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Panasonic launches Smart Viera HDTVs in the US
MUMBAI: Panasonic US televisions has announced the availability of the company‘s initial wave of 2012 Smart Viera Plasma, LED and LCD HDTVs, defining the core of a new Internet connected lifestyle.
Panasonic models in the ST50, UT50, and XT50 Plasma series and the E50, ET5, E5 and X5 LED series will be available this month.
The LED models introduce two new screen sizes – a 47-inch class (47 inches measured diagonally) that will be available this month, with 55-inch class (54.6 inches measured diagonally) models to follow in April and May. In addition to the two new screen sizes, Panasonic has increased its LED model line-up from seven models in 2011 to 16 in 2012.
The 2012 models expand Panasonic‘s 3D lineup and enhance its commitment to its Internet platform, Viera Connect. With this in mind, new for 2012 is a cloud-based architecture that opens the Viera Connect IPTV platform to an infinite number of apps.
In addition, Panasonic says that it continues its commitment to the environment by improving the panel luminance efficiency of the Viera Plasmas, as evidenced in the 100,000 hour life span of the panels, as well as producing mercury-and lead-free panels. Enhanced power efficiency has been addressed with, among other technology advances, new and improved phosphor mixtures and more efficient electronics. The new advanced LED IPS (In Plane Switching) panels reduce on-mode power consumption by about 25 per cent compared with last year‘s comparable models.
Panasonic is dedicated to bringing new picture-improving technologies to HDTVs and the 2012 Plasma lineup also builds upon that philosophy. The 2012 Smart Viera Plasma HDTVs produce black levels. The Viera HDTVs also feature super fast response time, intuitive and therefore easy to operate controls, internet apps, and a design incorporating Panasonic‘s Glass and Metal concept.
Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America VP merchandising Henry Hauser said, “Our enhanced and very strong 2012 model lineup builds on Panasonic‘s priority to be the highest quality entertainment company, providing the consumer with many options and our new lineup does just that. Panasonic is extremely proud that for the last three years our Plasma HDTVs have been nominated as CES Best in Show and our LED and LCD lineup is stronger than ever with the addition of two larger screen sizes, the 47-inch and the 55-inch.”
Select Smart Viera Plasma models employ NeoPlasma Black 2500 to provide a crisp image with 2500 FFD (Focussed Field Drive) technology even when the content shows very fast motion, and to control the light, which enables viewers to see subtle details in dark scenes, with the new 24,576-steps super fine gradation. The 2012 panel further reduces reflections and creates sharper pictures with higher contrast in brighter environments. In addition, a new panel structure with improved filter and pre-discharge control technology contributes to an increased native contrast level. Additionally, all the 3D models include DLNA connections for easy link-up to other DLNA equipped products.
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With 57 per cent single new users, Ashley Madison rebrands as discreet dating platform
Platform says majority of new members now identify as single
INDIA: Ashley Madison is shedding the “married-dating” label that defined it for two decades, repositioning itself as a platform for discreet dating in what it calls the post-social media age.
The rebrand, unveiled in India on 27 February, 2026, marks a structural shift in business model and identity. Once synonymous with married dating, the company now describes itself as the “premier destination for discreet dating” under a new tagline: Where Desire Meets Discretion.
The pivot is data-driven. Internal figures show that 57 per cent of global sign-ups between 1 January and 31 December, 2025 identified as single: a notable departure from the platform’s married core. The company argues that its community has already evolved beyond its original positioning.
“In an age where our lives have been constantly put on public display, privacy has become the new luxury,” said Ashley Madison chief strategy officer Paul Keable. He framed the platform’s offering as “ethical discretion” for singles, separated, divorced and non-monogamous users seeking private connections.
The shift also taps into wider digital fatigue. A global survey conducted by YouGov for Ashley Madison, covering 13,071 adults across Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the US, found mounting discomfort with hyper-public online lives.
Among dating app users, 30 per cent cited constant swiping and messaging as a source of fatigue, while 24 per cent pointed to pressure to curate public-facing profiles and early personal disclosure. Some 27 per cent said fears of screenshots or information being shared contributed to exhaustion; an equal share cited unwanted attention.
The retreat from oversharing appears broader. According to the survey, 46 per cent of adults actively try to keep most aspects of their life private online. Only 8 per cent feel comfortable sharing most aspects publicly, while 35 per cent say they are becoming more selective about what they disclose.
Ashley Madison is betting that this cultural recalibration towards controlled visibility can be monetised. By doubling down on privacy infrastructure and reframing itself around discretion rather than infidelity, the company is attempting to convert reputational baggage into a premium proposition.
