Also known as service agreements, extended warranties will pay out for repairs, replacements and sometimes damage to electrical appliances such as cookers, washing machines or television sets.

BBC: OFT appeal to consumers

Orders dropped for metals such as steel and aluminum, metal parts, electrical equipment and appliances, and defense aircraft.

NPR: Orders For US Durable Goods Fall 5.7 Pct. In March

One senior Google executive suggested Google TV, along with Android-bearing electrical appliances, could be the basis for the long-hyped (and never delivered) smart home, tracking energy usage across the household.

FORBES: Google��s Android Takeover