reached very high levels, and IT companies are quite eager to make the best of the rapid popularity rise that such things as tablets, smartphones and e-readers benefit from. Still, there are some entities on the IT market that don't just look at the marketing value of new device types, but also at their potential to become game changers. Freescale seems to be especially mindful of what the latest consumer electronics can lead to, which is why it decided to throw a close glance at what the consumer base expects.
Back in late May, Freescale gave us a heads up about a panel session that was to take place between June 21 and June 24. The company gathered together a significant number of consumer electronics bloggers from around the world. These people participated in an in-depth discussion on the subject of what today's devices represent, and how they are actually a stepping stone towards something greater. The conclusion that was eventually reached was that tablets, e-readers and smartphones will eventually lead to completely new levels of immersion and entertainment.
The panel session was led by Jeff Orr, senior analyst at ABI Research, and had representatives from such blogs as CrunchGear, Ubergizmo and jkOntheRun discuss several topics besides just that of CE. One subject was the relevance and applicability of Ethernet protocols, such as PROFINET, EtherCAT and Ethernet/IP. These have, so far, been mostly confined to the space of factory automation. Other so-called hot topics include matters related to the energy industry, such as PHEV, smart appliances, in-home energy management, smart metering and smart grid.
Freescale condensed the FTF Americas 2010 Panel Sessions into multiple videos which are now available for online viewing through its official website. End-users interested in knowing what the future holds need only follow this link and select the video that interests them.