Amazon Trying To Enhance Its Mobile Play

Sometimes it is easier to build from scratch, other times it is easier to buy. And the latest acquisition attempt buy Amazon seems a smart move to keep in competitive step with Apple. Latest reports have Amazon in high level talks to buy Palm from Hewlett Packard. "Palm makes the webOS mobile operating system. The software is well-regarded by industry observers, but Palm devices have failed in the marketplace."

Like the PC operating system, there seems to be two main players, Apple and the other guy. While Microsoft seems to be fumbling the ball in the mobile space, Amazon looks to be taking a very strategic, forward thinking route to compete with Apple and command more market share. And there is belief that the Palm operating system will mesh with the Android system that Amazon currently uses. "Android apps are written in the programming language Java and versions of webOS can run Java apps, so it should be possible (though perhaps slightly tricky) for Amazon to get the apps on its app store to run on the webOS platform."

It is fascinating to watch a company like Amazon, which started as an online distribution platform for selling and delivering merchandise to an online platform selling and delivering software. And unlike Netflix, Amazon hasn't made a move to divorce its new business from its old. Apple continues to grow too, adding a brick and mortar presence to enhance its online. Perhaps, Amazon may find itself buying a brick and mortar business, too.

A Cheaper Tablet Arrives, Kindle On Fire

Hello tablet competition with the arrival of a new tablet from Amazon at a price point that just might make Apple and others blush. Priced at less than half the price of the iPad, the Kindle Fire may just appeal to the budget conscious consumer seeking a mobile screen for web connection. It may not offer some handy features like a "camera, microphone or 3G connectivity", it does connect to the web and enable streaming of all data. Listen to songs, watch a video, read a book, buy on Amazon, the Kindle Fire may be exactly what the consumer seeks in a lower cost model.

But if brand and the added capabilities that go with the Apple experience are what suit you, than price will not sway you from an iPad purchase. That is certainly what Apple hopes although their October press announcement could include some iPad updates. Still quiet is Barnes & Noble's Nook tablet. Staying on the sideline is not be a smart tactic and B&N is expected to have another trick up their sleeve in order to stay ahead of Amazon in the tablet race. The timing is certainly key as the Holiday Season is just around the corner.

The $199 price point is said to be a loss leader for Amazon. It's unique strategy is to get the Kindle Fire into many hands and make the return on the content that is purchased for the device. To this strategy, content is king, and Amazon needs to announce some unique, exclusive content to drive its distribution strategy. As Apple leads with a brand leader and market share, it is keen to make its return in the purchase and the content. Even without buying downloads, the iPad becomes an important companion in an Apple home, tied to the iPhone and mac. The introduction of the iCloud only solidifies that connectivity of devices. And for the Nook, a differentiation strategy is required to separate yourself from both the Kindle Fire, which shares your Google Android operating system, and the iPad. It's time to see more muscle.

So if you're waiting on the sidelines to buy a tablet, this Holiday could be your time. Enjoy!

LightSquared True Wireless Motives

Is LightSquared about political and personal fortune at the expense of the public, or are they truly wanting to build a better mousetrap that will improve connectivity and give consumers another choice? "LightSquared wants to build a network with 40,000 towers across the U.S. using spectrum that was originally set aside for satellite phones. Rather than selling cellphone service directly to consumers, the company plans to offer its network to other wireless carriers and companies such as Best Buy Co."

The 21st Century could soon be declared the beginning of the connected consumer. We feel the need to be connected via the web, whether we are in our house or on an airplane, at the supermarket or riding the subway. And when we are not connected, we feel a loss, unable to make a call, send a tweet, play a game of Words With Friends. Connectivity could soon be declared a required right like food, shelter, and clothing.

Seriously, the need for connectivity, at a low cost, makes the entry of LightSquared an important competitor in what has slowly become a limited market of players. That their entry occurs without interfering with other GPS signals and affecting safety is essential. And lastly, that the politics of lobbying and electorial support can be withdrawn so that the true opportunity for the economics of business to take control. "The debate heated up when the Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit investigative news organization, published White House emails showing LightSquared officials boasting of campaign donations while trying to schedule meetings with White House officials." This may be "business as usual", but it would be best to remove the politics and let the consumer push for LightSquared support.

The need for more broadband and wireless players in the market is essential. With AT&T's desire to purchase T-Mobile and the cable companies continuing to converge, LightSquared could be a well needed player. Get the technology right and let free market rule,

Look Who's Playing Both Sides Of Cord Cutting

It seems that the threat of cord cutting has gotten one distribution company to look at new ways to appeal to these cable cutters. Dish Network, a cable satellite company, owns Slingbox, a terrific technology that allows users to push their linear and on demand programming from their cable box to any pc or mobile device. They recently purchased Blockbuster, to offer consumers new choices for DVD rentals, both in store and streaming. And as the third leg of their stool, they seem to be the top bidder in a race to acquire Hulu, an online video streaming company. "Two sources tell us that satellite TV provider Dish was the highest bidder, coming in around $1.9 billion. It beat out both Amazon and Yahoo."

Will Dish pick up Hulu? It seems from looking at previous behavior, that it is consistent with a new strategy to own the distribution platform and content in multiple forms. With the Echostar parent company, one hopes that the right marketing synergies can be created to enhance the messaging and promote these various services. Dish trails DirecTv, Blockbuster trails Netflix, and a consistent second strategy may not be truly effective. It may be time to turn one of their brands into a true leader.

Perhaps it is too early to talk Dish - Hulu just yet. Others, like Google, may raise their bids. Ultimately, my questions with Hulu still remain unanswered. Will the current partners of Hulu still feel obligated to sell content to them after the sale, or will these networks provide cable distributors with more authenticated exclusivity in order to reduce the threat of cord cutting, something that Hulu seems to encourage. As partners, they were inclined to support with content; once unencumbered, they may not feel such an obligation. And that, to me is a real concern of the true long term value of Hulu.

The Rise Of The Tablet, More Context And More Connectivity

Apple's iPad has led the tablet revolution with others trying desperately to make inroads. From Samsung to Blackberry to the Nook, the table is becoming the must have device. And now Amazon will soon announce its own tablet.

The age of the tablet brings a whole new paradigm to the digital landscape. Hollywood is bracing for digital distribution, Netflix is pushing streaming, and print sees a new opportunity to recapture subscriptions and grow advertising. For The New York Times, digital subscription is growing as consumers are using their iPads at night to catch up on articles they missed earlier in the day. For them, it opens up a whole new viewing time that had died with the demise of the evening newspaper. The table rests in our kitchens, on our coffee tables and in our beds. And with this connectivity, the ads served can speak directly to the users interests and relevant to the time of day. Context and connection.

And as multiple devices talk to each other, the tablet with the smart phone, or perhaps with the big screen TV, data can be shared and connected. As other devices in the home get smarter, connectivity with a mobile device will only be enhanced. Our devices can talk to the refrigerator, HVAC and security system, and every other home appliance. And information can be shared among family members. We will be informed, entertained, and enlightened.

Is LightSquared More Politics Than Capitalism

Politics exists everywhere, not just in Government. Favors are done, cronyism is established, and greed sometimes gets in the way of honest work. So one has to wonder, is LightSquared truly an opportunity for a new player to help balance the power and increase competition in the wireless and broadband industry, or is there more than meets the eye.

From today's column in the NY Post, to this article in Multichannel, it seems that personal gain over mainstream interests could possibly be at stake.

Can LightSquared be a low cost alternative to the current players or will it be so only by interfering with current GPS signals? And if they can't fix the problem, are we being told a fairy tale? That politics is leading this process is the most troublesome. It reeks of greed and may benefit few over the many. Can LightSquared truly overcome the GPS issue or is it being fast tracked to help put money into political hands? I naively hope it is the former. I'd hate to see greed cause poor long term judgment.

Competition is a good thing. If not LightSquared, there are other ways to enhance competition in the broadband industry. Perhaps the Government can incent the utilities to build out their infrastructure to offer a broadband piece. Would the electric, gas, and water companies have an interest? Job creation, economic stimulus, and more choice.

Brother, Can You Spare A Volt, My Smartphone Needs A Charge

On a recent flight cross country, my wife was concerned that her phone and e-book reader were not charged and might not make it through the trip. Luckily, prior to departing, she found two outlets hidden near the water fountain to plug in and charge. The new charging stations, complete with 4 out lets were all being used. But it got me wondering, are we asking too much from our devices.

My smartphone's most essential function is for communication. But as I use my time on board the plane to watch a movie, play games, and yes even surf the web, I am concerned that I will not have enough power to make that call when I arrive at my destination. Do I need to offload my usage to a second device to relieve me of my concern that I will be with a dead phone? Do I need to carry a back-up?

As we ask our smart phones to do more, we risk that they will be completely drained of power before the day is out. Nice to add an e-wallet to my app library, but if I am without power, I am without money. Is my back up to continue to carry a real wallet?

The smartphone is a life-changing device; web, phone, gaming, time piece, wallet, and more at your fingertips! But we still need a quantum leap in the battery for these untethered devices. Not an extra 15 minutes of reserve charge, but perhaps an ever-renewing battery. Perhaps as simple as a self-winding watch. Until then, it's almost time to plug in again.

LightSquared To Solve Its GPS Issue And Bring Wireless Competition

LightSquared wants to bring new competition into the broadband space. The concern is that their wireless platform is on a frequency that competes with GPS devices. But they now think they have a solution. "LightSquared, which is building a nationwide 4G LTE wireless broadband network using spectrum that is adjacent to the spectrum GPS device makers use, said it has developed receivers with GPS device manufacturer Javad GNSS that will eliminate concerns that the GPS community has brought forth regarding how its service would interfere with precision GPS devices."

It could add another competitor into a not so crowded wireless world offering connectivity and content to mobile devices. Could this new broadband spectrum be used to compete with cable, encouraging cord cutting for IPTV? Could it be a less expensive alternative to Verizon and AT&T? "LightSquared is building its nationwide wireless broadband network to sell capacity to other service providers, as well as retailers looking to offer wireless broadband service. The company has already signed partnerships with companies, such as Leap Wireless and Best Buy." The possibilities are there. LightSquared has the potential to bring more competition into the broadband landscape.

UltraViolet Makes Appearance Thanks To The Smurfs

Is your DVD player UltraViolet compatible? Does knowing a DVD title includes UltraViolet appealing to you? Wait, you haven't heard of UltraViolet. Well then you are definitely not alone. "UltraViolet is a "digital locker" system designed by the Hollywood-led Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem to let users access their movies and TV content through any UltraViolet-compatible service or device, such as PCs, tablets, cable set-tops and smartphones." Hopefully by the time that CES rolls around, UltraViolet will be the hot buzz word.

The release of new platforms always involves a careful balance of content. And seems to ask the age-old question of which comes first, the chicken or the egg. In this case, Sony's release of DVD titles, including The Smurfs, recognizes that consumers respond to content to run their machines. And while Sony is the first to release titles with UltraViolet authentication, other studios will follow.

Can it jumpstart the DVD industry or will it find more acceptance with consumers seeking content anywhere via their cable provider? And with Apple on the sidelines, what will its cloud-based competitor do differently? For consumers seeking to access content outside their home on their PC or mobile device, the cloud is bringing the library to us, without requiring us to download and save on a hard drive. Good news in a connected world.

Netflix Might Not Understand Physics

The only constant is change. In Physics, change is also a component of time. But in Nexflix case, strategic change seems to be forcing time to speed up. Understandably, Netflix sees its future in streaming media. It won fans and gained strength as a company because of its DVD rental model. And its fans appreciated that Netflix has embraced streaming to its distribution platform.

The big but is that they do not appreciate that pricing is going up at a level that sent a clear message: "Out with the old, in with the new." Netflix clearly wants to position themselves in the new media world. But the change that they are embracing seems to be on caffeine. They are speeding up the transition faster than the consumer cares for and that could hurt the new business. It is clear strategically what they are doing. Price the old DVD model to pay the high shipping costs and to push consumers to convert to the streaming model. Second, spin off the old DVD model into a separate business, now called Qwikster. A separate brand to not impact the core streaming brand of Netflix. And lastly, most likely within the next year or two, disband Qwikster and make it go away. A new name so that when it does fold (and my prediction it will fold soon), it is less associated with Netflix.

The challenge remains the speed in which Netflix wants to make this change. Hence the Physics angle. And so we must add another component, Force. The force of this change is negatively affecting consumer sentiment. Netflix is hoping that this negative reaction will dissipate, but what if it doesn't. The speed of force of change to the consumer may have long lasting effects and help the competition to rebound. If Blockbuster, Redbox, and others can break through this opening, Netflix could lose valuable business. And like Physics, result in a reaction.

Netflix Strategic Shift - Were The Results Expected

Netflix made a strategic move to shift from DVD mailings to a streaming model, but did they expect the backlash. By pricing the DVD/Streaming subscription package 60% higher, Netflix was in fact telling subscribers that the future was not mailing. At the same time, they cut the cost for subscribers who only took the streaming option by $2 a month. Clearly a pricing strategy designed to move customers toward streaming. But in the analysis, did they anticipate and account for those customers that would drop the service entirely?

"The Los Gatos, Calif., company now believes that its domestic streaming business will total 9.8 million customers versus its July 25 estimate of 10 million, while its DVD business would also be down from 3 million to 2.2 million." That amounts to a decrease of one million subscribers. A hard pill to swallow especially when content deals, like the one with Starz, have dried up. Content drives the model, and exclusivity of content helps to beat competition. And while Netflix is taking a hit, its competitors are trying to reap the benefits. With Redbox offering an inexpensive DVD model, along with Wallmart, Amazon, Apple, and yes, even cable VOD, competition is only getting fiercer.

Only Netflix can answer whether this customer hit was within their range of expectations. It is unlikely that Netflix will reverse their strategic position. The future for them and others is a streaming model. But now Netflix must go back into their planning stage to determine how best to win back those lost customers and how to grow as the leader in the space. Choices range from partnerships with retailers like Target or Barnes and Noble to offer a free month of streaming with purchase or even to take the partnership to a more corporate level. Content deals remain essential to success. Opportunities with Tribeca Film or other Festivals to share indie films with customers. And don't forget an ad model to further improve the revenue stream.

It is not the end of the world for Netflix, only a bump in the road. The future of rentals is streaming and Netflix has only pushed for faster change.

Retrans Rates Good For Broadcasters, Bad For Cable

On debate teams, you learned that there were 2 sides to an argument and one had to learn how to argue each position, both for and against. Helpful too for attorneys who need to anticipate the other side of the case in order to best clarify their position. Well Steve Burke, formerly on the Comcast side and now on the NBC broadcast side, finds himself arguing for retransmission fees when he once argued against them. "Comcast bosses Brian Roberts and Burke, according to sources, have made a calculation that they’re better off focusing on creating value on the content side of their business than on the cable side because valuations are much better for content businesses." What that seems to mean is that those increased fees for broadcast add to the revenue line and those higher fees charged to cable can be matched with equal increases to cable subscription prices. Good for the company and bad news for the consumer.

It works in Comcast's favor because they own both the content and distribution platform. A position that creates a very powerful vertical strategy in entertainment. Other cable companies, like Time Warner and Cabevision have recently split their two platforms into two separate public companies. And smaller cable operators have not been so lucky as to own a piece of content. Mediacom has long argued that retrans fees are not in the best interest of the consumer.

In the past broadcasters didn't ask for fees for their broadcast channels. Some chose the must-carry rule, others used broadcast as leverage to get new carriage of their cable networks. But now that these cable networks (specifically those owned by today's broadcasters - NBC, ABC, Fox, CBS, Univision) are carried everywhere, the next avenue of growth for broadcasters is fee based.

So Steve Burke and Comcast have come to grips with retrans consent; the consumer has not. The threat of cord cutting could cause customers to stop taking cable programming. They could get their broadcast channels without fee through a digital antenna and watch their programs via a broadband connection. An increase in fees passed on to consumers may only exacerbate the situation. That seems to be what Netflix is feeling right now.

Sirius Raising Its Rates

While Sirius had announced a planned rate increase, the amount was never mentioned...til now. "Sirius XM to raise price of basic package 12 percent to $14.49; first increase since launch". In hard numbers that represents $1.54 more each month. Certainly not as much as Netflix and this increase shouldn't cause any significant loss of subscribers, a concern facing Netflix today.

Still, in this economy, any price increase is hurtful. And a 12% increase, even when viewed as over 3 years, is still greater than any inflation rate these days. Perhaps, with this increase, Sirius will also announce product enhancements to help sugarcoat the medicine.

Can The Patch Hurt Local Newspapers?

For most of us, the national newspapers have been our source of information for world, national, and even region coverage. With the rise of the digital age, subscriptions have dropped as consumers get this same news through online websites, blogs, and tweets. So it seemed that the next opportunity was at the local level, replacing local radio and local papers with hyper local websites. But perhaps that isn't the case just yet. "Some 8,000 weekly papers still hit the front porches and mailboxes in small towns across America every week and, for some reason, they've been left out of the conversation."

In my own area, we have a local website, Maplewood Online, that acts as both a conduit of information on likes and dislikes, where to go, and who to use for a home fix it. We also have the Patch, an AOL owned site that tries hard to be local, but remains dependent on each town's local editor for its quality of local articles. Otherwise it is more a patchwork of web articles from nearby towns. And of course, the local paper, a paid model, that seems a must-have for each home. Local news, town events, an occasional picture of your own child at the pool or school. And frankly, even today, a must read. In fact, its website simply links back to a broader regional web site, northjersey.com.

Can The Patch and others beat local newspapers? Certainly the opportunity is there. Local newspapers will be more resilient as they benefit from lower costs, and tons of goodwill. "The business models of these small-town papers are just as intriguing as the local news. In 2010, the National Newspaper Assn. provided some heartening survey statistics: More than three-quarters of respondents said they read most or all of a local newspaper every week. And a full 94% said they paid for their papers." The best success may just come from these same weeklies as they launch companion websites. "Many weeklies, from the Canadian Record in the Texas Panhandle to the Concrete Herald in Washington's Cascade Mountains, are charging for their Web content, and, because readers can't get that news anywhere else, they're willing to pay." The Patch and others may survive in this hyper local world, but it may be a hard battle to win.

What if SiriusXM integrated with OnStar?

I was just wondering, if SiriusXM and OnStar combined their technologies into one device, you'd have a tremendous entertainment tool combined with interactivity, GPS, and voice. When the system was not being used for emergency purposes, it could relay local area alerts, including traffic updates. Too much for one device or an ultimate opportunity to sell OnStar and Sirius on non-equipped cars.

All Hail Social Networking - News, Shopping, Gaming, Gossip

I think social networks are an addiction; but in this case, that may not be a bad thing. A check on Twitter, Facebook, and other sites and I can get updates on breaking news, sport score, friends' birthdays, and much more. I can post an update, ask a question, and get feedback when I need it. "Social networks and blogs are taking up more and more of Americans time online, now accounting for nearly a quarter of our time spent on the Internet, according Nielsen's social media report." The article suggests that gaming on social sites is carved out, but I am not sure I agree. In fact I was heartbroken to learn that Scramble will be shutting down on Facebook.

It's funny, when I started using Twitter I was less impressed. But as I found more interesting accounts to follow, the value of Twitter soared. Some people simply like to Tweet inane comments, others try to be funny, some overdue the number of Tweets per day, and some are invaluable. I care little where someone is currently having their cup of coffee, but appreciate when they share an article of interest. And some just bring a chuckle during the day. But most importantly, I feel that I am up to date when important news is released.

Is there enough revenue to go around? Those that link into web sites for more depth of coverage will find more success. Advertising and paid subscription on mobile devices to quickly get to more information. And apps to "bookmark" for later reading or viewing on a device of our choice when we are finally ready to consume it.

Social networking lets us share. We seem less concerned with revealing more and more of ourselves these days through these sites. True, even politicians have been exposing themselves through these sites. But despite that, if you believe the motto that "information is power", social networking delivers the information.

Does NBC Need Hulu; TV Everywhere Takes Another Step Forward

Despite being a partner in Hulu, NBC is moving forward with its own mobile app for nbc.com through the iPad. "NBC upgraded its iPad app Thursday so users can watch entire shows on their tablets." Good news for viewers and hopefully more viewers for NBC TV shows. This new follows on the heels of other articles touting TV Everywhere, including the NY Times article on Turner. While NBC isn't requiring viewers to have cable subscriptions, TBS and TNT will offer its shows to authenticated cable customers through apps. Certainly NBC represents a broadcast network while Turner has cable network. Still NBC affiliate stations are pushing for license fees from cable markets and free web viewing could possibly affect those carriage deals. Will all these same shows be available as well for on demand viewing through the cable box?

The other question is what about Hulu. Will NBC offer these same full length shows through Hulu or will nbc.com have some exclusive product? "The new app also offers customization features that let you follow a show and have it automatically update in the app, rather than having to search for a new episode." Will Hulu viewers gravitate to NBC for these features? And I wonder does this news indicate a change in strategy for NBC and Hulu.

So the recent news of mobile viewing is good news to viewers seeking TV shows that follow them on their schedule. And it certainly continues to increase the value for tablets. TV distribution continues to push itself outside the cable box and away from linear watching. Viewers watch on our terms and this availability is overall good news.

Liberty Media Should Buy Tivo

There is wide spread speculation what Liberty Media should do one it spins off some of its assets. According to Malone and Maffei, Liberty will have quite a bit of cash available for acquisitions. "Asked if shareholders should expect Liberty to delve into companies outside the realm of traditional media, like its recent investments in book retailer Barnes & Noble, Malone said the goal is to invest in or acquire businesses where its management can have an impact." The article suggests Sirius, but I would think that Tivo could be a target, too.

With a worldwide distribution platform, including DirecTv, Tivo is a perfect fit. In fact, Tivo technology is already utilized in DirecTv boxes. So why not expand that reach. A purchase would give them the push to embrace Tivo in a wider platform footprint as well as encourage more innovation with IP connections and content. And it seems it could lead to higher long term value.

Is Tivo being mentioned publicly? Not that I have been reading. But it seems a brand that could do well with a relationship with a company like Liberty. Since Comcast never took my urging in an earlier blog to buy, Liberty could be the next best bet.

Internet Sales Tax and Amazon Cuts A Deal

The threat of a sales tax on internet goods may have gotten a short term reprieve. "Under the deal, Amazon would delay collecting taxes until September 2012, Assemblyman Charles Calderon (D-Whittier) said." Certainly good news for this holiday season, but it seems inevitable that a tax-free internet won't stay around for long.

The article also mentions what Congress might do. "If Congress acts by next summer to settle the contentious issue of how online retailers should be taxed, that decision would override Amazon's deal with California." How quickly Congress acts is always questionable and I wonder how best to divvy internet revenue. Would Congress use this as the first level for a national sales tax? Would a portion of those revenues than be divided across each state? And would an internet sales tax help our deficit or simply stop consumers from purchasing goods, a far worse outcome to be sure.

What is happening in California is most certainly expected to play out in every other state as well. And that will certainly be played out on the national political stage with a Presidential election coming next year.

Some Suggest Content Is Not The King Anymore

With all the news at Yahoo, questions arise whether content is no longer the king and that those that "point to it" are more valuable. "Internet pioneers Yahoo and AOL Inc. are losing out to Facebook Inc. and Google Inc., both of which are adept at helping point the way to pertinent or interesting material." To me, it sounds more like the chicken or the egg theory. Facebook and Google need content to point to and Yahoo and AOL need content to be clicked. An almost symbiotic relationship that needs to be maintained. It also suggests that content companies are better served when they are ahead of the curve when it comes to distribution platforms.

In Yahoo's case, the push for content overshadowed the changing platforms toward mobile and social media. Certainly AOL and Fox tried with Bebo and My Space respectively, but were unable to capture an audience. Yahoo, unfortunately, seemed to remain on the sideline. Google has successfully embraced content with You Tube and the rumors of a Hulu acquisition. And Facebook has made deals with Zynga and movie studios to sell content.

I disagree that Content is no longer King. But content creators need to make distribution deals that reach consumers where they want to be. The rise of tablets is a clear example that consumers seek mobility. Twitter and Facebook demonstrate that consumers like to share information. Content then must be reshaped to fit into these new platforms. One last example...Amazon is already hard at work redoing their website for easier viewing on the iPad. Content needs distribution, but distribution also needs content.

Is a Google Acquisition of Hulu a DOJ Issue, Too?

We all know that Hulu's partners would like a little return on their investment. And with Hulu's announced sale, the list of buyers are well known. "Hulu’s corporate owners are currently mulling bids from three would-be buyers: Amazon, Yahoo, and the Dish Network. And then there’s Google." AllThingsD is reporting that Google is willing to pay more than the others to acquire Hulu.

I have speculated in previous blogs that a Hulu deal may require more long term content deals and Google seems to agree. Should Google be an active buyer, the question is, should the Department of Justice be equally concerned about one company owning the majority share of online video? Like their suit against AT&T getting to big and monopolistic, is the same true for Google? Does this type of acquisition fan the flames for more monopolistic drama?

You Tube already has the biggest share of usage and I wonder if real synergy actually exists by adding Hulu. Couldn't You Tube simply make the same deals without also buying the Hulu platform. And Google already has potential antitrust drama with its planned Motorola. With all their efforts to succeed with that acquisition, the timing may not be right anyway to try and also acquire Hulu.

Still the rumors are out there and it is fun to speculate what will happen next. For me, I think I will guess that Dish or perhaps Yahoo are the final buyers.

Is Yahoo Selling Or Restarting

The news of Carol Bartz's firing may have been for lack of growth of Yahoo's revenue and brand, but the hiring of "strategic advisers" does not sound promising either. My brother-in-law said something to me this weekend that made me sit up and think. As a hedge fund guy, he noted that anytime a company brings in a "suit", the attention is never on innovation, but rather on reducing costs to improve profits. He said that "suits" don't take risks because they are only focused on the ROI. And he cites great examples of leaders and companies that take risk without worrying about the return and when they leave, the lack of risk leads to lack of change and a declining future. When My Space founders sold to News Corp, those entrepreneurs left and My Space fell into disrepair. Apple's growth has been the result of Jobs taking risks without worrying about research and returns. It seems instinct does matter.

So what will the future of Yahoo be post Bartz? I am not saying that she was that kind of leader, but with her gone, can "strategic advisers" be risk takers or more likely "suits". According to AllthingsD, "Yahoo is preparing to hire investment bankers and other strategic advisory firms, said sources close to the Silicon Valley Internet giant, as it seeks to figure out what to do next at the company." Other reports have Yahoo putting itself up for sale. That seems to be a likely outcome for investment bankers. New leadership would more likely reinstall in Yahoo its adventurous spirit and risk-taking.

"The company will also be conducting a search for a CEO, which will be difficult because any new top exec will want to be part of such a company-wide review." Should that be the case, that leader must focus on future not ROI, on innovation, not simple profits, on growth strategies, not expense reductions. Yahoo is a strategic challenge before it, but has opportunities galore to succeed. Take risks, hire out-of-box, use content to drive great partnerships and re-establish itself as the great aggregator of content. Don't sell, buy.

3-D, Bust or Boon?

One of the timeless jokes I have heard reminds me of 3-D. What is the secret of comedy? And before the person can answer, you blurt out, comedy. So may be the issue facing 3-D. It may just not be the right time for 3-D.

Telephones continue to push the value of video calls. It has been the future of phones for too long. But now with Skype and Facetime on the iPhone, the timing may have finally met the product. With 3-D TV set, the same may be true, the interest hasn't matched the product...yet. "'New television technologies have always taken time to be nurtured and grow, and this is no exception,' a network rep tells The Post. 'We're where we thought we would be 14 months in, if not farther along.'" I happen to agree with that statement. Certainly ESPN and Discovery haven't backed away from it, nor are Hollywood studios. Both Spielberg and Scorsese are directing theatrical 3-D blockbusters. Sports and movies are big drivers of new technology. The Porn industry has also been a big driver of new technology. It spurred DVD sales, on demand, and the web. Should the porn industry also push 3-D films, then I can only imagine that the future for CE manufacturers will get brighter.

I also suspect that there is a next generation of devices needed that may require a new TV set, but not need special glasses to view. As I wear glasses myself, it is the one thing I dislike needing when watching a theatrical 3-D movie. Without glasses, my personal enjoyment would increase immensely.

And back to timing. No doubt the economy has had a strong impact on sales of 3-D technology. I believe that has had a great effect on sales. As consumers replace their sets today, 3-D may fall into that luxury they are not ready to pay up for. 3-D has a future; the question remains, timing.

Are QR Codes Becoming Obsolete?

We love our smartphones; we love that they not only make phone calls, but also bring information quickly to our fingertips. And whether we search the web or use Apps to help us, we can find what's around us, where to go, and what we want to know. The QR (Quick Response) bar code was a quick way to access relevant information without pressing a ton of keys. Simply take a picture of the 2D code and the smartphone connected to a corresponding webpage. But it seems we may not need a QR code to initiate the connection.

"Although image-recognition software is still in its infancy, a number of mobile apps are already translating signs, naming landmarks and providing a running commentary on your world." Instead of taking a picture of the QR code, just snap a picture of the ad, and the same connection can be made. And it works in real world too. "If you’re browsing through a bookstore, for instance, one quick snapshot of a book’s cover allows you to check the price on Amazon."

As the QR code is not the most attractive piece of artwork, it may be more distracting to those that don't care for them. They do at least let you know that a connected piece of information exists; otherwise, we may be taking pictures of everything in the hope that at some point a link is made. So in the short run a QR code may have to do, but quickly, these app recognition programs will surpass them.

The NY Times article provides a few apps that they tested, like Google Goggles, Leafsnap, Snaptell and Snooth Wine Pro. I've yet to try any of them but will be downloading shortly. This last one sounds most interesting. "Take a close-up of a bottle’s label, and the $4.99 iPhone app not only displays the price, but also maps nearby bodegas, liquor stores and wine cellars."