Google aired its first broadcast television commercial over the weekend. The 30 second spot for its Internet browser Chrome, was selected through a YouTube contest. This is the first commercial the search giant has ever broadcast.
The National Health Interview Survey reported that one in five US households is cell phone only. The number is up 3% over last year, and has put a significant dent into teleco's income. Analyst John Fletcher noted that "The end game is consumers are paying two bills for the same service...Which are they going to choose? They'll choose the one they can take with them in their car."
Star Trek topped the box office this weekend taking in approximately $76.5 million. The JJ Abrams remake took in nearly $4 million on Thursday night sneak previews alone. The film scored an additional $35.5 million internationally to top the international box office.
Despite the economy, Blu-ray player sales are up 72% for the first quarter. While the format has yet to kill DVD's, retailers sold more than 400,000 units in the first quarter. The recent rise in sales is accredited to cheaper Blu-ray players and a high rate of high definition television penetration.
The European Union will fine Intel for anti-trust violations. In addition to a potentially record setting fine, Intel will also be forced to revise their rebates for manufacturers. Expectations are that Intel's fine may double a recent fine on Microsoft.
Shelly Palmer is a consultant and the host of MediaBytes with Shelly Palmer a daily show featuring news you can use about technology, media & entertainment. He is Managing Director of Advanced Media Ventures Group LLC and the author of Television Disrupted: The Transition from Network to Networked TV (2008, York House Press) and the upcoming, Get Digital: Reinventing Yourself and Your Career for the 21st Century Economy (2009, Lake House Press). Shelly is also President of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, NY (the organization that bestows the coveted Emmy Awards). You can join the MediaBytes mailing list here. Shelly can be reached at shelly@palmer.net For information about Get Digital Classes, visit www.shellypalmer.com/seminars