On CE - For Dealers, Distributors and OEMs of Consumer Electronics throughout EMEA

Pacific Media Associates (PMA) releases its annual projector manufacturer survey-- predicting the global pico projector market will reach 58M units by 2015, up from 3M in 2011.

The pico category covers battery-powered models, as well as companion (accessory) and embedded mobile device modules.

The analyst predicts pico projectors will not only grow in sales, but also in brightness-- while only 36% of pico projectors sold in 2011 offer 30 lumens (or more) of brightness, PMA predicts 62% of sales will offer 30+ lumens, thanks to improving batteries and luminous efficiency. Around 16% of picos will even offer 150+ lumens in 2015.

Meanwhile manufacturers predict optical engines will also improve, with 18% of optical engines producing 30+ lumens by 2015 (up from 6% in 2011).

PMA says customers will also get "a lot more" for their money, as future models will also handle higher resolutions and features such as media playback and document viewers.

Go Pacific Media Associates Annual Pico Projector Manufacturer Survey

Wowee One announces the Wowee Vue-- a pico projector designed for use with iDevices, as well as mobile Androids.

It connects to iPhones, iPads and iPods via 30-pin connector (cable included), while an HDMI port caters for Android smartphones and tablets and composite adapter allows use with other TV-out devices.

Resolution is WVGA (848x480), with 15 lumens brightness and 16:9 aspect ratio. Wowee One says no focus adjustment is needed, as "image is always in focus, even on curved surfaces." No details are yet available in audio capabilities.

An internal battery provides up to 4 hours of power, and the projector also operates using a wall charger.

Go Wowee One Vue

Under the latest update of the Waste Electrical and Electric Equipment Directive (WEEE), large CE retailers will have to take back old devices for free, without need for customers making a new purchase.

The take-back directive covers retailers with shop space of 400 square metres or larger, and will come into force over the next 7 years.

The EU plans to improve electrical and electronic waste collection within the region from the current 4kg per capita to around 20kg by 2020. Authorities estimate the volume of waste electronics will total 12M tons by 2020-- and hopes 85% of such waste will be separately collected.

EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik says: "Proper treatment of WEEE is important to prevent harm to human health and the environment, and its systematic collection is the precondition for professional recycling of the valuable raw materials like gold, silver, copper and rare metals, contained in our used TVs, laptops and mobile phones."

Go Statement by Commissioner Potocnik on the new directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)

Comparison website Kelkoo confirms the declining high street shopping trend, reporting online sales across Europe grow by 18% Y-o-Y in 2011 to total €200.52 billion, before reaching growing by 16% to reach €232.76BN in 2012.

In comparison the analyst says total European retail for 2011 is up by just 1.8% Y-o-Y. E-commerce represents 7.8% of total 2011 retail sales across Europe, and could grow to 8.8% by 2012.

"Inevitably, this will have an ongoing negative impact on the high street, an issue which is forcing retailers to bring the two channels much closer together," Kelkoo adds.

The study covers 13 countries across Europe.

As we know, 2011 was tough on retail, with Dixons, Kesa and HMV all reporting falling sales and declines. Meanwhile, customers appear to be spending (and buying) more through online retail, despite the current economic situation.

Go EU Online Spending to Grow by 16% in 2012 (Kelkoo)