Category: Consumer Electronics Society

Two Conferences – Two Industries Challenged By Post PC Era

Tim Cook introducing Apple's latest iPad

The “Post Personal Computer” (Post PC) era became the hot topic when Tim Cook introduced the latest iPad last week. Yes, calling it a “revolution” is definitely hype that is part of Apple‘s Post PC marketing campaign. Hype aside, it is clear that there has been a marked shift in digital hardware for the consumption of content and communication. The PC – be it a Windows, Mac, or Linux based system – is no longer “the device”. It is now one of many devices including portable music players (dominated by iPods), smart phones (lead by iPhones and Android based systems), and tablets (dominated by iPads). The shift is large and the impact is huge. To understand how big, watch the first three minutes of Mr. Cook’s presentation. Then you will understand why Apple had the largest market capitalization of any US company in February – the numbers are staggering.

Even though many were surprised to learn that we are now “Post PC”, some of us who have been developing strategies for the electronic supply chain have Continue reading “Two Conferences – Two Industries Challenged By Post PC Era”

IEEE Consumer Electronics Society – Conductive Inkjet Technology

Last night I attended the IEEE Santa Clara Valley Consumer Electronics Society monthly meeting. The main presentation was by Joel Yocom, Business Development Manager for Conductive Inkjet Technology Ltd.

His presentation will be posted here later.

Joel presented an overview of inkjet technology and how they are applying it to printing circuits. They have developed a process that allows them to inkjet a catalytic ink which after UV curing allows the electroless (e-less) plating of copper. Given the choice of inkjet systems from scanning formats where the print head moves to fixed heads where the material moves past the head they have a wide range of potential substrate sizes and formats to choose depending on the end application. Continue reading “IEEE Consumer Electronics Society – Conductive Inkjet Technology”