Allen Weiner

The traditional publishing industry is developing strategies to counteract the adverse effects that digital-content providers like Google and Amazon.com are having on its business. Among other things, publishers facing plummeting sales of physical media and advertising are expected to assert more control over when, where and how their content is made available.

However, Forrester Research Vice President Mark Mulligan believes today's pervasive free content means paid content is no longer king and the traditional media meltdown will continue through 2010.

Philips Electronics spin-off IREX Technologies introduced a new e-reader Wednesday that will operate over the Verizon Wireless 3G network and be sold nationwide by select Best Buy stores, beginning next month. The new Linux-powered device is equipped with an 8.1-inch touchscreen featuring stylus navigation and easy-to-read E Ink technology.

Yahoo has wasted no time in getting a top executive to replace former CEO Jerry Yang, who stepped down in November. The spotlight moves to Carol Bartz, currently executive board chairman of Autodesk and formerly its president and chief executive officer, people familiar with the situation told The Wall Street Journal.

Bartz reportedly has accepted the offer from Yahoo, whose board spent two months looking for the right person to replace Yang, the company's cofounder.

Yahoo is making a bid for Internet television. The company's Connected TV group unveiled the next generation of technology and services for Internet-connected televisions, along with a slew of partnerships that promise consumers plenty of options.

The first fruits of Yahoo's partnerships with leading consumer electronics manufacturers, which include Samsung, Sony, LG Electronics, and Vizio, is a widget-based user experience that delivers Web content to TVs. The products that tap into Yahoo's Connected TV technology will be available in the spring.