CNET Launches ``CNET Digital Living,'' an Immersive Experience in Digital Solutions for Consumer Lifestyles.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 2003

Taps Audience's Real-world Experience to Help Buyers Navigate 

Overwhelming Selection and Integration Challenges

CNET, the trusted source of information for millions of consumer electronics and technology buyers around the world, and a property of CNET Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNET), today unveiled "CNET Digital Living" (http://living.cnet.com). CNET Digital Living addresses the challenge people face in figuring out how the overwhelming range of cutting-edge Consumer Electronics (CE) products can fit into their lives.

Consumer Electronics products such as digital cameras and cell phones, that once appealed only to tech enthusiasts, have exploded into mainstream use in the past few years. More than 30 percent of US households own digital cameras, with sales expected to increase by 20 percent this year as the average price drops 15 percent to $260.00(1). Consumers are embracing these cutting-edge products as they reach the right combination of affordable pricing, and lifestyle-driven functionality. DVD recorders, high definition TVs (HDTVs), and MP3 players are now approaching this mark. HDTV sales exceeded forecasts in 2002, and this year their average price is expected to reach $1,441, more than 50 percent lower then when they were introduced(2).

Consumers who want to take advantage of these products face an overwhelming selection, making them less secure about choosing wisely. In this environment, an independent editorial organization plays an important role. As the established leader in reviews and buying guidance on CE products, CNET is uniquely positioned to serve this need. With CNET Digital Living, CNET combines its editorial expertise, the knowledge of its audience, and interactive content to make it fun and easy for all interested consumers to understand what solutions work best for their lifestyles, so they can buy with confidence.

"Tech is no longer 'this other thing,' its only valuable if it makes your life better," said Tom Jones, senior vice president of shopping services and advice for CNET Networks. "There are thousands of innovative consumer electronics products available, but before you can decide what to buy or where to buy it, you need to figure out why you need the product to begin with. How can it make your life better, and how will it fit with your other digital products? Answering this 'why to buy' question is the mission of CNET Digital Living."

The CNET Digital Living content is driven by CNET Personal Tech Radar, the first real-time snapshot into what CE products consumers care about, and what is motivating them to buy. Personal Tech Radar combines surveys of CNET's experienced buying audience with analysis of site behavioral patterns to produce insight into the top products and features that appeal most. Personal Tech Radar results, highlighted weekly on the home page, are used by CNET editors to guide ongoing content development for the following features:

-- The CNET Digital Living Door: The entry point for all CNET

Digital Living content, as well as special features based on

Personal Tech Radar findings and highlights from the CNET

Living Theater (see below).

-- The Digital Home Experience: A dynamic, interactive exhibit

that lets users take a walk through a digital living room.

Each room includes CNET's editor's picks of essential products

as well as information on how to build and configure the room.

-- What's Your Style?: Users can segment themselves into audience

types, and receive recommended technology solutions for their

lifestyles, informed by CNET editors and Personal Tech Radar.

-- Three I Can't Live Without: A photo showcase of CNET's

tech-savvy users - from CEOs to artists to truck drivers - and

the three gadgets they can't live without.

-- Gear Envy: Spotlighting cutting-edge products that are just

released or soon-to-be released, Gear Envy provides a photo

showcase, and invites users to click and provide real-time

"hot or not" feedback, which is used as a benchmark of

receptivity for that product.

-- CNET Living Theater: An ongoing series of videos provide an

added dimension to learning and consideration process. For

example, users can experience an integrated system, view a

show-and-tell or how-to tutorials, or a demonstration of

"insider secrets" on how to maximize your set-up.

"While CNET Digital Living is robust today, it will continue to progress, as the CE landscape continues to innovate at a rapid pace. We're going to help consumers stay one step ahead of the changes, and spend their money wisely on products that truly enhance their lives," said Jones.

Sony Creates Dynamic Showcase on CNET Digital Living

The innovative interactive content across CNET Digital Living provides a compelling and dynamic marketing environment for CE manufacturers. Marketing messages - utilizing rich media such as Flash video - are contextually integrated into editorial content, ensuring consumers have access to promotional material that is relevant to the products they are researching.

Sony is the first CNET Digital Living marketing partner. "Sony's online marketing initiative with CNET Digital Living is a great way to help consumers understand how to integrate technology

into their lifestyles. CNET Digital Living lets us create a dynamic showcase of Sony products visible to shoppers as they are researching products and making buying decisions," said Patrick Vogt, senior vice president and general manager, Sony Electronics eSolutions Company, LLC.

About CNET

CNET is a trusted source of information for millions of consumers around the world that are interested in enhancing their lifestyles with today's cutting-edge consumer electronics and digital technology products. CNET's team of expert editors, which has won more than 200 awards, provides more than 2,000 live, labs-driven editorial product reviews on the latest products in all categories, including more than 800 consumer electronics reviews, enhanced by 360-degree photos of products and real-time pricing. CNET's depth and breadth of product coverage is enhanced by its growing database of thousands of insightful product briefs on top shopping categories.

About CNET Networks

CNET Networks, Inc. (www.cnetnetworks.com) is a leading global media company informing and connecting buyers, users and sellers of technology, consumer electronics and gaming products. Known for its editorial expertise, CNET Networks combines its award winning content with the power of interactive technology to provide it's users an intuitive, dynamic and relevant environment that is easy to use. 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.

(1) Consumer Electronics Association's "Digital America 2003, The U.S. Consumer Electronics Industry"

(2) Same as above.