2013 Prediction: Hi-Tech 4-Way Battle Looms

Capturing More Of Thus Turf In 2013

The most heated corporate competition in the entertainment industry will most certainly not be the TV networks against each other, or against cable, let alone the radio giants squaring off against one another or and satellite online radio. According to the WALL STREET JOURNAL, the biggest business clashes will be a four-way battle between APPLE, AMAZON, GOOGLE and FACEBOOK, all of whom "have been creeping into each other's turf for years. In 2013, their war is set to escalate around two fronts: hardware and search."

Software titans GOOGLE and AMAZON look to invade the hardware turf with new smartphones (more and better ANDROIS and an anticipated AMAZON phone) and tablets (improved versions of the KINDLE). APPLE is beefing up its foray into software (via continual improvements on SIRI, among other things) and its enhanced APPLE TV.

FACEBOOK plans to enhance its search capabilities and is expected to battle the others in everything from e-commerce to online ads.

"They are all getting into each other's market," OPUS RESEARCH analyst GREG STERLING said. "It is a land grab in a way to appeal to developers, who can help make their services truly ubiquitous."

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