The last year of the 20th century marked the end of the first long chapter of the electronics revolution-one that created more technological advancements than were previously recorded in all of human history. Now the consumer electronics industry clearly is on a roll. Fueled by the convergence of several trends, virtually every product category showed increases in 1999 over the previous year.
Consumers continue to embrace the exciting array of products made possible by digital technology.
Manufacturers continue to develop and offer innovative products to enhance consumers' workstyles and lifestyles. The last year of the century also saw electronic commerce gain traction with online holiday shopping revenues more than doubling from 1998, fueled in large part by new electronic products that provide Internet access from just about anywhere. E-tailing gives consumers a new way to acquire the products that have become an integral part of our lives and are altering forever the way we work and play, receive information, keep in touch with friends, colleagues and family and maintain their safety. The transformation of consumer electronics into a truly digital marketplace is gaining momentum. In virtually every category, digital products are the fastest growing segment.