Cool Visualization Shows World's Spending On Electronics By Country (We Spend A Lot)

Here we see ol' Mercator, if country sizes were drawn according to the amount of discretionary income spent on electronics by its citizens. As the world's largest economy, the US being the biggest blob here at $162 billion for 2007 is not that surprising. But what might be surprising is Japan, who spends more on recreation than clothing, household items and electronics combined—pretty interesting for such a style- and gadget-conscious nation. Also note central Europe's electronics spending, which is clearly becoming a force to be reckoned with if IFA in Berlin was any indication. Head over to the NYTimes for more playing with this cool little flash data visualization with other categories of spending. [NYTimes via Boing Boing]

Sony Ultra-Thin KLV-40ZX1M and 240Hz KDL-52XBR7 LCD HDTVs Getting Official US Release

Just like we spied earlier today, Sony's two baddest IFA LCD TVs—the 9.9mm-thin KLV-40ZX1M LCD (above) and the 200Hz Motionflow Z4500 (below, known as the KDL-52XBR7 at 240Hz here in the US, due to our 30fps broadcasts vs. Europe's 25fps)—are both getting an official US rollout here at CEDIA. Jesus got a chance to fondle 'em in Berlin last week where US details were slim, but both sets will be shipping stateside in December. Both have whole-house WHDI wireless HD streaming built-in from Amimon. No official pricing on either, but they'll be top-end, for sure (rumored to be $4,500 for the ZX1). Full release follows: More »