Filed under: CES, Misc. Gadgets

We’ve certainly seen some fairly interesting dedicated handset buttons before, but it’s hard to argue with the functionality of a standalone GOOG-411 key. Apparently, Thomson has teamed up with Google to integrate the “first ever one-touch, auto-dial GOOG-411 button” into over a dozen of its GE-branded DECT 6.0 phones. In case you’ve been chilling under a stone of late, GOOG-411 is the search giant’s “free, voice-activated, business directory assistance service,” and it will be within reach on a slew of April-bound home phones. For more details on specific models as well as pricing information, head on down to the read link.

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Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

It’s a sad day indeed for Thomson fanboys worldwide, as the storied French corporation has announced plans to exit the consumer electronics industry altogether in an effort to refocus its resources on B2B digital video services. Following completion of the sale of its remaining non-European AV businesses to Audiovox on December 31st (which, as you’ll recall, already bought the RCA brand and accessories division), Thomson will no longer have a presence on domestic or foreign retail shelves, and will also be short €30 million ($42.5 million) as a result of yesterday’s announcement to shutter its AVA Europe operations. So here’s to you, Thomson: we can’t honestly say that we ever got into any of your various products, but as with any other departing member of our loving CE family, you’ll be missed.

[Via generationmp3]

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