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

LG announces its WCP-700, a wireless charging pad compatible with the company's mobile devices.

Using inductive coils built into battery doors and internal contacts allows charging from the wire-free source-- and eliminating the need for a charger.

The charging pad features audible and tactile feedback when the user places their phone on its surface, while different colour LEDs show charging status. It also comes in a slim design for users on the go.

Go LG Wireless Charging Solution

W.W. 3D-enabled device sales will grow by 89% in 2011, with sales reaching 95m, according to Strategy Analytics.

The analyst predicts 42% of European homes will own a 3DTV by 2014-- making it the fastest growing (and largest) 3DTV market, followed by Japan and the US.

The global market for 3D-enabled devices should also grow by 900m units by 2014; a market including not only 3DTVs, but STBs, blu-ray players, media players, phones and games consoles.

However there's one very real question poised at the market-- will there be enough content to satisfy users' desires to make use of their purchases? Without compelling 3D content, the 3D risks becoming a dormant (if much hyped) feature.

Go 95m 3D Devices to be Sold in 2011

This weekend saw the launch of Nintendo's latest console, the 3DS-- the first handheld consumer device offering glasses-free 3D gaming since Nintendo's own ill-fated Virtual Boy.

The 3DS shows Nintendo's mixture of innovation and conservatism; the 3D display comes in a dual screen clamshell form factor that's nearly identical to the hugely successful DS. Meanwhile Nintendo shows typical reluctance in embracing online connectivity-- the console ships without an internet browser or downloadable game store.

The company's handhelds remain hugely popular (with Nintendo saying the 3DS broke preorder records in the UK), but faces stiff competition-- not only from Sony's own upcoming PSP successor, but from smartphones. More people than ever consume their gaming entertainment on their phones. For instance, 40m persons a month play Angry Birds.

Smartphones with glasses-free 3D displays will also launch this year, as seen at Barcelona's Mobile World Congress.

Will the 3DS set the market for 3D electronics set the market on fire? 3DTVs don't have a strong track record yet, and 3D gaming never really caught on. We'll just have to wait and see how 3DS sales continue post-launch.

Go Nintendo 3DS

Online retail looms over every brick-and-mortar store-- which is why Best Buy announces its new channel strategy will involve expanding its online-only presence.

The retailer's Q4 2010 results show its W.W. online revenue for 2010 is up by 14% (reaching $2.5B). Best Buy Europe reports a low single-digit increase in Q4 2010.

Best Buy will still maintain its physical stores, even if it will be shrinking some of its big-box stores' footprint ("redefining the optimal big-box store size") while looking at more competitive pricing options.

Various product categories will see floor footprint changes-- mobile, gaming and appliances will see more space and labour, while declining categories like CDs will have their floorspace cut by half. Physical stores will also see use as a pickup option for e-commerce orders.

Go Best Buy Q4 2010 and Full Year 2011 Results