While consumer electronics now rely largely on physical media and on broadcast delivery of entertainment content, a new study finds the market in the mid of a major shift to a greater reliance on network-based delivery.

Wi-Fi networking is expected to become a key enabler for delivery and redistribution of this content in the home, particularly for retail consumer electronics hardware. According to ABI Research, the total number of Wi-Fi-enabled consumer electronics devices will grow from just 40 million shipped in 2006 to nearly 249 million in 2011.

"From the enormous interest in online gaming to the rapid emergence of new Internet distribution channels for top-tier movie and TV content, the need for connectivity in mainstream consumer electronics is growing rapidly," the market and technology research said. "While the consumer Wi-Fi market has previously consisted largely of routers, gateways and adapters, ABI Research believes that as the market evolves towards digital distribution, its growth will be fueled by the inclusion of embedded Wi-Fi in consumer electronics."

The market today is led by portable gaming consoles, as both Nintendo and Sony have equipped their latest generation devices with Wi-Fi for multiplayer and online gaming. The new Zune from Microsoft signals the beginning of a large-scale movement towards embedded Wi-Fi in portable media players. Line-powered devices such as gaming consoles, DVD players and audio receivers are all expected to see high attach rates for Wi-Fi during the forecast period.

"The development of a market for Wi-Fi-enabled consumer electronics has been hampered by technology limitations such as power consumption, but it has also been delayed by consumer electronics vendors’ hesitation as they waited to see what would happen with 802.11n. With the 802.11n standard set to be ratified in a little over a year, the Wi-Fi Alliance’s decision to certify solutions based on a draft 2.0 for 802.11n, and vendors’ intentions to release products based on the current Wi-Fi protocols, this market is set for growth," it says.

Mail lures

Mass mailing lures for websites that are hosting VML exploit code have begun gaining traction, says Websense, a security company. "Most of the sites are using updated Web-Attacker code. A recent example that came to us from Message Labs appears to lure users to the site by claiming they have received a Yahoo! Greeting Card. The site downloads and installs an Internet Explorer Browser Helper Object that directs all HTTP posts from forms to a third party, and then collects information on end-users," it says. Watch out.

HALO Ne Apna Malak Ma... In sync with the folk song luring visitors for a sneak peek at Garvi Gujarat are these theme pavillions at the helipad ground in Gandhinagar. With the Vibrant Gujarat Navratri Mahotsav creating sound bytes, the State Government is now cashing in on the festival to showcase its various tourist attractions— set up in the form of theme pavillions. From environment and adventure to religion, tribal culture, heritage and medicine, all in all eight pavillions depict different facets of the state’s offering to tourists.

So famous temples like Dakor, Ambaji, Somnath, Dwarka and Palitana and other places of pilgrimage and holy cities in Gujarat find mention under the Religious Theme Pavillion. To add to the effect, wooden models of some places are on display, as also exclusive snapshots of other heritage temples.

The Medical Theme Pavillion stands tribute to the state’s achievements in the field of medicine, and comprises individual stalls for 10 hospitals— UN Mehta Cardiac Hospital, Cancer Hospital, Kidney Hospital, GE Healthcare, JS and PD Ayurved Hospital, Rajasthan Hospital, Fortis Healthcare, Banker Heart Institue, Sterling Hospital, and the Apollo Hospitals group.

Garvi Gujarat’s colourful rural life and traditions are on display at the Handicraft Pavillion depicting various kinds of pottery, clay-work on various media. The Heritage Pavillion— apt to its name— boasts of the state’s rich history and cultural heritage while another pavillion exhibits Gujarat’s cultural diversity through photographs.

Adventure freaks can grab their share of action at the pavillions showcasing the nature trails, adventure sports, and state’s varied oceanlife. Interestingly, the Adventure Pavillion even has a 60 foot by 80 foot hangar constructed to attract visitors. Pavillions on the Sardar Sarovar Project and Tribal Life and Culture provide tourists details on the projects. While the pavillions account for a large section of the display, cultural programmes are also being organised for tourists.

The revelry seems to be creating sound bytes with internationally acclaimed Gujarati artiste Farida Meera performing at Monday night’s ras-garba to a highly appreciative audience. International artistes too get their share of fame by showcasing their traditions and arts in cultural programmes being held every evening. Not to be left behind, die-hard foodies can be seen stealing a bite at the international food court called Swadjagat 2006.

Source: Expressindia.com