Manufacturers Hope Internect Connectivity Will Goose Clock Radio Sales

A Sony representative opines about the value of the bedside real estate its Dream Machine, model 8FC-59 commanded in the years after its 1968 release.  But clock radios fell from favor in the 80s and 90s — only to get a boost from MP3/iPod player connectivity.  Now manufacturers hope that internet-capable clock radios will boost sales yet again.  The Chumby, DreamScreen and Dash are three of the offerings from major manufacturers in recent years that enable the Facebook-obcessed to check for status updates the moment they wake up.  Of course, there is a threat to this clock radio renaissance — the smartphone.  The New York Times Jun. 9, 2010