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The Consumer Electronics Association, the CE industry's leading trade group, is inviting consumers to join. Until this point CEA members have been mainly manufacturers and industry insiders.

The surprise announcement came at the CEA Industry Forum in San Francisco. As Consumer Technology Enthusiasts, civilian members will take part in product beta tests and an online community. The first 1000 people to join will also be allowed to attend the last day of CES, the industry's biggest trade show, taking place as usual in January in Las Vegas.

Why this, why now? CEA president Gary Shapiro says consumer participation would lend greater weight to CEAPAC public policy initiatives and lobbying efforts.

See This Week In Consumer Electronics.