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.