The Consumer Electronics Association will announce its holiday survey tomorrow, reports a article at the Sydney Morning Herald. The survey predicts a 27% increase in holiday electronic device spending. Digital cameras and DVD devices will be the most in-demand products, followed by mobile phones and portable media devices.

In early October the CEA released the findings of a survey on tech enthusiasts, those early adopters who account for 50% more spending on portable entertainment devices than later adopters. What do early adopters care about? Battery life is the most important aspect. "Like most consumers," said the press release, "they'd also like to see lower prices for digital media files in the future."

Interoperability is another key feature mentioned -- not that all CEA members are listening. I'd expect lower prices for digital media before any signs of greater interoperability. CEA member Apple has succeeded with a close iTunes/iPod system. Microsoft and RealNetworks, also CEA members, are working on their own media/player systems. Microsoft will launch the closed Zune in mid-November. RealNetworks has its branded Sansa line of players that will play most, but not all, popular audio formats and is built to work best with its Rhapsody music service.

More reaction to closed systems is found in today's USA Today article, "Closed Systems Leave Buyers Out In The Cold." Said former EMI exec Ted Cohen of Microsoft's closed Zune system, "This goes against the grain of everything Microsoft has been telling consumers for two years. I'm stunned." But Microsoft has noticed that for most consumers ease of use trumps DRM.

[music jobs] Brand and Online Marketing Manager at The Ascot Club/Am Only; Brooklyn, NY.