CEA Applauds Obama Administration’s Move to Challenge China on Rare Earth Restrictions

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® today applauded the Obama Administration on its plan to challenge China on rare earth minerals at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Since 2010, rare earth commodity prices have risen sharply when China took actions to control its supply, which represents more than 90 percent of global demand.

“CEA today welcomes the Obama Administration's announcement that it will challenge China at the WTO,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. "If China wants to be a world player in trade, it needs to behave like one. For far too long our member companies, particularly small companies manufacturing here in the United States have been bearing the cost burden of China's unfair practices. We welcome this move and the goal of diversifying the sources of these important minerals used in consumer electronics products.”

CEA Objects to California Energy Commission Move to Regulate Consumer Electronics

Innovation, Not Regulation is Making Consumer Electronics More Efficient

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Arlington, Va., Mar. 14, 2012 - The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® strongly objects to the California Energy Commission (CEC) announced plans for a new round of regulatory standards for consumer electronics products including computers, displays, game consoles, imaging equipment, servers and set-top boxes.
“California should not distinguish itself as the enemy of innovation. We continue to be concerned about how regulations are being justified and supported by the California Energy Commission,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “The CEC’s approach, which focuses on setting artificial limits on consumer products, threatens to stifle innovation and economic growth within an industry already on the vanguard of energy efficiency. CEA supports programs defining energy usage consistently and conveying such information to consumers.
“Moreover, we embrace and sell the majority of products certified as meeting the voluntary standards of ENERGY STAR. Our nation’s need for innovation in leading areas like IT, the Internet, the cloud, entertainment and broadband may be threatened by technology mandates based on flawed justifications, as we have witnessed in three CEC rulemakings to date. We urge the state to work with us on proven approaches to sustainability, such as encouraging innovation in the field of eCycling, meeting green product standards, and educating policymakers and consumers alike on energy efficiency trends and savings opportunities.”
           

iHangy Lets iPhone / iPod Lovers Hang with Their Apple

 

Devices All Day Long - New iHangy Necklaces and Keychains with Touchpen Keep iPhone/iPod Addicts Connected to Their Habit

Two new products, the iHangy necklace and the iHangy keychain, ensure iPhone and iPod devotees never again experience the devastation of dropping and breaking or misplacing their beloved Apple device again.

High school students, college coeds and young professionals who can't live without their iPhones and iPods can now keep constant tabs on their technological addiction with the new iHangy. Backed by OnTrion, the manufacturer of premium mobile phone batteries, the iHangy comes in two varieties, a necklace and a keychain, both of which include a touchpen. iHangy is designed to hang securely around the neck or to attach to clothing, bags and purses so that one's iPhone / iPod is always within easy reach. The product line is compatible with the iPhone 4S, 4, 3GS and 3 models as well as the iPod Touch, Shuffle, Nano and Classic. 

According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, an estimated 12 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds and 14 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds now own an iPhone. Based on 2010 U.S. Census data, those figures add up to approximately eight million iPhone owners in the U.S. alone among those younger age brackets. Moreover, an Apple spokesperson estimates that 300 million iPods have been sold since the product was launched 10 years ago. Of those, 45 million of have been purchased in the last year (July 2010 to June 2011).

All of that adds up to a lot of young adults with an Apple smartphone and/or music / video device attached to their ear on any given day. But with price tags for the newest iPhones in the several-hundred-dollar range and the iPod Touch trailing not far behind, misplacing, stepping on and breaking or outright losing one of these high-tech gadgets can be financially devastating.

A new product by OnTrion, the manufacturer of OEM-quality mobile phone batteries, keeps consumers' investment safe at all times by securing their Apple device to their body. The iHangy necklace appeals to fashion-conscious young women who want to make a statement with their accessories. It comes in pink, white and black color palettes to coordinate with any outfit. For the young men or non-jewelry female fans who are addicted to their iPhone or iPod, iHangy also comes in a keychain variation that clips to their belt loop, backpack or purse.

For more information on how to remain hands free while keeping constant tabs on an iPhone or iPod, visit www.ihangy.com for product information. The iHangy is available for purchase worldwide online at http://www.ihangy.com

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