4Store is an application marketplace where developers can create Control4 apps. It features a Developer's Program that is a Flash-based platform, which delivers applications to Control4 customers and to the application marketplace, extending beyond mobile devices and into the digital home.

Flash developers can deliver entertainment, informational or social networking apps that they have created for mobile devices to consumer homes through the 4Store application marketplace (with minimal programming). For example, developers can use weather information to adjust the watering schedule for the lawn, or provide lighting and shading control for different areas

How has technology changed the way we listen to music? New Yorker Sasha Frere-Jones discusses the impact of having more control over the music experience than the original artists in "You, the DJ." Despite the advancements of the audio world, we still derive immense, spontaneous pleasure from hearing a favorite song pop up, courtesy of our server's "random play" feature - just like we do with radio. Says Frere-Jones, "Sometimes we will be the djs and sometimes the machines will be and we may be surprised by which we prefer."

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Crestron is dropping clues as to what their new apps will be like for the Apple iPad. There will be interactive features that allow users to browse through their Blu-ray collection, adjust the lighting, etc.

“iPad is the hottest new thing right now, and Crestron is out in front with the most flexible and feature-rich control app available. Crestron fully embraces the iPad and Apple integration, and we have lots of cool new features coming next, including landscape view and gestures navigation,” said Vincent Bruno, Crestron Director of Marketing.

4Store is a new online marketplace created by Control4, where users can access applications that give homeowners customization options, as well as maximize home efficiency.

No specific date has been announced yet, as to when the store will be available online. The only thing that has been confirmed is that it will be up by the first half of 2010. In the meantime, dealers are creating applications for 4Store using a software developers kit that was released in late 2009.

Today’s market is unique, as we are entering a post-recession era that requires all retailers and marketers in the CE industry to stay in-tune with the new affluent consumer in order to remain in business. Unity Marketing has conducted an in-depth attitudes and motivations study of the luxury consumer market.

Toshiba and FrameChannel have partnered up to release a cool new digital frame that sets itself apart from the usual frames that display only photos.  Their Digital Media Frames are fun and interactive because they are capable of displaying more than just pictures.  These frames are connected to a FrameChannel account via Wi-Fi, which means it can hold personal media and information about the weather, news, and sports; as well as music and video.

Sanus Systems has jumped on the mobile application bandwagon by launching Sanus Mobile. The company says that the app is part of their effort to make available more support and better customer service to both their dealers and the general public. “We hope the ability to have instant, wireless access to our website will be highly valuable for retail professionals in helping them secure sales and save time for custom installers in the field,” says Jim Wohlford, general manager at Sanus Systems.

One of the negative effects of widespread layoffs for any industry is the loss of experience and knowledge to other industries, as people scurry to find new work. One of the problems for the CE business is that there were few, if any, specific job outlets targeted to this market alone. Recognizing this fact, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) launched the CE Industry Career Center, a job listing and resume site targeted specifically to the consumer electronics field.