Tech Buying Comes Alive with CNET's New Video Product Reviews

Business Wire,  July 8, 2004  

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SAN FRANCISCO -- 60-Second Videos Showcase a Product's Look-and-Feel; Expanded Reviews and New CNET AT Work Section Help Users Find the Best Products for Home, Work, or on the Go

CNET (Nasdaq:CNET) (www.cnet.com) today announced its innovative "First Look from the Labs" video reviews, leveraging the power of interactive content to fundamentally change the experience of evaluating and buying products. The new 60-second video segments let CNET's expert editors share their "first look" at the features and functionality of the latest technology products, and provide consumers -- for the first time -- a realistic 3-D perspective on the products they are considering purchasing before buying online or visiting a store.

First Look from the Labs is a key element to CNET's updated reviews (http://reviews.cnet.com), which now feature a product overview page for every product reviewed by a CNET editor. This includes all categories of consumer electronics and personal tech products -- from MP3 players and digital cameras to high definition TVs and notebook computers. The new product overview pages, which include the editor's bottom line assessment of the product, a full text review, video review, user opinions, key specifications, 360-degree photos, and a list of compatible accessories, provide a single destination for people to easily find all the information they need to make the smartest possible purchase decision.

"Using video in this new and creative way lets the editors really show a product's style and unique features, getting CNET even closer to its goal of giving consumers all the tools they need to choose tech products more confidently," said Candice Meyers, senior vice president of CNET. "First Look from the Labs is a great example of how CNET continues to be a leader in combining cutting-edge interactive content with editorial expertise in order to provide users with the most relevant information in the most beneficial format."

CNET At Work

The CNET "At Work" feature addresses the growing needs of people who need products and solutions that help them become more productive and organized on the job. The feature is a collection of editorial columns, product reviews, interactive buying guides, and user profiles that point people towards the technology products that are best suited for their work style, environment, and budget.

For example, the new "Ultimate Office" feature showcases four typical work scenarios and highlights the best products for each. It also shows how to set up each scenario and points users towards helpful guides and reviews on various technologies, such as the benefits of Voice over Internet Protocol (Internet telephones), or a look at the best tech products for work -- like smart phones or super-light notebook computers. Additionally, the feature "Three I Can't Work Without" profiles real people and the technologies they have found that help them be more productive.

"The idea behind the CNET At Work section was to create content that is specifically tailored for people who need product recommendations, as well as practical advice about technology that is best suited for a business environment," said Rafe Needleman, editor of CNET At Work. "By offering a variety of features that incorporate both our own editorial expertise, as well as the expertise and first-hand experience of our users, we are providing a site where people can come and get great ideas on products that help them do more with less."

These latest additions to CNET's award-winning reviews move the site far beyond traditional product reviews that appeal primarily to more tech-savvy buyers, and are aimed at providing users with all the information they need to make the smartest technology purchase, whether the product is for use at home, work, or on the go.

About CNET (www.cnet.com)

CNET, a property of CNET Networks, Inc., is dedicated to helping people buy and use personal technology to enhance and enrich their lives. Providing expert and unbiased advice, CNET's award winning editorial staff reviews thousands of products each year. CNET's goal is to give people confidence in buying tech products, comfort in using them, and cachet in owning them. And, with an extensive directory of more than 200,000 products and price comparisons, CNET also gives consumers the most up-to-date and efficient shopping resource on the Web.

About CNET Networks

CNET Networks, Inc. (www.cnetnetworks.com) is a premier global interactive content company that informs, entertains, and connects large, engaged audiences with content in the personal technology, games and entertainment, and business technology categories. Known for its editorial expertise, the company combines its award winning content with the power of interactive technology to provide its users an intuitive, dynamic and relevant environment. The company's content portfolio features top brands including CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, GameSpot, and mySimon, as well as Computer Shopper magazine, and CNET Channel. With a strong presence in the US, Asia and Europe, CNET Networks has operations in 12 countries.

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