Consumer Electronics and Computer News Briefs

Here are a few interesting consumer electronics and computer technology news that caught our attention today:

Will Amazon join the race to stream HD content?
Several web sites, including Gizmodo and NewTeeVee, are reporting alleged screen shots of Amazon offering high-def TV shows for $3 per episode. The rumors come on the heals of Friday’s Apple announcement that its iTunes online store will offer HD movie downloads for $20.
The takeaway: HD TV shows have been available through Apple iTunes and other Web sites, such as Hulu, for some time. And we’ve highlighted the pluses and minuses of such streaming HD content services previously. Still, we’ll be anxious to see what Amazon’s HD Video on Demand service will bring to the mix. What do you think? Could Amazon offer anything unique to compete? Will Amazon’s jump into HD content mean yet more competition for TV networks?

Cadillac rolls out in-car WiFi
Cadillac will offer a wireless Internet option in its luxury CTS sports sedans in April. The Cadillac WiFi by Autonet will have a sticker price of $500 with a $30 monthly wireless subscription charge.
The takeaway: We’ve reported on the growing trend of Internet-enabled devices in the car during January’s CES trade show. And while we wonder if yet more electronic gadgets won’t distract drivers, we’ll leave it for our colleagues in the Cars Blog to assess Cadillac’s WiFi option. (You can see CR's video review of the Cadillac CTS by clicking on the embedded player at right.) What’s your take? Considering the prevalence of Net-capable phones like the iPhone, does a pricey in-car WiFi system make sense?

Researchers warn ‘smart power grids’ are vulnerable to hackers
The energy industry has been trying to make the nation’s electrical infrastructure with Internet-based technology to make the U.S.’s power distribution system a “smart grid.” But several sites—such as BusinessWeek, CNN, and PCWorld—are reporting that security researchers believe that such smartgrids will be tempting targets.
The takeaway: As our annual cyber-security reports show, hackers and other high-tech criminals are always looking for the next big thing. Perhaps, it’s a good thing that there have been proposals to shift cybersecurity responsibility directly to the White House. What do you think? Will a national smart grid help us better manage our electricity and prevent the California brown-out or power outages like the Northeast blackout of 2003? Or are we just opening yet another avenue of potential chaos by hackers?

And finally…
Speaking of cybersecurity, we’re looking for your input for the up-coming “State of the net” report. See our weekend post, “Hit by cybercrime? Tell us your story” for all the details.