Last year, Howard Stringer, chairman and chief executive officer of Sony Corporation, stood before his fellow gadget lovers and well-known rivals, and delivered the opening keynote address at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES (News - Alert)) in Las Vegas. He introduced the "CES Seven," a set of universal imperatives used in creating the best user experience and a strategic roadmap for the future.

Stringer also openly talked about Sony's unique position as a company strategically positioned in the areas of hardware, software, network services and entertainment content. He proudly recognized Sony as a leader in the technologies of tomorrow, which included television, Blu-ray, digital cinema, 3D and wireless devices.

However, Sony came to CES 2011 hoping to make some ground. Sony had hoped to be in the forefront or at least a true contender in the race of sets and accessories offering Internet content and 3D video. Sales, however, fell short. Nonetheless, the shortcomings of Sony’s 2010 sales seem to have no effect on Howard Stringer, as he remains positive about Sony’s future and is realistic about the economic times. Stringer commented in a statement, “When you're in the middle of a major recession, there are fewer people who can afford anything. Talk about the declining middle class in America: Those are your early adopters. It's not the rich. It's the middle class and young people.”

Stringer also discussed his thoughts on Sony’s 3D plan and if it should have been delayed with the falling economy. “You have to launch 3D. It's there. Competitive pressures — you read in the papers, so-and-so is the first to release 3D TV. You don't want to be the last. I don't think short-term (sales) numbers say anything about anything except the nature of the economy and what people can afford,” Stringer remarked. As Stringer continually emphasized in a recent interview, “In the digital world, he who hesitates is abandoned. So you have to generate 3D excitement with as many devices as you can find.”

Undoubtedly, Stringer’s attitude is infectious, and as CES 2011 began, Sony was back with a competitive edge. As TMC’s CEO, Rich Tehrani (News - Alert), wrote in a recent blog post, “In October I detailed ten reasons why Cisco’s Umi will fail and now we have reason number 11. You see, Skype has partnered with Panasonic (News - Alert) and Sony to introduce Skype-enabled Blu-ray Players.  In addition, Sony and Vizio have introduced Skype-enabled Sony BRAVIA and VIZIO VIA (News - Alert) TVs, which will be available later this year.” Sony has proven that it has more than 3D technology to make a name for itself.