USA Today reports, funny what counts as an electronics company these days. Search engine giants Google and Yahoo plan to steal the spotlight at the gargantuan Consumer Electronics Show, which starts today in Las Vegas.
The two Internet powerhouses haven't said what they're announcing at the annual industry confab, which is expected to draw more than 130,000 visitors. But it's usually the place for electronics makers to show off cutting-edge TVs, audio systems and other high-tech gewgaws for the coming year.
That's why it's a little weird that Google and Yahoo � companies with nary a product on the shelves at Best Buy or Circuit City � have nabbed two of the five coveted keynote speaking slots at the show. Computer firms Intel and Microsoft have taken two others, leaving Sony as the only traditional electronics maker with a high-profile speech.
"People are looking for an easy (digital entertainment) solution," says Larry Mondry, CEO of retailer CompUSA. "They're willing to spend the money. But they're lost."
The two Internet powerhouses haven't said what they're announcing at the annual industry confab, which is expected to draw more than 130,000 visitors. But it's usually the place for electronics makers to show off cutting-edge TVs, audio systems and other high-tech gewgaws for the coming year.
That's why it's a little weird that Google and Yahoo � companies with nary a product on the shelves at Best Buy or Circuit City � have nabbed two of the five coveted keynote speaking slots at the show. Computer firms Intel and Microsoft have taken two others, leaving Sony as the only traditional electronics maker with a high-profile speech.
"People are looking for an easy (digital entertainment) solution," says Larry Mondry, CEO of retailer CompUSA. "They're willing to spend the money. But they're lost."