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  • Blockbuster to Shutdown All Domestic Retail Operations

    Blockbuster to Shutdown All Domestic Retail Operations

    We all knew it would happen eventually. Blockbuster is finally closing its doors for good. Yesterday, DISH Network Corporation, issued a press release announcing that its subsidiary, Blockbuster, will be ending its domestic retail by closing the last remaining 300 United States company-owned stores, and its distribution centers. In addition to closing stores, the company plans to eliminate all DVD-by-mail distribution operations in January of 2014 as well.

    DISH president and CEO, Joseph P. Clayton also issued a brief statement regarding the executive decision. “This is not an easy decision, yet consumer demand is clearly moving to digital distribution of video entertainment,” said Clayton. “Despite our closing of the physical distribution elements of the business, we continue to see value in the Blockbuster brand, and we expect to leverage that brand as we continue to expand our digital offerings.”

    With the change of dynamics in the distribution sector of the film industry, Blockbuster’s demise was inevitable. The physical store location concept for movie rentals has been rendered obsolete, due to new, innovative rental methods. Companies like Netflix and Outerwall, which owns and operates Redbox, have implemented more cost efficient rental methods that actually require less overhead than a physical store space. A number of online streaming companies such as Hulu and Amazon have also taken advantage of the market. As a result, the former video and DVD rental chain has been phased out.

    However, the DISH Network has not rendered the end of Blockbuster’s domestic retail sector as a form of finality for all of the company’s operations. According to the network, Blockbuster will still have a future. DISH plans revamp the focal points of the Blockbuster brand to further the company’s other two services, Blockbuster@Home and Blockbuster OnDemand. The @Home and OnDemand services offer more than 15 movie channels including premium channels like STARZ® Cinema, EPIX®, and the Sony Movie Channel. The

    OnDemand is Blockbuster’s streaming service, which makes movies and television shows viewable on computers, laptops, iPads, and smartphones. The OnDemand feature also works in conjunction with @Home, with over 20,000 movies and TV shows in the database.

    Image(s) via Wikipedia | Blockbuster (1) Wikipedia | Blockbuster (2) Wikipedia | Blockbuster (3) Wikipedia | Blockbuster (4)

  • LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Brings Brick Building Action To Retailers Today

    LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Brings Brick Building Action To Retailers Today

    Earlier this year, Warner Bros. and Traveler’s Tales announced that it was finally bringing Marvel to the LEGO universe with LEGO Marvel Super Heroes. Since then, a number of previews and trailers have confirmed that it will be the most complete Marvel game to date with over 100 heroes to choose from. Now you, the player, can finally take all these classic heroes out for a spin.

    Warner Bros. Games announced that LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is now available at North American retailers for the Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, 3DS, PS Vita and PC. The game will also be coming to the PS4 and Xbox One on November 15 and 22 respectively.

    “We are excited to finally bring LEGO gamers and Marvel fans the action-packed game they have all been waiting for with LEGO Marvel Super Heroes,” said Tom Stone, Managing Director, TT Games Publishing. “LEGO Marvel delivers an original story told in classic LEGO humor and with more than 100 playable characters, the game also includes an impressive roster featuring some of the most iconic fan favorites, such as the Hulk and Spider-Man, spanning the entire Marvel Universe, including Stan Lee!”

    Marvel fans will be happy to know that LEGO Marvel Super Heroes not only features all their favorite heroes, but the most iconic locations from the Marvel universe as well. Some of the areas players will explore include Stark Tower, the Daily Bugle, the Baxter Building, the X-Mansion, Asgard, Doctor Doom’s Castle and more.

    As for the story, players can expect something along the lines of what they saw in The Avengers but amplified to include the entire Marvel universe. Also, Loki appears to only be a bit player this time around as Galactus returns as the central antagonist.

    “The collaboration with LEGO and TT Games, an uninhibited creative process, has resulted into an outstanding execution that will delight children and adults alike,” said Andreea Enache-Thune, Senior Vice President, Games & Digital Distribution, Marvel Entertainment. “LEGO Marvel Super Heroes reaffirms our commitment to quality. With every game build and every trailer that brought us closer to the finish line, our enthusiasm has grown exponentially and to say that we are excited to see this game come to life is an understatement.”

    So, how much is this game going to cost? Well, that’s the funny part as LEGO Marvel Super Heroes may have the strangest pricing of any game I’ve ever seen. LEGO Marvel Super Heroes will cost $50 on Xbox 360 and PS3, $40 on Wii U, 3DS and PS Vita, $30 on PC and $60 on PS4 and Xbox One. Given that LEGO games generally cost $50 on current gen platforms, it’s kind of surprising to see them raise the price to $60 on next-gen platforms. With the extra month of development time, there may be more content in those versions, but I doubt it.

    [Image: Machinima/YouTube]

  • Retailers to Sell One-Third of Tablets This Year

    Retailers to Sell One-Third of Tablets This Year

    Tablets are now the hottest growth commodity in the tech industry. A recent Gartner report even showed that tablet growth is largely helping to offset the decline of the PC industry and pushing continued IT growth in 2013. Now it appears that electronics retailers, which have been struggling to keep up with the changing marketplace, might have a place in tablet sales channels.

    Market research firm Strategy Analytics today revealed its prediction that specialist electronics retailers will make up 35% of global tablet shipments this year. That’s more than any other sales channel, including direct manufacturer sales. The firm attributes this statistic to consumer buying habits, specifically customers comparison shopping between the growing variety of tablets on the market.

    “While the channel composition is complex, providing consumers with many ways to buy, consumers are clearly happy to buy Tablets from outlets where they can hold, touch and play with the devices”, said Matt Wilkins, Director of Tablets and Wearable Devices for Strategy Analytics. Wilkins went on to say that “…it is particularly important for first-time buyers to see the devices in the flesh, with competing models and price-points side-by-side.”

    Although electronics retailers will have a place in tablet sales channels they are also subject to “showrooming,” where customers shop at a physical retailer and then order from another retailer online. In addition, Strategy Analytics points out that online sales are more convenient in emerging markets such as China and Brazil, where retailers may not have a large physical infrastructure. The largest growth in the tablet market in the coming years is predicted to be from low-cost devices in those emerging markets.

  • Google Says Its New Mobile PLA Style Will Drive More Traffic To Retailers

    Google Says Its New Mobile PLA Style Will Drive More Traffic To Retailers

    Google announced that it is changing the way the mobile PLA (product listing ads) ad unit looks on Google.com. The update is designed to help shoppers browse and discover merchandise more easily while using their mobile device.

    “People are increasingly turning to their mobile devices as shopping assistants at home, in stores, and on the go, and constant connectivity is helping shoppers find the products they want, whenever they want,” Google Shopping group product manager Jennifer Liu said in a blog post. “Google Shopping connects people looking for products with the best places to buy both online and in local stores, and there are big opportunities for retailers to connect with mobile shoppers using mobile Product Listing Ads (PLA), particularly as we head into the holiday retail season.”

    Here’s what mobile PLAs will look like going forward:

    Mobile PLAs

    With the new style, users can swipe through products without having to leave the search results page. Product images and titles are also larger than before.

    As a result of the new style, more businesses have a chance of hitting the initial search results page. Google says that it is driving more traffic to retailers, based on early tests.

    In the blog post, Google shares a couple examples of retailers who have benefited. REVOLVEclothing.com, Google says, grew mobile PLA campaign clicks by 371%, conversions by 537% and mobile return on ad spend by 77%. There’s a case study here.

    Image: Google

  • The Nexus 5 Will Retail For $299 Off Contract [Rumor]

    The Nexus 5 Will Retail For $299 Off Contract [Rumor]

    Google’s Nexus line has always been a great place for the cost-conscious shopper to find the latest and greatest hardware at super affordable prices. It’s all thanks to Google subsidizing the hardware themselves in the hopes that it increases the number of Android devices on the market, and by extension, increase their ad revenue. Well, it works, and it looks like Google will be continuing that trend with the Nexus 5.

    An unnamed source speaking to PhoneArena told the publication that the Nexus 5 will only cost $299 off contract when it launches presumably later this month. This version of the device will include 16GB of internal storage and 2300mAh battery. It’s also being reported that a 32GB version with a 3000mAh battery will be offered for $399.

    The above prices are incredible for a phone with the Nexus 5 specs. A leaked service manual tells us that LG and Google have built what amounts to the manufacturer’s flagship G2 smartphone. That means you’ll get a 5-inch full HD display, a Snapdragon 800 CPU and 2GB of RAM. The only difference between the two is that the Nexus 5’s camera will be downgraded to an 8MP rear camera and a 1.3MP front camera.

    Even with the inferior camera, the Nexus 5, much like the Nexus 4 before it, will represent a hell of a steal if it really does only cost $299 at launch. With mobile carrier subsidies, it might cost even less. At those kind of prices, those who want a powerful smartphone with the best Android has to offer will flock to Google’s Nexus line yet again. We can only hope that Google and LG have anticipated the demand this time around.

    [Image: LG Service Manual – now removed]

  • Holiday Retail Sales to Hit $738 Billion

    Holiday Retail Sales to Hit $738 Billion

    October has just begun, and for many retail outlets that means dragging out the holiday decorations. With the economy slowly rebounding over the past five years, experts are now expecting to see a marginal increase in sales this holiday shopping season.

    The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) this week predicted a 4% year-over-year increase in holiday spending during November and December of this year. That increase will allow total holiday spending in the U.S. to reach an estimated $738 billion.

    “Overall retail holiday sales growth looks healthy for 2013,” said Shawn DuBravac chief economist at CEA. “However, significant economic risks remain unresolved, and these could still negatively impact how much consumers decide to spend this holiday season.”

    Tech sales have been forecasted to be a major part of holiday spending with new tablets and video games systems coming in November. Spending on apparel, furniture, and “general merchandise” is predicted by CEA to rise by just 2.7% this holiday season.

    Online sales will be particularly important this year, as will sales on mobile devices . Online sales are expected to hit a record $57 billion this holiday season, making up over 18% of all holiday retail sales. Mobile purchases are expected to grow by 35% year-over-year to a record $8 billion in sales.

    “The online retail channel will dictate holiday sales this season,” said DuBravac. “Retailers and manufacturers should take note of shifting shopping habits as consumers increasingly turn online and to their mobile devices to make purchases.”

  • Wii U Price Cut Goes Live Sept. 20, Deluxe Set Will Retail For $300

    Wii U Price Cut Goes Live Sept. 20, Deluxe Set Will Retail For $300

    The Wii U is in desperate need of a price cut. The $350 price tag for the Deluxe Set is just too much for the family hoping to buy a new Nintendo console this holiday season. Good thing that sweet relief is coming in just a few weeks.

    Nintendo announced yesterday that the Wii U Deluxe Set will have its price cut by $50 on September 20 to $300. The price cut comes right before a deluge of quality software hits the Wii U this holiday season, including The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, Super Mario 3D World and Wii Party U.

    So, why now? The Wii U needed a price cut earlier this year when it was revealed that it sold only 200,000 units in a three month period earlier this year. Nintendo’s insistence on not cutting the price until now seems kind of foolish. Speaking to Kotaku, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime says it’s all about driving that holiday momentum:

    “Obviously we want to drive Wii U momentum. We’ve been very clear that software is what drives hardware. And we feel very good about the line-up of software for Wii U. Taking the added step to improve the value just reinforces our commitment to make sure that Wii U has a strong holiday this year and is set up to be a strong platform into the future.”

    It should be noted that the Wii U Deluxe Set isn’t the only $300 Wii U console you can pick up on September 20. Nintendo also announced yesterday that a special Wind Waker HD Wii U bundle will be available for $300. It includes a special gold trimmed Wii U gamepad, a digital copy of Wind Waker HD and a digital download voucher for Hyrule Historia – a Legend of Zelda book that details the creation and history of the franchise.

    In other Nintendo news, the company announced the Nintendo 2DS yesterday. It’s a 3DS without the ability to display games in stereoscopic 3D. It also lacks the hinge that children could easily break. It launches for $129 on October 12 – the same day that Pokemon X/Y hits stores.

    [Image: Nintendo/Facebook]

  • Amazon’s Mobile Associates API Brings Retail Shopping To Your Mobile App

    Amazon’s Mobile Associates API Brings Retail Shopping To Your Mobile App

    Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer and it sells just about everything. It’s also host to one of the world’s largest mobile platforms with its Kindle Fire devices and Amazon Appstore for Android. Now the retailer is combining the two.

    Amazon announced today the launch of the Mobile Associates API. It’s a new tool that allows developers to integrate Amazon’s retail store into their mobile apps. In other words, a developer could sell physical items via in-app purchases, and the sale of those physical items would be handled by Amazon’s retail operation.

    “Developers now have the ability to create an even deeper connection between their app and the products customers value and purchase through Amazon.com,” said Mike George, Vice President of Amazon Appstore, Games and Cloud Drive. “Imagine a developer of a nutrition and fitness app can now offer their customers the ability to purchase vitamins, supplements and fitness gear within the app, directly from Amazon.com. It offers the customer a more relevant experience and provides the developer with a new source of revenue.”

    It’s noted that the API can do more than just sell physical items in apps. It can also be used to bundle digital and physical purchases. Amazon uses the example of a person buying a board game and receiving the digital version of the same board game for free.

    The API is also being used by mobile games that are tied into popular brands, like Marvel. Animoca, developer of Thor: Lord of Storms, integrated the API so that users could purchase Thor toys from within the app and earn in-app currency for doing so. This also nets the developer a sales commission from Amazon.

    In short, the Mobile Associates API is a pretty big deal. Amazon is the only mobile platform holder that could do this, and I’m surprised it took the company this long to integrate its retail operation into its mobile operation.

    If you’re a developer and find yourself interested in the Mobile Associates API, you can learn more about it here. The API isn’t exclusive to the Amazon Appstore either as any Google Play app can integrate it as well.

    [Image: AmazonAppDistro/YouTube]

  • Used Xbox One Games Will Be Sold At Retail, Publishers Get A Cut This Time Around [Report]

    Used Xbox One Games Will Be Sold At Retail, Publishers Get A Cut This Time Around [Report]

    After Tuesday’s Xbox One reveal, reports came forward that Microsoft would block used games, or at least charge those playing used games a fee. Microsoft finally came out with an official statement that didn’t clear much up, but a report out today offers more details.

    MCV reports that Microsoft will be taking command of the pre-owned market with a system that gives publishers and itself a cut of every used game sale. In fact, the new system detailed today would give retailers about the same cut as it gets from selling used games.

    As you already know, each Xbox One game will tie itself to a single Xbox Live account when installed on the system. In essence, you are buying a license to use that software.

    Now, this is where things get interesting. Those who sell their game to a retailer will have that game’s license removed from their system. This will all be done through Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform – the same platform that will power Xbox Live on the new console.

    Once the game is in the hands of the retailer, they can sell it for whatever price they like. Unfortunately, that price may be higher than usual thanks to Microsoft and publishers now getting a cut of every pre-owned sale. In fact, unconfirmed reports are saying that retailers will only get to pocket 10 percent of pre-owned sales. The current pre-owned market allows retailers to pocket all of the money from sales.

    While this may be good for publishers and Microsoft, I find it hard to believe that retailers would accept these terms. Retailers like GameStop can only survive thanks to the used game market. Taking that revenue away from them makes many, including myself, think that GameStop and others will refuse to sell pre-owned Xbox One titles.

    It should be noted that these are unconfirmed reports for now. It wouldn’t surprise me, however, to see Microsoft working with publishers to take back the profits from the pre-owned market. It may be good for them in the short run, but I can only see it blowing up in their faces further down the road.

  • Staples Becomes The First Major Retail Store To Sell 3D Printers

    Staples Becomes The First Major Retail Store To Sell 3D Printers

    3D printers are still very much intended for industry professionals or hobbyists. That’s going to change within the next five years though, and Staples has decided to get a head start.

    3ders reports that Staples will start offering 3D Systems’ Cube 3D printer at physical store locations by the end of June. If you can’t wait, you can buy the Cube through Staple’s online store today for the relatively low price of $1,299.

    “Staples is excited to bring the power of 3D printing to our customers, by being the first major U.S. retailer to announce the availability of this innovative technology that lets you create fully formed objects in your home or small business,” said Mike Edwards, Staples executive vice president, merchandising.

    Now this is actually a pretty big deal. Before today’s announcement, those looking for 3D printers had to buy them straight from the manufacturer. Retailers were probably cautious about stocking 3D printers because the high price ensures the technology will be a niche product for at least the next few years. With Staples throwing its support behind it, we might see other retailers stocking 3D printers, including cheaper models.

    The Cube from Staples comes with all the benefits of buying one from 3D Systems. In other words, you get to choose your color, including green and pink printers. There’s a wide selection of plastic cartridges, including the more unique materials, as well.

  • Samsung Galaxy S4 Arrives On T-Mobile April 24, Retails For $150

    Samsung Galaxy S4 Arrives On T-Mobile April 24, Retails For $150

    AT&T was the first to announce pre-order details for the Galaxy S4 so it was assumed that it would also be the first carrier to get Samsung’s new flagship device. That’s actually not the case as T-Mobile will be getting it next Wednesday – almost a week before AT&T gets the device.

    T-Mobile announced today that the Galaxy S4 will be available on its network starting April 24. The phone will cost $150 upfront, and the rest will be paid off in monthly installments of $20 over the next two years. The $20 installments will be added onto your monthly bill, and will be removed once the phone is paid off.

    “Samsung has a proven track record of delivering the ‘Next Big Thing’ in smartphone innovation,” said John Legere, president and CEO, T-Mobile USA. “By combining our bold, Un-carrier moves — no restrictions, no limits and an unbeatable value — with Samsung’s leading-edge technology, you’re going to get the most from your Samsung Galaxy S 4 at T-Mobile —hands down.”

    The main advantage of going with T-Mobile over other carriers is its unlimited 4G data plan. For $70 a month, subscribers will get unlimited talk, text and 4G data. T-Mobile’s Galaxy S4 will have an LTE chip in it so it will be able to jump onto T-Mobile’s LTE network once the carrier brings it to more markets.

    Unfortunately, unlike every other carrier, T-Mobile will not be offering pre-orders on the Galaxy S4. If you want one, you’re going to have to order it online as soon as it becomes available on April 24. If you prefer to buy your phones at physical retail locations, the S4 won’t be available until May 1.

  • Adobe Phasing Out Boxed Retail Copies Of CS6

    Adobe Phasing Out Boxed Retail Copies Of CS6

    Do you still purchases boxed retail versions of software? If so, you might want to grab a boxed copy of Adobe’s Creative Suite 6 as the company is beginning to phase out its retail offerings.

    Adobe told multiple outlets today that it will be discontinuing its retail offerings of Creative Suite 6 and Acrobat. An Adobe spokesperson provided the the following comment to TechHive:

    “As Adobe continues to focus on delivering world-class innovation through Creative Cloud and digital fulfillment, we will be phasing out shrink-wrapped, boxed versions of Creative Suite and Acrobat products. Electronic downloads for Creative Suite and Acrobat products will continue to be available—as they are today—from both Adobe.com, as well as reseller and retail partners. We are in the process of notifying our channel partners and customers, as plans solidify in each region.”

    Since last year, Adobe has put considerable marketing muscle behind its Creative Cloud subscription service. For $49.99 a month, subscribers get access to all the software included in CS6 alongside development tools for games and Web pages.

    Phasing out its retail presence makes perfect sense as Adobe pushes for more subscribers. After all, a few hundred thousand subscribers paying $50 a month for years to come will make them far more money than single time purchases of CS6.

    So, what if you really want to own a boxed retail copy of CS6? TechHive says that stores will carry boxed copies of CS6 until April 30. After that, you’ll either have to buy digital copies or sign up for a Creative Cloud subscription.

  • Minecraft Xbox 360 Edition Makes Its Way To Retail In April

    Minecraft Xbox 360 Edition Makes Its Way To Retail In April

    Minecraft Xbox 360 Edition has already proven to be the best selling Xbox Live Arcade title ever released on the platform. Now the indie hit has a chance to become the best selling retail Xbox 360 game of the year.

    Microsoft announced today that it will be launching a retail version of Minecraft Xbox 360 Edition in stores on April 30. The new retail version of the game will include all the latest features of its digital counterpart including the ninth title update that’s on the way.

    The retail version will be identical to the digital version in every way. That means retail players will be able to play online with those who only own a digital copy. As expected, the retail copy will also receive all future updates.

    There’s no word on if the retail copy will come with any special features or extras, but it would be a great opportunity on Microsoft’s part to encourage those who already own the digital version to buy the retail version. Minecraft diehards will probably pick up the retail release anyway, but a little something extra – like a download code for the Minecraft documentary – definitely wouldn’t hurt.

    Minecraft Xbox 360 Edition will launch in the U.S. on April 30 for $20. Gamers in Australia, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan will be getting it in early June.

  • Google Shuts Down Notion That It Will Open Retail Stores, Source Of Rumor Sticks To Story

    Google Shuts Down Notion That It Will Open Retail Stores, Source Of Rumor Sticks To Story

    At Mobile World Congress, Andy Rubin, SVP of Mobile and Digital Content at Google (and co-founder of Android), shut down rumors that Google will be opening up retail stores.

    Last week, 9to5Google put out a report indicating that Google would be opening its own retail stores by the end of the year. The report cited “an extremely reliable source”. According to Rubin, however, Google has no need to open stores, despite other indications that Google Glass will be widely available by the year’s end.

    Ina Fried at All Things D shares some words from him:

    “They don’t have to go in the store and feel it anymore,” Rubin said, during a roundtable with reporters on Tuesday. Plus, he said, the Google hardware effort is still in its infancy. “For Nexus, I don’t think the program is far enough along to think about the necessity of having these things in a retail store.”

    As for whether Google as a whole might nonetheless be considering retail stores. “Google has no plans and we have nothing to announce,” he said.

    Okay, the “nothing to announce” part is pretty commonplace regardless of whether or not the company actually has something in the works. The “Google has no plans” part seems a little bit more definitive.

    Still, it doesn’t sound like the idea is totally ruled out for the future. Perhaps 9to5Google’s “extremely reliable source” is just off on the timeframe.

    Despite Rubin’s comments, Google clearly has a number of items it could easily get into a retail store, and the company already has a presence in some Best Buys and PCWorld/Dixon’s stores.

    Plus, as Google Retail Industry Director Todd Pollak recently said, “The lines between online and offline shopping experiences are blurring.”

    Update: 9to5Google’s Seth Weintraub now has this to say:

    I reported last week that Google had plans to open retail stores within the year, which according to a quick ping of that same source, is still on. When asked about Rubin’s comments, I was told that Rubin wasn’t being forthcoming or AllThingsD misquoted him.

    …

    It should be noted that the retail program is being born (we’re told) out of Google’s (X) labs under Sergey Brin and not out of the Android group and the two groups aren’t always in full cooperation

    The rumor continues…

  • Barnes & Noble Founder Plans To Buy Retail Operation

    Barnes & Noble Founder Plans To Buy Retail Operation

    Barnes & Noble looked like it was on its way back to relevancy after a number of quarters of profitability thanks to its Nook tablets. That all ended last year as the company began posting losses, and it looked like its Nook business was starting to come up short against Amazon. Now the company may be breaking apart its various businesses in a bid to save the company.

    Leonard Riggio, founder of Barnes & Noble, Chairman of the Board and largest shareholder, announced this morning that he plans to buy the brick and mortar retail business of the book store. There’s nothing set in stone just yet, but it would be the second time in the past few months that an ailing business was bought by its founder. The first, of course, being the acquisition of Dell by its founder Michael Dell for $24.4 billion.

    Riggio’s plan is to only buy the company’s retail business. The Nook business was spun off last year so where does this plan leave that? According to a report from The New York Times, the company is looking into winding down its Nook business.

    It doesn’t mean that the Nook brand, which was spun off from the retail business last year, will be dead. It only means that Barnes & Noble might stop making its own hardware in favor of licensing its own Nook software to other manufacturers. In essence, we’d see tablets and eReaders from other manufacturers running the Nook software. The company would also presumably focus on its software presence on other platforms like Windows 8, iOS and Android.

    If Riggio is successful in his bid to buy the retail operation, it could give Microsoft an opening to purchase the Nook operation. Nook is already closely tied to Windows 8 after Microsoft pumped $300 million into the business last year. Nook is already the best eReader app on Windows 8, and further cultivation at the hands of Microsoft could turn it into a worthy competitor to Apple’s iBooks and Amazon’s Kindle.

    All of this is purely speculation for now, and the Barnes & Noble board may not even approve Riggio’s bid to buy the company’s retail operation. Still, it does look like the company will at least be winding down its Nook hardware operations. A focus on its digital business could just be what Nook needs to become profitable again.

    [h/t: The Verge]

  • Google Retail Stores On The Way?

    Google Retail Stores On The Way?

    Google is planning on opening up retail stores in major metropolitan areas by the end of the year, according to a report from 9to5Google.

    Seth Weintraub, who notes that Google already has a retail presence in a number of Best Buys and PCWorld/Dixon’s stores, reports (citing a “reliable source”) that Google is in the process of building stand alone retail stores, and that these would be places where Google could not only sell its Nexus devices (and possibly apparel), but push its Chrome operating system, and get Google Glass into consumers’ hands.

    Google Glass, while it may seem like a novelty, could actually prove to be a very important product for Google, and if this is one of Google’s main motivating factors for opening a chain or retail stores, that shows how important Google really does consider it.

    Google was recently granted a patent, which seems to indicate the company is looking to make your actual life searchable, and Glass could play a significant role in it being able to do so. While we’re looking a ways out in the future, so may contact lenses based on similar functionality. If Google is also able to refine Glass from the fashion standpoint, one can easily imagine more merchandise to fill a store.

    Google is also said to be thinking about marketing a smart watch, so that’s yet another potential device for Google to place on the shelves.

    And who knows what else Google may have on the horizon?

    It will be interesting to see what kind of presence (if any) Google gives motorola devices in these stores, assuming they actually do open. Google indicated that it would not give Motorola special treatment among device manufacturers, when it announced the acquisition.

    As Google gets further into the hardware business, a retail store is a no brainer, particularly in light of what is already available from competitors. Apple has over 400 retail stores in 14 countries.

    We’ve reached out to Google for comment, and will update accordingly.

    Would you shop at a Google store?

  • Ouya Launches At Retailers Nationwide In June

    Ouya Launches At Retailers Nationwide In June

    Ouya – the little game console that could – is almost upon us. Those who helped make it the most successful gaming Kickstarter ever only have one more month before its delivered to them. What about those who didn’t preorder one last year though? They’ll have to wait a bit longer.

    Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Ouya CEO Julie Uhrman said that the Ouya would be hitting retail in June of this year. The company has struck deals with various retailers, like Target, Amazon, GameStop and Best Buy, to carry the mini-console. Before that though, the company will be shipping out Kickstarter backer units in March and early preorders in April.

    GameStop and Amazon already have preorder pages up for the Ouya with the console retailing for $99.99. The base console comes with one console and a controller. Extra controllers will retail for $49.99 each.

    As for game support, Uhrman told the WSJ that about 200 titles are being prepared for Ouya at the moment. The titles range from indie efforts to games from big name studios. An example of each would be Minecraft from Mojang and Final Fantasy III from Square Enix.

    Ouya has the games and right price, but can it compete with the new consoles coming from Sony and Microsoft this year? Uhrman says that it’s not their intention to compete with the other consoles, but instead “carve out own niche.”

    Retailers seem to have faith in Ouya, and it’s Kickstarter campaign still impresses. It still remains to be seen, however, how consumers will respond once it officially launches. I find it hard to imagine people playing sloppy controller-based ports of smartphone titles on their televisions, but wholly original content may just Ouya the kickstart it needs to succeed where others have failed.

  • Microsoft Opening Five More Retail Stores By Summer

    Microsoft Opening Five More Retail Stores By Summer

    Finding certain Windows devices at traditional retail outlets can be a bit of pain sometimes. Stores like Best Buy or Staples usually only carry one device without a lot of options. Microsoft rectified this problem by opening retail locations across the nation, and is now working on expanding that presence to even more cities.

    Microsoft announced today that it intends to open five more retail stores by summer. The following cities will play host to these new retail locations:

  • Natick Mall, Natick, Massachusetts
  • Ala Moana Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
  • Pioneer Place, Portland, Oregon
  • The Somerset Collection, Troy, Michigan
  • Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, Illinois

    • These five stores join the six stores that were announced late last year. On top of that, there are already over 50 existing retail stores and a few smaller specialty stores that have sprung up over the past few years.

    Microsoft seems to be expanding its retail presence in line with its expansion as a hardware manufacturer. The Surface Pro tablet/ultrabook hybrid will be launching on February 9. Sure, it will be available at other retail locations like Best Buy and Staples, but the best selection of accessories and other items will only be available at Microsoft retail stores.

    Unfortunately, Microsoft still has not expanded its retail presence past North American borders. It did finally open its first few Canadian stores in 2012, but it hasn’t expanded around the world like Apple has. We might finally see some international expansion in 2013, however, as Microsoft moves to produce more of its own hardware, like the oft rumored Microsoft-built Windows Phone.

  • HMV Closing? Electronics Retailer Enters Administration

    HMV Closing? Electronics Retailer Enters Administration

    HMV, the British entertainment retailer, has announced that its discussions with creditors have come to an end and the company will enter administration. Trading of HMV stock has been suspended on the London Stock Exchange. Deloitte partners Nick, Edwards, Neville Kahn, and Rob Harding have been name-dropped as posible administrators of the company and some of its subsidiaries.

    HMV has released an official statement regarding the key events:

    On 13 December 2012, the Company announced that as a result of current market trading conditions, the Company faced material uncertainties and that it was probable that the Group would not comply with its banking covenants at the end of January 2013. The Company also stated that it was in discussions with its banks.

    Since that date, the Company has continued the discussions with its banks and other key stakeholders to remedy the imminent covenant breach. However, the Board regrets to announce that it has been unable to reach a position where it feels able to continue to trade outside of insolvency protection, and in the circumstances therefore intends to file notice to appoint administrators to the Company and certain of its subsidiaries with immediate effect.

    The Directors of the Company understand that it is the intention of the administrators, once appointed, to continue to trade whilst they seek a purchaser for the business.

    It is proposed that Nick Edwards, Neville Kahn and Rob Harding, partners of Deloitte LLP, will be appointed as the administrators of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries.

    The Company’s ordinary shares will be suspended from trading on the London Stock Exchange with immediate effect.

    The situation is similar to that faced by Game Group in March of last year. Game entered administration and closed hundreds of stores throughout the U.K.

    Physical retailers of electronics goods, such as Best Buy, have been seeing declining sales in the face of the growing internet retailers and streaming video services. There are also rumors that entertainment companies will be increasing the pressure on the market for used physical media using digital rights management (DRM) and other tactics.

  • Google Launches Zavers Coupon Offering For Retailers

    Google Launches Zavers Coupon Offering For Retailers

    Google announced a real-time new digital coupon offering today called Zavers by Google, which the company says enables retailers and manufacturers to reward loyal customers with relevant coupons.

    Retailers can use the product to extend their existing incentive programs.

    “Unlike traditional media, Zavers’ real-time data gives manufacturers new ways to measure coupon redemptions and analyze consumer preferences so they can manage distribution, tailor campaigns, and optimize budgets for maximum ROI,” says Google Commerce Director of Emerging Platforms, Spencer Spinnell. “Zavers also offers access to an extensive network of manufacturer coupons, opening up new retail revenue streams.

    “With Zavers, shoppers find manufacturer discounts on their favorite retailer websites, and save the digital coupons to their accounts,” he explains. “Then they simply shop for those products and check out as usual. Redemption occurs in real time, with savings automatically deducted at checkout when shoppers provide their rewards cards or phone numbers—no scanning or sorting necessary. Manufacturers only pay when a product is moved off the shelf.”

    The coupons are applied to purchases without the need to show and scan paper or digital goods. Customers using Google Wallet can redeem coupons instantly by tapping their phones at the checkout.

    Google has New York grocer D’Agostino on as a partner, as well as A&P, Bi-Lo, The Food Emporium, Harris Teeter, PathMark, Price Chopper, SuperFresh and Waldbums. The company says it will be announcing new partnerships with major retailers in the coming months.

  • Hitman HD Trilogy Sneaks Into Retail On January 29

    Hitman HD Trilogy Sneaks Into Retail On January 29

    Hitman: Absolution is apparently a hit. Many gamers, however, are experiencing the escapades of Agent 47 for the first time. There’s a lot of backstory that’s lost on them. Square Enix is fixing that with an HD collection.

    It was announced today that the Hitman HD Trilogy will be launching in the US on February 29 on the PS3 and Xbox 360. The game will include hi-def remakes of Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, Hitman: Contracts and Hitman: Blood Money. Funny enough, Hitman: Blood Money was already released on current generation consoles back in 2006. It’s unknown if this version will include any enhancements, or if it will be the same game that was released six years ago.

    The HD collection will retail for the standard $39.99 when it releases early next year. Joystiq points to an Amazon page that says there’s a Premium edition of the game on the way as well. This edition will include an art book with new interpretations Agent 47 from top artists.

    Hitman HD Trilogy

    The Hitman HD Trilogy is just the latest attempt to cash in on a franchise’s past with cheap HD ports. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but most publishers usually release these sets before a new game comes out to get new players acquainted with the games. It’s odd that this collection would release a few months after the newest title hit stores.

    Regardless, fans of Hitman: Absolution are in for a treat if they never got a chance to play the earlier games in the franchise. Hitman has some of the most satisfying stealth gameplay of the last console generation, and these earlier games reveled in it. Be prepared for a challenge if you haven’t had the chance to play through these earlier games yet.