I have a lot of respect for TV giant TCL (HKEx: 1070; Shenzhen: 000100), which has managed to remain relevant in China’s high-tech gadget space by moving aggressively into products like smartphones and high-end flat-screen TVs. But I’m a bit skeptical of the company’s latest move into the ultra competitive gaming space, following word that TCL plans to make gaming consoles and also specialized gaming TVs. News of this latest move by one of China’s oldest tech names comes just months after TCL announced a tie-up with leading search engine Baidu (Nasdaq: BIDU) to make smart TVs. I was more positive on that venture, though I really do think this new one looks more problematic since it will take TCL into a new area that is very competitive and where it has little or no experience.
A pair of tired tech titans, namely software maker Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) and electronics maker Sony (Tokyo: 6753), are making new pushes in the Chinese instant messaging (IM) and gaming spaces, as each tries to remain relevant in the fast growing market. Both of these companies are struggling for direction not only in China but also globally, with each recently seeking new leadership in a bid to regain their former glory. Back on the China front, Microsoft is formally ending a longstanding local partnership in a bid to bolster its flagging IM services in China. Meanwhile, Sony is making headlines in gaming, one of its few remaining strong areas, with word that it plans to roll out its popular PlayStation consoles in China. Read Full Post…
