News Redefining the
News Redefining the Epson Brand Traditional values to drive future growth Minoru Usui President, Seiko Epson Corporation [ by Mark Dezzani ] Faced with redefining the Epson brand, Minoru Usui, Global President of Epson since 2008, has mined Japan's traditional technological heritage to create unique, groundbreaking products. In the digital imaging corporation's 70th anniversary year, Usui was invited to give the opening IFA International Keynote on Friday titled "Becoming Indispensable in a Changing World." "Many companies are at a crossroads and are faced with the task of redefining their position in the world, and Epson is no different," said Usui. "Traditional expertise defined as 'Takumi' – Japanese for the experience of the master craftsman – was instrumental in propelling Japanese companies onto the global stage in the second half of the 1970s. But the boom years have long since passed and the crisis that began in 2008 is threatening the once famous 'Made in Japan' label." “We must strive to delight our customers and never forget to make them smile” Usui says that the key to post-crisis growth is to combine this craftsmanship with the modern Japanese concept of 'Monozukuri', the art of science and manufacturing to produce unique products that he says will be impossible to imitate. "We need to leverage our technical expertise to meet market needs, maintain in-house manufacturing to build our own products from the ground up, and customise our products for local market needs to become indispensable in this changing world." Amongst the innovations introduced by Usui is a 40% reduction in size across the Epson printer range, innovations in augmented reality technology and robotics, wearable technology, and the introduction of wellbeing products. Usui revealed one last survive and thrive secret: "We must strive to delight our customers and never forget to make them smile". Hall 21 Stand 103 Running to a New Tune Expect to see a leaner, more agile Logitech very soon Bracken Darrell Bracken Darrell joined Logitech as President in April 2012, reporting to Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Guerrino De Luca. Darrell is responsible for manufacturing and supply chain operations, product development, sales and marketing, IT, human resources and legal. He will succeed Mr. De Luca in the role of Chief Executive Officer, beginning on January 1, 2013. Mr. Darrell brings more than twenty years of experience in business management and brand management in successful global consumer companies to Logitech, They include including Whirlpool, Procter & Gamble and General Electric [ Interview by Gary Smith ] Bracken P. Darrell joined Logitech from Whirlpool Europe as its new president in April, and he will take over as CEO from Guerrino De Luca on January 1st, 2013 - with Guerrino returning to his former role as Chairman. On the eve of his keynote speech on saturday at IFA 2012, Darrell talked to IFA International about his plans for the company… We’re launching a new line of products for music fans who live for music – people who want pure, undiluted music wherever they go. The new offering includes earphones, headphones, wireless speakers, and a smart radio. All the products are offered under our Logitech UE brand, combining Ultimate Ears’ heritage of professional sound expertise with Logitech’s heritage in wireless technology and design. What are some of the key products we'll be seeing from Logitech in this respect? The Logitech UE Boombox is an on-the-go speaker that lets you use your smartphone or tablet to play and control your music from up to 15 metres away. Up to eight Bluetooth-enabled devices can be paired with the speaker, with up to three connected at the same time. We’re also launching the Logitech UE Mobile Boombox, the Boombox’s ultraportable cousin and the Logitech UE Smart Radio – a dedicated music device that can play Internet radio, online music services as well Bracken Darrell President of Logitech as the music on your PC or Mac. And finally there are the Logitech UE 900 Noise-Isolating Earphones and the Logitech UE 9000 Headphones – they’re wireless and feature noisecancelling technology. Hall 3.2 Stand 104 16
Conference & Events Preview IFA 2012 International Keynotes Jim Wong Corporate President, Acer Inc. Noel Lee Founder and CEO, Monster, Inc. Access Exhibitors, trade visitors, press and VIPs Entry 15 min. prior to start VIPs and Press: 30 min. prior to start “Paradigm Shifts in the ICT Trend” 2 nd September, 10:30 a.m. As data and voice converge into single devices, all information becomes available in a mobile format. Will information and communication technologies clash or work in harmony? Founded in 1976, Acer ranks among the world's top five branded PC vendors. In 2000, Acer spun-off its manufacturing operation to focus its resources on developing technologically advanced, user-friendly solutions. The decision to support the sales of its product lines through specific marketing activities that best utilise distribution channels, has allowed Acer to achieve excellent results worldwide. "The Comeback of Great Sound in the Mobile World" 2 nd September, 3 p.m. Noel will "explore the future of great sound" in his address, with a focus on what has been missing in music reproduction – and how new technologies and innovations are bringing back truly great audio for today’s mobile listeners, providing a dramatically heightened experience. Noel literally redefined the high-performance headphone category in recent years when he engineered and tuned the Beats by Dr. Dre headphone sound, and he will discuss how that project has set the stage for even more innovation in personal audio. He will also discuss how the worlds of fashion and high-performance audio are merging, helping usher in a new generation of headphones geared for every type of lifestyle that allow people to express their personal taste in brand new ways. Location International Keynote Area, hall 6.3 Contact Patricia Schwan Tel. +49 30 3038 2066 Mailto: schwan@messe-berlin.de Shuttle Service A shuttle bus service guarantees comfortable transfer from Entrance South / International Trade Visitor Reception Area (foyer between hall 1.1 and 2.1) to the International Keynote Area. Programme You can find the further information about the IFA 2012 International Keynotes on: www.ifa-berlin.com/events < International Keynotes IFA DisplaySearch Business Conference 3 September 2012 TELEVISION BREAKS OUT OF THE TV 12:30 - 17:30 PM Europa Room, Messe Berlin The IFA DisplaySearch Business Conference will explore consumer entertainment in tablets, smart phones, and smart TVs while examining the many ways to enhance TV-viewing experiences through companion screens. The event will delve into the innovative technologies being developed for this type of use and allow trade visitors to check out the products being shown at this year’s IFA exhibition. Key themes: • Consumer usage behavior of tablets, TVs, and smart phones • Evolution of TV services to exploit multiple screens • How apps change and enhance viewing • How the CE industry is adapting to create experiences, not just devices Session I - State of the Display Business DisplaySearch analysts will explore the key issues facing the TV, tablet, and smart phone business. Presentations will cover market forecasts for each device over the next four years in Europe and worldwide. Session II - Usage Patterns: Do Screens Compete or Cooperate? The session will explore the results of DisplaySearch consumer research across 14 countries, investigating TV ownership and viewing patterns. In particular, we will examine how consumers are watching internet video in their homes. Session III - Connected and Smart TVs: Solving the User Interface Problem This panel session will explore how TV user interfaces and controls can be improved. Panelists will be from TV brands, chip makers, software, and technology and service providers. Session IV - Is TV Becoming Another App?Session IV - Is TV Becoming Another App? This session’s panelists will discuss which apps work well in TV, how tablets and smart phones can enhance the TV-viewing experience, and how these services will evolve in the future. www.ifa-international.org IFA International • Saturday 1 st & Sunday 2 nd September 2012 17
