As I write this on Wednesday, December 19th the stock market has closed down 351.98 points or nearly 1.5% to its lowest level of the year, according to CNBC. The broader S&P 500 Index also closed at a 2018 low. But as bad as this news is, perhaps even more concerning are two key indicators for the housing market – single-family housing starts and homebuilder sentiment – both of which showed disappointing results.
Gibson’s Speedy Bankruptcy Exit Hits a Big Roadblock
I have to admit, Strata-gee was considering moving on from its Gibson Brands (Gibson Guitar) coverage, first started in 2012 when the company made several acquisitions as part of an ill-advised foray into the consumer electronics business. As delineated in our copious coverage, Gibson CEO Henry Juszkiewicz turned to OPM (other people’s money) loading the company up with over half a billion dollars in debt to pursue a business in which the company had no expertise…ultimately resulting in Gibson’s bankruptcy filing in May of this year.
Gibson’s major creditors banded together, put together what some would call a pre-packaged bankruptcy plan and looked as though they would exit bankruptcy late November/early December. They were wrong. As they tried to power out of bankruptcy, they hit a brick wall – the United States Trustee who has filed a serious objection to their motion to exit bankruptcy.
Now what? See what the U.S. Trustee objects to in Gibson’s plans… [Read more…] about Gibson’s Speedy Bankruptcy Exit Hits a Big Roadblock
10 Hot Consumer Trends for 2019
A smart speaker that argues like family…virtual assistant devices that understand your mood at any moment you wish to speak with and use them – budding futurists are predicting these 2019 consumer technology trends and more as part of a new report from Ericsson’s ConsumerLab consumer research division. The new report, logically titled the 10 Hot Consumer Trends 2019 is based on the insights and predictions of 5, 097 global advanced internet users in metro markets that demographically represent nearly 34 million early technology adopters.
See more on what budding futurists predict as Hot Consumer Trends for 2019… [Read more…] about 10 Hot Consumer Trends for 2019
The Impact of Technology on Real Estate Sales
New research put out by the National Association of Realtors looks at the impact of technology on the real estate market. In particular, the study, called Real Estate in a Digital Age, contemplated how technology has impacted the buying process – and how different generations of buyers use technology when looking for a home.
See how technology has impacted home buyers and realtors…
[Read more…] about The Impact of Technology on Real Estate Sales
International Sales Manager Appointed at MSE Audio
Overland Park, KS-based MSE Audio, parent company of Phase Tech, Rockustics, Induction Dynamics, dArts Theater, and more, announced the appointment of James McManus as its new International Sales Director. This new appointment takes effect immediately.
See more on this role at MSE Audio… [Read more…] about International Sales Manager Appointed at MSE Audio
Artificial Intelligence – Will America Win the AI Race?
Most tech experts point to artificial intelligence (AI) as the NBT – the next big thing – in technology. Not only does this promise to create a huge market – but it is likely to be disruptive of many industries and looks to truly Change-the-World. With a prize this big, many are chasing that AI rabbit with the goal of dominating the future. Will the U.S. win the AI race?
See the latest AI data to find out just WHO seems to be winning… [Read more…] about Artificial Intelligence – Will America Win the AI Race?
Gibson Says, Sorry Memphis, We’re Outta Here
Just a matter of months ago, Gibson Brands management assured the town elders of Memphis, TN that the company remained committed to the vibrant music community in Memphis and that they were looking for new digs somewhere within that community. But that was then and this is now – the company was basically taken over by KKR and now the company has decided to vacate Memphis, moving their group there to Nashville.
See more on the incredible shrinking Gibson… [Read more…] about Gibson Says, Sorry Memphis, We’re Outta Here
James Loudspeaker: Go Big AND Go Home
Creating & Stocking New Soundbars for Larger 75-Inch TVs
James Loudspeaker, the innovative specialty manufacturer of custom-created loudspeakers targeted at the residential and commercial custom integration channel, announced that they will create, build, and stock a new soundbar product designed to be perfectly sized for increasingly popular larger TVs up to 75-inches. By keeping this new product in stock, integrators will have quick access to a more affordable pre-built solution…a win-win for the integrator and for their client.
See more on James Loudspeaker’s new soundbar solution for larger TVs… [Read more…] about James Loudspeaker: Go Big AND Go Home
CEDIA Admits Membership Declined in 2018
‘We Do Anticipate Membership Will Be Down in 2018’
Last week, I posted an extensive report on CEDIA’s annual State-of-the-Association presentation which took place last month via a webinar for members. Certain staff and board members offered a long and detailed presentation on the many aspects of the Association’s activities in 2018. As I said then, it at times felt more like a sales pitch, than a report to members, but nonetheless they did have much to talk about.
However, my antenna went up when a chart of the number of members was shown, seeming to indicate a signficant decline. I followed up with CEDIA after the presentation for clarification – and now we know – CEDIA membership has most likely declined in 2018.
See what I learned about the state of CEDIA membership in 2018… [Read more…] about CEDIA Admits Membership Declined in 2018
Welcome to Strata-gee!
I’d like to welcome you to Strata-gee.com – where you’ll find current stories on the tech industry updated every week. We try to present you with a unique perspective…unique because we are NOT journalists writing news stories. Rather, we are industry participants, writing about the latest in tech based on our extensive knowledge and experience.
There is a tremendous amount of information and insight here. Feel free to poke around. Click on “tags” or keywords in the Tag Cloud in the sidebar on the right to find all of our articles on that specific tagged subject. You can also use the Search box at the top-right to quickly search for topics based on keywords.
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Happy hunting, Strata-gists!
Ted Green
Strata-gee Founder & Editor
