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

CableJive presents a solution for your non-iDevice using customers living in a world full of accessories with Apple 30-pin dock connectors-- the DockBoss, letting users connnect any device with a 3.5mm jack to an iPhone dock.

It is compatible with nearly every audio-output device out there (except VW and Audi stock iPod/iPhone systems) and since it takes power from both USB and Firewire docks it works with old and new accessories.

75cm worth of cable extend dock reach a little bit more, and a red indicator light flashes to show when the device is ready to play audio.

Go CableJive dockBoss

CEO Reed Hastings splits Netflix into separate businesses: "Netflix" dedicated to streaming video and "Qwikster" to handle DVD-by-mail.

The announcement follows the unpopular recent change in pricing where subscribers don't get automatic access for both mail and streaming services-- an announcement some customers describe as a "confusing mess".

Other customers simply cancelled their accounts in anger.

Hastings explains the change as evolution, saying "companies rarely die from moving too fast, and they frequently die from moving too slowly".

By isolating the cost structure in the DVD-in-the-mail business, Hastings can prepare for a worst case scenario of the Blockbuster-variety, protecting the family jewels in a separate ring-fenced company. Public controversy about the move asks if Hastings is being hasty? Either he is a genius or an idiot, declare some of the blogs.

But no one knows which it is. At the core of the controversy is a very important question: are these two different customers (DVDers vs streamers) or the same consumer who just uses different priority for different video usage?

No mention yet if Netflix will use separate names once it (eventually) arrives in Europe-- something it should be doing in 2012, at least in Spain and the UK. But based on this decision, you might expect the DVD-in-the-mail model might get left behind.

Go Netflix: An Explanation and Some Reflections

Go Netflix Customers Respond With Confustion (The Wall Street Journal)

Go Spanish Eyes for Netflix

In a world where devices are king, the battery is literally the power behind the throne. Philips launches a total refresh of their battery and charger range—and a new range of LED  flashlights. Both ranges will become available in October.

Along with a range of primary and rechargeable battery products to fit all the different devices in use today, Philips adds chargers for mobile phones, MP3 players, laptops and cameras.

Kesa Electricals fails to find a buyer for the troubled Comet chain, The Telegraph reports-- meaning Kesa will continue "to examine other strategic alternatives" while trying to implement turnaround plans.

Turnaround specialists showing interest in Comet include investment firm OpCapita and Hilco UK.

Derailing the sales process is the "dowry" for potential buyers, large pension liabilities and credit insurers possibly changing terms-- not to mention Comet's current state.

Comet losses for the 1st May - 31st July period (according to the Kesa Q1 2011 interim management statement) total to -22.1% Y-o-Y.

Comet is going through store reformatting-- with better-selling, higher margin CE products (including tablets, headphones and laptops) getting more space than currently poor-selling white goods (especially fridges and microwaves).

The Kesa Group in general sees losses throughout the period-- with Y-o-Y losses totalling -9.9%-- as white good and CE sales fail to make up for declining TV sales throughout Europe.

Sources tell The Telegraph a Comet sale might be "still possible", bu not until Christmas, the deadline Kesa set. Until then, the Comet turnaround plan will soldier on.

Go Kesa Puts Comet Sell-Off on Hold as Sales Crash

Go Kesa Q1 2011 Interim Management Statement