Hyperimitation
CES theme: everybody's latest strategy is to own the networked hub of the home. Would your believe Shell is stepping in?
"...Shell's HomeGenie networking system controls home lighting, appliances and thermostats remotely, using a cell phone, computer or handheld organizer. HomeGenie also has a motion sensor tied to a Web cam that, when tripped, fires off e-mail or instant messages to homeowners."
Of course, when everybody's doing it, it's no longer a strategy that can provide a comparative advantage. Nice example of the accelerating pace of imitation, and of the total crumbling of industry boundaries.